Why Classic Lighting Still Has a Place in Contemporary Interiors

For more than 30 years, Christopher Hyde Lighting has defined the language of luxury illumination. Founded in London in the mid-1990s from a passion for classical aesthetics and meticulous craftsmanship, the brand has remained steadfast in its commitment to tradition, refinement, and timeless design. 

Every Christopher Hyde luminaire is hand-finished using exceptional materials—solid brass, crystal and leather—and brought to life through unique manufacturing processes such as lost-wax casting, fine metalwork, and intricate patination. This dedication to artisanal excellence ensures that each piece is not only a source of light but a work of art in its own right, made to order and tailored to the vision of architects, designers, and private clients worldwide. 

In an era where interiors often lean toward a minimalist design, Christopher Hyde offers a counterpoint: lighting that fills a space with grandeur, character, and a sense of permanence. Adding a single statement chandelier, a finely detailed wall sconce, or a beautifully patina table lamp can transform the atmosphere of a room—elevating it from simply lit to truly distinguished.

With this legacy in mind, we sat down with Mark Lissauer, Director of Christopher Hyde Lighting, to explore why classic design remains so vital in modern settings, and how craftsmanship, materiality, and bespoke artistry continue to shape the brand’s vision for the future. 

What is it about classic lighting design that continues to resonate in today’s fast-evolving interior landscape?

In today’s interior landscape it is increasingly rewarding to see clients embracing more eclectic schemes where they are combining classical luxury pieces, such as the lighting with more contemporary flooring and fabrics for example. This design approach makes the scheme more unique and showcases the client’s personal style. A classic luminaire delivers not only function, but also exceptional quality and beauty, adding refinement and character to any space.

Classical lighting is inherently timeless, bringing a sense of purpose, grandeur and cohesion to a room. A central classical fitting anchors the space and complements the surrounding architecture. Even in a new build property, traditional lighting can introduce a level of craftsmanship and detail that otherwise might be absent giving the space greater integrity.  

Using traditional techniques such as lost-wax casting and intricate patination, how does this level of craftsmanship elevate a space in ways that mass-produced lighting cannot?

Craftsmanship has always been at the heart of what we do—it is what makes our pieces truly unique. There is a genuine respect for the process and care that goes into creating each item, something that mass-produced alternatives simply cannot replicate. Our use of lost-wax casting, in particular, brings out the exquisite detailing of our lights, which draw inspiration from the Rococo and Baroque periods as well as Neoclassical architecture.
By using these traditional techniques, we are able to customise finishes and motifs to our clients' preferences, making every piece completely bespoke and original. This commitment to personalisation has become a defining feature of our recent larger projects and has been warmly received by clients seeking truly individual interiors.

Why do materials such as solid brass, crystal and leather hold such aesthetic weight in modern interiors, where technology and simplicity often dominate?

These materials are crafted to stand the test of time and there is good reason why designers return to them time and time again. Clients seek quality finishes, investing in materials that lends their project to both sophistication and lasting value. We are proud to offer over 20 distinctive finishes within our Classical Collection alone, giving clients the freedom to truly personalise their luminaires and create a cohesive synergy with the other elements within the space.
 

Can you share how a bespoke classic piece can become the defining focal point of a modern atrium, hotel lobby or private residence?

An entrance demands a show-stopping luminaire one that is not only functional in welcoming guests but also impressive. We have created such pieces through our custom design service so that the light is designed around the project's requirements. For example: larger ceiling heights, weight restrictions, complicated stairwells or ceiling details. The expertise of our designers and technical team is invaluable here as they are able to create pieces that are technically sound and engineered correctly as well as being a true centrepiece worthy of a grand entrance. 

As lighting technology advances, how do you see classic design evolving? Is there a risk of dilution or an opportunity to deepen its relevance for the next generation of designers and homeowners? 

Lighting has always been a really exciting industry to work in as it is constantly developing and evolving. We don’t chase fleeting trends; our classical designs have a timeless resonance that clients return to again and again. That said, we do get excited about how our classical lighting can evolve which we are able to explore through our bespoke designs. It might be extending one chandelier into an entire family of pieces, allowing clients to layer light with cohesion and intention across their spaces.

Advances in technology have only strengthened the ability to use classical lighting in contemporary schemes as all of our products can work seamlessly with the latest control systems. We love designing new collections that sit at the forefront of innovation whilst remaining true to our signature style. Essentially, clients can embrace the convenience of modern technology without compromising on the presence, grandeur and sophistication of classical lighting.