A scene from the January 2026 Lightovation (Photo courtesy of Dallas Market Center)
At a Glance:
- Dallas Market Center saw a 25% increase in attendance at Lightovation, including retail showrooms and design professionals.
- Hubbardton Forge added five new interior designers to its Design Advisory Council to enhance product development.
- Lutron Electronics acquired Tanury Industries, expanding its portfolio of premium metal finishes.
Dallas Market Center reports that last month’s Lightovation had strong buyer turnout and a renewed focus on “design, innovation and education.” It said it had its strongest attendance in multiple years, including a 25% increase in attendance by retail showrooms as well as interior designers, architects, builders, plus kitchen and bath designers and showrooms.
“Attendees came to Lightovation with clear goals and strong interest in new product,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “This January’s show also reflected where the industry is headed, with strong growth in exterior lighting and kitchen and bath, deeper engagement from the design and build community, and a clear focus on business.”
DMC is planning for the next Lightovation. As previously reported, it has expanded its partnerships with more than a dozen hotels in its immediate area to support buyers and exhibitors attending its markets in June, which will overlap with a few World Cup soccer matches that will take place about 20 miles from the market center. Hotel rooms will be available at typical market rates, the market center said, but can only be booked through Dallas Market Center’s travel service.
*****
Hubbardton Forge is adding five interior designers to its Design Advisory Council: Andrea Schumacher of Denver-based Andrea Schumacher Interiors, who is known for her high-end residential, hospitality and commercial projects; Kaitlyn Wolfe, who runs a 25-person design and build studio in Scottsdale, Ariz.; Kurt McKeithan, founder and principal designer of a Nashville-based interior design firm; Lisa Kahn, founder of Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs in Naples, Fla.; and Tula Summerford, a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology who worked in New York as a designer and now is based in North Carolina.
“Our DAC members are true partners — not ‘ambassadors’ in name only,” said Hubbardton CEO Maria Mullen. “A lot of companies market to designers. We wanted to do it the right way, so we went straight to the source. We’ve built authentic relationships with designers who specify our work every day, whether they purchase directly from us or through our showroom partners. Their insights shape everything we do — from how our products perform to how they’re specified, ordered and supported. We ask for their advice, we listen, and we put it into action.”
The new designers join charter DAC members Christopher Todd, Jeanne Chung, Joshua Smith, Shay Geyer and Tim Green.
*****
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. has acquired Tanury Industries, a surface finishing and metal coatings company and one of Lutron’s leading suppliers of metal faceplates for more than 25 years. Tanury is known for its precision metal work across high-end motorcycle and automotive parts, private and commercial aviation, marine hardware and other categories. Its plating and coatings expertise brings these capabilities in-house for Lutron and further expands Lutron’s portfolio of premium metal finishes, according to a company spokesperson. Tanury will continue to operate from its headquarters in Lincoln, R.I., and Lutron will continue to invest in and grow capabilities for all existing Tanury customers.
*****
If you watched the Golden Globes last month, you may have noticed the sparkle of a familiar crystal chandelier brand overhead. Schonbek partnered with Swarovski to create four custom Plaza Collection chandeliers for the Beverly Hilton, where the ceremony took place Jan. 11. Inspired by Hollywood Regency glamour, the chandeliers featured elegantly tiered layers of square, rectangular and octagonal crystal prisms arranged to create depth, movement, and a refined brilliance that shimmered from every angle.
The installation included three custom 36-inch Plaza luminaires and one dramatic 60-inch centerpiece. Together, the four fixtures incorporated nearly 25,000 Swarovski crystals and required approximately 150 combined hours to create.
“We were thrilled to see these custom chandeliers take center stage at the Golden Globes. Each piece was designed to capture the brilliance and artistry that Swarovski is known for, and we loved seeing them shine on the red carpet as part of this iconic celebration,” said Kolja Kiofsky, Swarovski’s chief commercial officer, in a company blog post.
