Designer Interview: Reimagining Chandeliers for Minimalist Interiors

We sat down with Elio Mendez, a product designer known for elegant lighting that blends sculptural form with subtle tech, to discuss the evolving role of chandeliers in minimalist homes.

Q: Minimalism and chandeliers seem at odds—what's your approach?

"I think of a chandelier as architecture. In minimalism, every object must justify itself. The chandelier should be quiet, purposeful, and make the space feel considered without demanding attention."

Elio emphasizes restraint. His approach pairs simple geometries with high-quality finishes and hidden engineering. "We design the light performance first—distribution, warmth, and dimming behavior—then let the form follow."

Q: Where does technology fit into your designs?

Elio believes tech should be invisible. "Smart features should amplify experience, not complicate it. We build local intelligence for adaptive scenes and ensure that cloud features are optional. The user should not feel like the designer is dictating the experience; the home should remain in control."

Q: How do you balance materiality with sustainability?

Materials and lifecycle thinking are central. Elio's team sources recyclable metals and develops LED modules that can be serviced or replaced without discarding the fixture. "Part of minimalist philosophy is longevity. If a piece wears out in three years, it fails the test."

Q: What are common client misconceptions?

Clients often ask for the brightest possible fixture, equating brightness with quality. Elio counters that expected light quality and distribution matter more. "Uniform, tunable light that flatters surfaces will transform a room more than raw lumens."

Q: Any predictions for the next five years?

"Embedded sensing—occupancy, ambient light, even mood detection—will let fixtures anticipate needs. But the real shift will be in software-driven customization that doesn't force constant app interaction."

Closing thoughts

Elio's practice demonstrates that chandeliers can be a perfect fit for minimalist spaces when they are designed with intention, quality, and unobtrusive intelligence. Their role shifts from flashy showpieces to considered anchors that support living well.

Want more interviews like this? Subscribe to our Design Dialogues series, where we speak with lighting designers, architects, and technologists shaping the future of interiors.