The lighting industry has recently experienced notable transformations, with a heightened emphasis on sustainable energy and visual appeal. Matlight Milano is among the companies that showcase the fusion of artistry and contemporary aesthetics, offering a distinctive approach to luxurious lighting. In 2014, Matteo Terragni founded Matlight Milano, a company known for its handcrafted lighting designs created from natural stones and light. Today, we are fortunate to present an interview with Matteo Terragni, the visionary behind Matlight Milano, which brings together stone, light, and artisanal skill to enhance the lighting experience in unique environments.
Your company’s slogan is ‘Stone meets light.’ How did you come up with this combination and how does it embody your ethos as a designer?
The slogan “Stone meets light” emerged from my exploration of how natural materials like alabaster, selenite, and onyx transform when illuminated. Each of these stones has distinct characteristics, but they all have a shared ability to interact with light in unique ways. Alabaster, in particular, is fascinating because of its depth and unique veining, which can create a striking effect when light passes through it, giving it an air of elegance and intrigue. Selenite offers a softer, more diffused glow, while onyx provides a rich, intense radiance. Together, these materials allow me to explore the contrast between softness and boldness, creating pieces that feel both grounded and ethereal.
As a designer, my ethos is about celebrating the raw beauty of these natural materials and transforming them through light. The combination of stone and light is about balance—uniting nature’s elements with modern artistry to craft functional pieces that evoke emotion and elevate spaces. It’s a way of bringing nature’s raw beauty into our everyday environments in a contemporary form.
Your brand was based on the idea of designers from the North and Italian artisans working hand in hand. How do you ensure that the use of traditional craftsmanship stays relevant with the requirements of modern design?
Our brand thrives on the collaboration between Italian artisans and modern design concepts. The craftsmanship of these artisans is deeply rooted in tradition, yet they possess an incredible openness to innovation, which is key to our process. To ensure that their traditional techniques stay relevant, we focus on creating a balance between time-honored skills and contemporary design needs.
We achieve this by working closely with the artisans, sharing our vision for modern, sculptural pieces that speak to today’s aesthetics while embracing the authenticity of their craft. This collaboration is about mutual respect—I bring in fresh ideas and modern requirements, and they bring their mastery of materials like stone, bronze, and glass. Together, we explore how these ancient techniques can be reinterpreted to produce something new.
Ultimately, it’s about evolution rather than replacement. By integrating traditional craftsmanship into modern design concepts, we honor the legacy of craftsmanship while ensuring progress.
One thing that appears to set Matlight Milano apart is the issue of customization. How do you ensure that your design is unique but also ensure that parts of the design are relatable to the rest of the fashion line?
Customization is a core aspect of Matlight Milano’s identity, allowing us to create pieces that are distinctive and tailored to individual preferences. To ensure that each custom design still aligns with the overall aesthetic of the brand, we start by establishing a strong design language rooted in the natural materials we use, like alabaster, onyx, and selenite, paired with refined metalwork. This material foundation provides continuity across the entire collection, making even customized pieces instantly recognizable as part of the Matlight Milano family.
We approach customization as a dialogue between the client’s vision and our design philosophy. While we tailor certain elements—such as size, finish, or specific material combinations—we always keep the overall form and material integrity in line with the rest of the collection. By maintaining this balance, the customized pieces feel unique to the client but still carry the essence of Matlight Milano’s signature look.
This approach also ensures that every piece, while personalized, remains timeless and cohesive with the brand’s larger narrative. It allows for creative freedom without sacrificing the harmony and sophistication that define our design ethos.
There has been a trend of sustainability in the lighting industry in the recent past. What sustainability strategies can be identified in the production technologies and materials applied in Matlight Milano?
At Matlight Milano, sustainability is an integral part of our design and production process. We place a strong emphasis on using natural, long-lasting materials like alabaster, selenite, onyx, and marble, which are not only beautiful but also durable and recyclable. These materials naturally age gracefully, reducing the need for replacements and contributing to a longer lifecycle for each piece we create.
In terms of production, we work closely with skilled Northern Italian artisans, many of whom employ traditional, low-waste methods in their craftsmanship. These artisanal techniques inherently focus on precision and care, minimizing excess material usage. Additionally, by producing locally, we reduce our carbon footprint and support local economies, keeping our supply chain short and efficient.
We also strive to incorporate energy-efficient technologies into our designs, especially in our lighting systems. LED lighting, for example, is a key component in many of our pieces, which allows us to offer products that not only consume less energy but also maintain high quality and performance.
Our approach to sustainability is about combining timeless design with conscious production practices, ensuring that each Matlight Milano piece is not only crafted with respect for tradition but also with a forward-thinking perspective on environmental responsibility.
What are the current trends or innovations that you believe will define the coming years of luxury lighting design, and how is Matlight Milano positioning itself to meet these challenges?
The future of luxury lighting design is being shaped by several key trends and innovations, including the integration of cutting-edge technology, increased demand for customization, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. I believe we’ll see a continued blending of high-tech solutions with artisanal craftsmanship, where lighting not only serves a functional purpose but also becomes a statement piece, combining innovation with timeless aesthetics.
At Matlight Milano, we’re positioning ourselves to embrace these trends while staying true to our core values. It’s about integrating technology in a seamless, unobtrusive way that enhances the user’s experience while maintaining the beauty of natural materials like alabaster, onyx, and selenite.
Customization will continue to play a major role in luxury design, and Matlight Milano’s dedication to bespoke creations aligns perfectly with this shift. As clients seek more personalized experiences, we are refining our ability to offer tailor-made pieces that reflect individual tastes while maintaining the cohesive elegance of our collection.
Finally, sustainability is becoming a non-negotiable aspect of luxury design, and we’re committed to advancing our use of eco-friendly materials and production methods. Our focus on using natural, long-lasting materials and collaborating with local artisans positions us to meet the increasing demand for ethical and environmentally responsible products.
By staying at the intersection of tradition and innovation, Matlight Milano is prepared to adapt to these trends while continuing to offer timeless, luxury designs that resonate with modern sensibilities.
