We recently worked with Zara Vaux on a private residence tree installation in Norfolk. We wanted to have a chat with her to provide some insight from a lighting professional’s perspective.
At first glance, a landing might call for a statement pendant, something decorative, expected, and safe.
But for this project in Norfolk, lighting designer Zara Vaux took a different approach.
Working with Twilight, Zara reimagined the space entirely, replacing the traditional pendant with a sculptural tree installation, designed to house two beautifully preserved birds. The result is something far more immersive, where light, form and shadow work together to create a living piece of art.
There is, of course, a story behind the birds as is so often the case with the best interiors. Their presence in the home came about rather more suddenly than expected, and this felt like a far more considered way to give them a lasting place within the space.
Zara’s approach to lighting is rooted in emotion. For her, light is not simply functional, it shapes how we feel, how we move through a space, and how a home is experienced day to day.
We spoke to Zara about her philosophy, the thinking behind the project, and why lighting should always be considered as part of the design from the very beginning.
You often talk about light as provoking emotion, what does that mean to you in practice?
Light changes my mood, alters how I feel, tells stories, adds drama, surprise and magic. It makes me take in a deep breath and let out a sigh. In practice, I make sure I know how each room is going to be used and what my client wants to feel, much more than where the light should be for us to see a worktop.
What drew you to the idea of replacing a traditional pendant with something more sculptural? And how did you approach lighting something as unconventional as a tree?
When we were lighting the bedroom of the young boy who lives in the house, he was five at the time, and I designed something that felt like a glowing stone from the moon, suspended over his bed. His imagination immediately came alive, he was completely captivated.
So when it came to the pool house, I wanted to recreate that same sense of magic for him. A static piece of artwork didn’t feel quite right, it needed something more imaginative and alive, immersive and yet reassuring. There is nothing more that invites you to hear it stories than a tree…
What made you think about bringing Twilight Trees into this project?
I was drawn to Twilight Trees because of the imagination and thoughtfulness they bring to their work, there’s a real sense of creativity and joy in their installations.
They immediately understood the artistic intent behind the idea. While the concept and lighting direction were in place, Susie took the reins and handled all the detail. There were so many considerations you wouldn’t initially think of; the scale and positioning on the landing, the fixing, the choice of trunk and foliage, what should feel real and what should be crafted, all carefully balanced within budget.
It was also a very intricate installation, especially working against newly wallpapered walls, but it was handled beautifully. From the start to placing the birds on their branches, it felt like a truly professional and creative collaboration, with a lot of fun along the way.
When you first imagined the tree and birds on the landing, what did you want the space to feel like?
The space is tall and filled with beautiful natural light, but it needed to feel less vacuous. I wanted to introduce an element of surprise, something unexpected lit, while also gently grounding the space with a reassuring connection to nature, something you engage with as you move through it.
What role do shadows play in your designs?
Like the traditional technique of chiaroscuro in art, I really embrace shadows. Light is most striking when it emerges from darkness, one cannot exist without the other, so it’s about working with both together and you never know what you are going to get.
What do you say to clients who are nervous about stepping away from more traditional lighting choices?
Be brave, stepping outside your comfort zone always leads to the most unexpected and beautiful results, things that continue to bring joy long after more traditional choices feel familiar. The most rewarding moments in my work are when a client trusts me to work with them to take an idea or a dream and turn it into something incredible.
What are the key things people should always get right when lighting their home?
Be aware, wherever you are, of the spaces you naturally love spending time in, and those you move through quickly. This helps to understand how you want your own space to feel, and how they can adapt from quiet, relaxed living to dramatic and exciting places to entertain in.
Start with the feeling, practicality follows; light a picture and you will find your way to the table, uplight a doorway and you will naturally navigate through the space.
Create calm and balance, but don’t be afraid to bring in moments of fun and whimsical. Always use dimmers or lighting control to maximise flexibility, allowing you to shift scenes and mood, while saving energy and giving fittings longevity.
And there is always a perfect place for a disco ball!
Learn more about Zara Vaux Lighting here.
