Since Tidewater Lighting & Design opened its first lighting showroom in Madison, Conn., in 2021, owner Carla Snowdon has been on a mission to provide her coastal community with the most effective lighting for her community.
The first store was so successful, she opened a second location in Saybrook, Conn., which ended up doubling the revenue of the original store. As a result, Snowdon shuttered the first location in 2025 to focus attention on the growing community in Saybrook. In both locations, Tidewater Lighting has racked up awards, earning several Lighting Showroom of the Year Awards and garnering a nomination at the 2026 ARTS Awards for Lighting Showroom/East. It has been named a 2026 Retail Star by Home Accents Today.
Tidewater Lighting & Design is also a finalist for a Retailer Excellence Award in the home decor category, which will be bestowed by sister publication Gifts & Decorative Accessories next month in Dallas.
Snowdon attributes her success to her 40 years in the lighting industry, working with residential and trade customers. Snowdon does it all, from curating the small shop’s selection to working with customers to installing lighting in housing projects. She handholds those customers to ensure they are making the best choices for their environment. Snowdon said she’d rather spend the time up front to deliver the best options for her customers than deal with unhappy customers later.
“We make sure customers are sure about their purchases and that they understand the process,” she said. “We’re serious and we want them to be serious about their purchases too.” Selection is carefully curated at the 2,100-square-foot showroom, including complementary home decor products and of course, candy at the register. Customers relay their “fantastic” experiences at this lighting retailer, noting the staff’s knowledge, creativity and warmth.
