Lighting in interior design plays a pivotal role in shaping ambiance, evoking emotions, and highlighting architectural features. Few brands exemplify the art of lighting better than Matlight Milano, founded by Matteo Terragni. Since 2014, Matteo has redefined luxury lighting by merging the elegance of stone with the transformative power of light, creating bespoke designs that blend aesthetic appeal with artistic innovation.
In this interview, Matteo Terragni offers a deeper look into the world of luxury lighting, sharing his expertise and the creative vision behind Matlight Milano’s success.
1. What previous experiences influenced your perception of the role and function of lighting design before creating Matlight Milano?
My passion for design has always been a driving force, and I’ve long seen lighting as an essential element in any design project—almost like how pâtisserie is to cooking, a blend of precision and creativity. Before creating Matlight Milano, I was fascinated by the idea of combining light with natural stones, which felt like a unique challenge. It was a project I knew would present unexpected surprises, but also endless potential for innovation. This combination of light and materials continues to inspire me and shape my approach to lighting design.
2. Your brand has many products, including table lamps, chandeliers, and any other product that is related to lamps. What process do you follow in designing for various lighting requirements and settings?
Designing for different lighting requirements and settings starts with understanding the space and the role the light will play in it. Whether it’s a table lamp or a large chandelier, the process begins with the materials—especially stone, which is central to the lighting concept in any project at Matlight Milano. Stone, with its natural textures and qualities, is the cornerstone that informs the overall design. From there, I focus on balancing aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the lighting not only enhances the space visually but also creates the right atmosphere. Each product is crafted to fit within a specific environment, whether it’s a cozy, intimate setting or a grand, open space. The materials and the form evolve together, tailored to bring out the best of both the design and the light it casts.”3. The products created by Matlight Milano are often referred to as “lighting sculptures.” What roles do the artistry and functionality play in the design of your products?
3. You also integrate other people into your process, such as architects and interior designers. Do you have an example of any outstanding or complicated partnership experience?
“Architects, interior designers, and design galleries are our main counterparts, and we collaborate with them daily. For example, we’ve partnered with Droulers Architecture to develop pieces that are now permanent parts of our catalogue. We thrive on the challenge of different visions of the same lighting concept, using brainstorming sessions to arrive at a solution that represents the result of a shared journey. Sometimes, interior designers challenge us with variations of our existing models, which often lead to interesting additions to our standard collection. In other cases, they come with complex ideas that require careful analysis and technical development to bring them to life. This collaborative approach keeps our designs fresh and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.”
4. Light and darkness play a significant role in lighting design. When working with such materials as marble and onyx, how do you factor this interplay?
Light and darkness are fundamental elements in lighting design, and when working with materials like marble, onyx, alabaster, and selenite, this interplay becomes even more significant. These stones each have unique translucency, which transforms when illuminated, allowing the light to bring out their natural depth and texture. I carefully consider how the light interacts with these materials—how it passes through, reflects, or diffuses. Alabaster, for instance, has a soft glow that spreads light gently, while selenite’s crystalline structure allows for a more ethereal, almost glowing effect. Each material plays a different role in creating a dynamic balance between light and shadow, where the stone becomes a living part of the design. It’s about harnessing these qualities to create an atmosphere where light, darkness, and the material all work in harmony to captivate the space.
