NEW! Fonthill Collection
If a light could capture the echoes of giggles and twirls, ripples of a time when the world felt filled with boundless wonder and imagination, it would be our Fonthill Collection. The gentle, scalloped edges feel nostalgic, an everyday reminder of that whimsical moment when you twirled just to see the fabric ripple and dance around you, creating your own little world of magic and movement.
Our design process is always a collaborative journey, and this was no exception. The inspiration for this collection began with Melody, a member of our team who has an exceptional eye for design. She suggested creating a scalloped or frilly-style shade, and we quickly fell in love with the idea. Vintage lighting, like the popular French milk glass lighting of the early 20th century, became a key source of inspiration as we worked to build upon classic designs. Initially, we imagined these shades in glass, and we spent nearly a year researching and consulting with glass blowers and mold makers. But after hitting several roadblocks, we decided to explore other materials—and that's when we pivoted to pottery and began experimenting with different techniques. It turned out to be a game-changer.
One of the most exciting parts of the process was collaborating with Haley Pankratz from One Table Project, a talented local master potter who helped us bring the design to life. Together, we explored different methods and materials before finally landing on porcelain slip casting, which proved to be the perfect choice. Porcelain is known for its delicacy and pure whiteness, and when combined with the bespoke clay mixture’s natural translucency, it became the obvious choice for our shades. We chose to leave the shades unglazed, allowing the raw, natural surface quality of the porcelain to take center stage. This decision resulted in a beautiful, chalky matte finish, which enhances the unique texture of the shade while allowing the light to glow through in warm, earthy hues. The resulting porcelain shades offered a level of warmth and charm that we hadn’t anticipated, and the glow they create when lit is nothing short of magical.
We didn’t rely heavily on sketches for this design; instead, we focused on refining the molds for the shades. Each version was carefully shaped and adjusted until we achieved the perfect balance of form and function. We documented every stage of the process, from the initial mold-making to the final glazing, and it’s incredible to see how the design evolved.
The Fonthill lights are perfect for kitchens and dining areas, creating a cozy, inviting ambiance. Their design strikes a balance between classic farmhouse charm and vintage European style, making them versatile enough to fit into a variety of rustic or refined interior aesthetics.
If I were to describe the style, I’d call it French Country with a modern farmhouse twist. The scalloped edges and porcelain finish add a touch of elegance while maintaining a sense of warmth and approachability. They blend seamlessly into both rustic and refined spaces, offering a timeless appeal that enhances any room.
While the journey to perfect this design took longer than anticipated, seeing the finished product makes it all worthwhile. The quality of the porcelain, paired with its soft glow, exceeded even our highest hopes. My personal favorite is the gooseneck sconces from the collection—they have such a timeless look and fit perfectly into so many spaces.
The Fonthill Collection has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding designs we've ever brought to life. From the early days of researching glass to the unexpected pivot to porcelain, every step has been a labor of love. Collaborating with local artisans, fine-tuning the design, and watching it come to fruition has been an incredible experience. In the end, the time and effort we invested were worth it—the result is a collection that embodies the perfect fusion of craftsmanship, beauty, and timeless elegance.
Enjoy,
