Many thanks to our sponsor, Laurent Lighting and Design, for sharing their insight for this article. Our sponsors support the Ridgefield community by helping us promote arts and culture, local events, things to do, and shop local initiatives in Ridgefield. Visit website
It’s no secret that Ridgefield is home to many unique businesses that make shopping local a delight. The Laurent Lighting & Design showroom is one of those destinations that bring people from afar for their vast lighting selection and design expertise. Chock full of glittering chandeliers, sleek modern lamps, and all manner of fashion forward fixtures, the showroom is a sparkling treat for design lovers. We sat down with Laurent’s founder, Nancy Dichiora, to get up to speed on all things lighting. Nancy is a designer with boundless energy and an innate passion for design that is contagious.
Tell us how you got into design.
My background is in project management, and I worked my way up in my career to running large commercial construction projects. I have over 30 years of knowledge gained on-site, working with the trades, developers, and architects in New York City and the tri-state region. This comes in very handy with our lighting installation projects, working seamlessly with the trades, and managing projects. But my real passion has always been design.
A dramatic chandelier mimics the window arches in this NYC apartment
Pendants over kitchen island make a real statement
Why did you open your first showroom in Ridgefield?
We’ve lived in Ridgefield for 16 years and brought up our family here. I love this community and enjoy working with local residents and businesses. Ridgefielders are design savvy and appreciate unique, quality products in their homes. This was the perfect fit for our business, so we opened right here in Ridgefield. We enjoy working with local businesses as well and we’ve done lighting for the new Dee Dee Colabella Fine Art, Hers Boutique, and Addessi Jewelers. We’re also involved in the community, sponsoring nonprofit organizations and lending a hand when needed.
Tell us about Laurent Lighting and Design.
We’re the opposite of a big-box store. We scout unique lighting from up-and-coming talent, bespoke artisans and we offer many exclusive products you can’t find in other places. Our focus is on product quality, customer service, and sharing our knowledge with our customers to find the perfect lighting solutions for their unique style and lifestyle. We carry over sixty lighting brands, and many are made in the USA.
In our showroom, our customers can see products up close, feel them, and really get a sense of how they will look in their home. We have a digital kiosk so customers can explore thousands of products. We also work with architects, designers, developers, and builders on both residential and commercial projects. No project is too small or too large. From one light fixture to a complete lighting plan for homes, or even commercial buildings – we can help!
Lighting design for Rein Restaurant, Design by Laurent Lighting
Nancy with Amanda Dranow at Dee Dee Colabella Fine Art in Ridgefield
Do you have a favorite light fixture? (or is that like picking your favorite child?)
That is a difficult choice because there are so many that I love. A few of my very favorites are:
- Solitude LED pendant – this pendant comes in every shape imaginable
- Otto globe fixture – comes in so many combinations to suit any room
- Mobius fixture – so organic and sculptural
- Griffin pendant – this edgy pendant comes in various sizes and finishes
Come to the showroom and I’ll share so many more exquisite pieces!
Solitutude LED fixture
Otto fixture
Mobius pendant
Griffin pendant
Anything new and exciting on the horizon?
There’s lots happening! This summer, we’re opening our new showroom in Darien, located at the site of the historic Darien Playhouse. And I’ve recently launched the Laurent Collection of custom-designed furniture. These upholstered pieces are designed for the way families really live, yet they are extremely chic. Our furniture line is designed by me and made in USA. We invite everyone to come to our showroom for a sneak peek! Also in the works is our new custom-designed lighting line that will be crafted in Europe. And I’m just back from the Salone del Mobile in Milan, scouting the latest lighting, furniture, and decor on the horizon so we can offer the latest to our customers!
What do you want homeowners to know about lighting design?
I always like to stress the importance of planning the lighting layout early in any new build or renovation project. Sometimes homeowners don’t realize how important the lighting plan is and how planning early on will ensure they get the proper lighting solutions for everyday life and enjoyment. This is especially true for open-plan living with many sources of light and layered lighting. It’s hard to add after the fact – so we can help plan the lighting ahead of construction for the best results and cost-effective solutions. Smart home technology is also something we recommend to customers to help simplify their lives.
What excites you about your business?
I love what I do! I’m always working on new creative projects for our clients to make their homes beautiful, highly functional, and cozy. And now I’m designing my own product lines, which is so exciting. I also love to scout out new design talent to add to our unique product lines. Most recently, I’ve been traveling to Miami to work with the family-owned workshop creating my new furniture line, as well as touring European factories. The creative process really excites me, as does offering the latest trends and design innovations to our customers for their homes.
Totem fixture in Laurent showroom
Every type of lighting imaginable is available at the Laurent Lighting showroom.
What do you do when you’re not designing?
I love to spend time outdoors with my family. Being in nature is the best way to decompress from the stresses of everyday life. We enjoy going to Woodloch in Pennsylvania for golf and hiking. I find it inspiring and nature keeps the creative ideas flowing. And I’m very excited to be involved as a design sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House of Greater Hudson Valley. It’s a cause near and dear to my heart.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Designing for your home should be fun and make your life more enjoyable. It should not be a cause of stress. There are thousands of lighting solutions to choose from and that can be intimidating. With the proper guidance from our expert team, your next lighting design project will be a breeze. We’ll help you find the perfect lighting to reflect your personality and the style of your home to enhance your lifestyle.
Crystal Antler Chandelier is rustic yet quite modern
Whisper Chandelier is constructed of thin leather strips
Light and airy chandelier in a bright living room
Luxurious Piasatra glass and a vintage gold leaf finish is a show stopper in any room
Special Offer
Call for a free design consultation! Laurent Lighting’s design experts will work with you (either in your home or in their Ridgefield showroom) to find the perfect lighting solutions for your home, renovation, or new build. Call (475) 400-4700 to schedule your consultation.
Visit Laurent Lighting and Design
Ridgefield Showroom
719 Danbury Rd
Ridgefield, CT 06877
(475) 400-4700
Darien Showroom
(Coming in Summer 2022)
Darien Place
1077 Boston Post Rd.
Darien, CT 06820
(203) 516-8494
"Your home should reflect your lifestyle and your personal design preferences."
