Mid-Century Inspired Lighting

Mid-Century Inspired Lighting refers to lighting designs that draw inspiration from the mid-20th century, characterized by clean lines, organic curves, and a blend of functionality and aesthetics, ideal for enhancing hospitality spaces.

Mid-Century Inspired Lighting: Casting a Timeless Glow in Hospitality Spaces

The allure of mid-century design continues to captivate the world of interior design, offering a unique blend of retro charm and modern sophistication. For hospitality businesses seeking to craft memorable guest experiences, integrating Mid-Century Inspired Lighting can transform spaces, creating an ambiance that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

The Hallmarks of Mid-Century Lighting Design

Originating in the middle of the 20th century, mid-century design is characterized by its simplicity, organic curves, and innovative use of materials. Mid-Century Inspired Lighting embodies these principles, offering clean lines, functional forms, and striking yet subtle aesthetics. Key elements include:

  • Simplicity and Functionality: Mid-century fixtures focus on functionality while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Think of sleek metal finishes, geometric shapes, and unobtrusive designs that complement rather than overpower hospitality interiors.
  • Organic and Natural Forms: Drawing inspiration from nature, these designs often feature curved lines and organic shapes, with forms reminiscent of branches, leaves, or other elements of the natural world.
  • Innovative Use of Materials: Materials like teak, walnut, brass, and glass are common, reflecting the era’s fascination with combining different textures and finishes.

Illuminating Hospitality Spaces: Strategies for Success

Implementing Mid-Century Inspired Lighting in a hospitality setting requires thoughtful consideration of space, ambiance, and brand identity. Here are strategies to maximize impact:

  1. Create Zones with Layered Lighting: Mid-Century Inspired Lighting can be utilized to define areas within a space, whether it’s using pendant lights to highlight a bar area or floor lamps to create cozy reading nooks in lounge areas. Layering different types of lighting—such as ambient, task, and accent lighting—offers flexibility in mood and function.
  2. Enhance Brand Storytelling: Lighting is a powerful storytelling tool. For example, a boutique hotel’s lighting can reflect a fusion of local culture with mid-century modern aesthetics, using fixtures that incorporate regional craftsmanship or motifs.
  3. Adapt to Different Spaces: The versatility of Mid-Century Inspired Lighting allows it to seamlessly adapt to various spaces within a property, from sophisticated dining areas and welcoming lobbies to relaxing guest rooms and outdoor patios.

Why Choose Mid-Century Inspired Lighting for Hospitality?

Choosing Mid-Century Inspired Lighting aligns perfectly with the goals of modern hospitality design:

  • Timeless Appeal: The enduring charm and simplicity of mid-century design ensure that spaces feel both current and nostalgic, appealing to a wide range of guests.
  • Brand Differentiation: In a saturated market, the distinct look of mid-century modern fixtures can set a property apart from competitors, offering unique visual cues that enhance memorability.
  • Flexibility and Elegance: These designs fit seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional interiors, offering a harmonious blend of old and new that resonates with design-savvy guests.

Practical Tips for Implementation

Implementing Mid-Century Inspired Lighting involves balancing aesthetics with practical considerations. Here are some tips:

  • Understand Scale and Proportion: Consider the scale of lighting elements relative to the space. Oversized fixtures can make a bold statement in larger areas, while smaller, intricately designed pieces work well in intimate settings.
  • Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship: Opt for high-quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure fixtures not only look great but also stand the test of time, maintaining their beauty and functionality throughout years of use.
  • Integrate Technology: Incorporating smart lighting solutions allows for dynamic changes in lighting based on time of day or guest activities, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Case Study: Mid-Century Magic in a Boutique Hotel

Consider a boutique hotel that successfully implemented Mid-Century Inspired Lighting to create a cohesive and captivating environment. The hotel’s spacious lobby features a striking chandelier with sculptural elements reminiscent of the 1950s, casting a warm, inviting glow over the reception area.

In the guest rooms, adjustable wall sconces provide versatile task lighting, allowing guests to create their preferred ambiance. Vintage-style floor lamps in reading corners offer a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, marrying functionality with aesthetic appeal.

By choosing the right lighting fixtures and strategically placing them throughout the property, the hotel was able to elevate its design, enhancing both guest satisfaction and brand perception.

Conclusion

Mid-Century Inspired Lighting offers a timeless solution for hospitality spaces aiming to blend elegance with simplicity. With a focus on clean lines, practical function, and innovative materials, these lighting designs create an atmosphere that resonates with guests, encouraging them to relax and enjoy their surroundings. By thoughtfully incorporating Mid-Century Inspired Lighting, hospitality brands can craft distinctive environments that leave a lasting impression, setting their spaces apart in a competitive industry.

Recommendation For You

Water Feature Branding Integration

This glossary article explores water feature branding integration—a creative approach to blending water elements with brand identity in interior design. Learn its benefits, practical uses, examples, and tips for creating impactful, authentic spaces.

Wheelchair Charging Station Lobby

This article explores the concept of a wheelchair charging station lobby, a specialized space designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for wheelchair users. It covers its definition, benefits, uses, and practical design tips, along with real-world examples and considerations for creating an inclusive environment.

Reclaimed Wood Features

Reclaimed Wood Features involve using salvaged wood in interior design to create an eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing ambiance, especially in hospitality settings.

Experience Based Design Concept

This glossary article dives into the Experience Based Design Concept, explaining how it integrates storytelling, authenticity, and emotional connections to create impactful spaces and brands. Explore its benefits, uses, examples, and practical tips for implementation.

Wellness Design Elements

Wellness Design Elements are strategies used in hospitality interiors to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being through thoughtful design, incorporating nature, sustainable materials, and restorative environments.

Statement Ceiling Fixtures

Statement ceiling fixtures are bold lighting and design elements installed on ceilings, playing a crucial role in defining the ambiance and style of hospitality spaces while complementing the overall design theme.

Thematic Branding in Resorts

Thematic Branding in Resorts involves creating a cohesive and immersive brand identity through design, architecture, and storytelling elements, to provide guests with memorable experiences that align with the resort’s values and target audience.

Iconic Decorative Columns

Iconic Decorative Columns in hospitality design refer to architectural elements that enhance interiors with aesthetic and structural significance, evoking a sense of grandeur and identity.

Personalized Tabletop Decor

Personalized Tabletop Decor involves customizing table settings with unique elements to enhance aesthetic appeal and create a memorable dining experience, reflecting the host’s style and the event’s theme.

Luxury Themed Suite Designs

Luxury Themed Suite Designs involve crafting opulent, customized environments within hospitality spaces that cater to high-end clientele, focusing on aesthetics, comfort, and exclusivity to enhance guest experiences.

Emily Layton

Graphic Designer

Emily Layton is a graphic designer and creative with a BFA in Graphic Design & Digital Media with action sports emphasis from Laguna College of Art and Design. Adept at aligning brand goals across formats, market trends, and consumer behavior, she translates insights into compelling visual narratives. Her experience spans corporate decks, brand books, and apparel collections—ensuring brand consistency, clarity, and impact. She values strong creative collaboration and brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to every project.

Project Experience:

  • West Creative Agency, Costa Mesa, CA
  • Huntress Decor, San Diego, CA
  • La Jolla Group - O’Neill Irvine, CA
  • Gotcha Digital Design, Virginia Beach, VA
  • Veterinary Emergency Group Various Locations
  • Nostos Grocery Store Panama City, Panama
  • Tribute Hotel Nob Hill Albuquerque, NM

Priscilla Bueno

Interior Designer

Priscilla is a Cal State Long Beach alumna with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. She has worked across residential, hospitality, nonprofit, and wellness sectors, with a focus on creating spaces that support emotional well-being and human connection.

Influenced by her interest in psychology, Priscilla approaches design with a deep understanding of how physical environments impact how we feel, behave, and connect. Her work combines material sensitivity, spatial clarity, and user-centered thinking to foster environments that help people feel grounded and safe.

From luxury spas to trauma-informed nonprofit spaces, she designs with a clear goal: to shape interiors that invite presence, foster restoration, and create a true sense of belonging.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • Babyletto, Los Angeles, CA
  • Cozy Earth, Newport, CA

Jen Khor

Senior Interior Designer

With a thoughtful and intuitive approach, Jen Khor brings strong expertise in hospitality design, as well as experience in retail, F&B, and corporate offices. Her user-centric, narrative-driven philosophy reflects local culture and context, creating spaces that feel relevant and resonant.

Jen has a deep understanding of hotel brand standards and leads quality control for custom casegoods with high attention to detail. Sensitive to client needs, she communicates ideas through tools like BIM, AI, and hand sketches. Jen is passionate about crafting spaces that evoke emotion, inspire curiosity, and foster inclusivity with lasting impact.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • DoubleTree Guestroom Prototype, Various Locations
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • Wild Greens, University of Arkansas, AR
  • Joybird Headquarters, Los Angeles, CA

Melissa He

Senior Interior Designer

With years of experience in working on various project types, Melissa approaches each design as a new narrative, infusing storytelling, cultural context, and personality into every space. Educated in Fine Art in China and Interior Design at Cal State Long Beach, Melissa applies a detail-driven and research-based methodology to craft spaces that are both visually compelling and deeply resonant. Her approach reflects a belief that each project offers a chance to explore new voices and challenge convention, leading to designs that not only reflect individual identities but also support the broader community. She continues to evolve her design practice through collaboration, curiosity, and purpose, seeking to create spaces that adapt, grow, and inspire meaningful engagement.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Guestroom Prototype, Various Locations
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Wolf and Shepherd, Manhattan, NY

Chris Gorney

Director of Procurement

Chris is the Senior Director of Creative Sourcing and Procurement at DyeLot. A proven industry professional, he has worked with many of the world’s largest hospitality and development companies. He can speak to the entire lifecycle of design, development, and construction as well as contribute to the minutia of bespoke fabrication and production. Using an open-book and collaborative approach, Chris has the advantage of understanding the nuances of millwork, furnishing, and custom fabrication in order to reach a true-to-concept product. He brings with him more than a decade of experience working across multiple disciplines within the design industry.

Project Experience:

  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Wayfarer Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
  • The Edwin, Chattanooga, TN
  • Downtown Marriott, Des Moines, IA
  • Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire, IL
  • Capitol District Marriott, Omaha, NE
  • The Ferrier, Temecula, CA
  • The Tin Building by Jean George, New York, NY

Mathew Vo

Senior Interior Designer

As a designer with a background in both architecture and interiors, Mathew brings a layered perspective to every project. Drawing on experience across diverse project types—from hospitality and food & beverage to sports and retail—he crafts spaces that balance performance, beauty, and emotional resonance. Inspired by his interest in theater and production design, Mathew focuses on creating immersive environments that take users on a curated journey. His command of design technology and documentation tools, including BIM, allows him to navigate complex projects while staying grounded in storytelling and purpose-driven design. Mathew continues to find inspiration in context, culture, and narrative—translating them into built environments that leave a lasting impact.

Project Experience:

  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Swing Set Productions, Long Beach, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT

Ava Javaheri

Senior Interior Designer

With roots in a family of entrepreneurs and artists, Ava’s passion for hospitality design was sparked early—surrounded by showrooms and inspired styling sessions in her family’s furniture store. Today at DyeLot Interiors, she channels that lifelong aesthetic instinct into creating immersive environments that elevate the guest experience. Ava approaches hospitality interiors as both a visual narrative and an emotional journey, blending function with atmosphere in spaces meant to inspire, delight, and linger in memory. Her creative process draws on everything from global travel and museum exploration to cinematic set design, all feeding her pursuit of detail-driven, unforgettable spaces where people feel genuinely transported.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Swing Set Productions, Long Beach, CA
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA

Chaya Juntara

Procurement Specialist

As a key member of DyeLot Interiors, Chaya is dedicated to collaborating with clients and vendors to deliver an exceptional experience marked by reliability, accountability, and integrity. Her primary focus is executing each project vision on time, ensuring top-tier quality, and managing the budget with precision. With deep expertise in sourcing and FF&E, Chaya brings a strong technical foundation that is essential to the creation of remarkable hospitality interiors and furnishings—the cornerstone of our procurement practice. She has worked alongside industry leaders in custom furniture, providing her with a wealth of experience. Her unique background in both interiors and procurement allows her to offer creative solutions that consistently exceed client expectations.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Cliffrose Springdale, Springdale, UT
  • Nuri Steakhouse, Dallas, TX
  • The Tin Building by Jean George, New York, NY
  • Solis Park, Irvine, CA

Adam Ford, NCIDQ

Senior Interior Project Designer

As a Senior Interior Project Designer at DyeLot, Adam leans on his expertise in interior design and theatrical storytelling to bring designs to life. Having extensive full-service and focused service hotel design experience, he is attuned to both branded work with Marriott, Hilton, and IHG and non-branded/independent projects. Adam helps create immersive and functional spaces that resonate with guests and elevate brand identities. His collaboration with hotel brands has honed his ability to blend aesthetics with practicality, ensuring seamless guest experiences and maximizing operational efficiency.

Project Experience:

  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Where The Wild Greens AR, Fayetteville, AR
  • Camp Creek Golf Resort & Inn, Inlet Beach, FL
  • Hotel Cyrus, Topeka, KS
  • Delta by Marriott, Thornton Northglenn, CO
  • Tribute South Park, Austin, TX

Brittany LeBlanc, NCIDQ, CID

Senior Project Designer / Associate

With a multi-disciplinary design and architecture background, Brittany continues to create unique user experiences for diversified projects. Brittany concentrates on designing spaces that provoke interest, emotion and encourage brand longevity. After studying interior design, Brittany continues to grow and expand her knowledge of interiors and architecture by working within both disciplines. Brittany’s experience comes from a vast range of industries including hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and experiential marketing.

Project Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Hotel Maya, Long Beach, CA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • The Wilder's Lounge, Springdale, UT
  • Anu Restaurant, Springdale, UT
  • Wolf and Shepherd, Manhattan, NY

Gustavo Neri

Director of Branding

Gustavo Neri serves as the Director of Branding, leading branding and signage/wayfinding campaigns for hospitality and residential projects Neri creates the narrative for a project before it begins – setting a strong aesthetic and identity for the project to ensure its message and character is carried through the life of the design process. Neri’s view of design is that it must be seen through the lens of the viewer, not the designer. One must take into account the experience of the person perceiving his work as they are guided through it, taking all elements into careful consideration and removing himself from the experience.

Project Experience:

  • Hotel Indigo, Savannah, GA
  • DoubleTree Gilbert, Gilbert, AZ
  • Hotel Amarano, Burbank, CA
  • Glenmark Hotel, Glendale, CA
  • Eminence Boston Hotel, Boston, MA
  • Hilton Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Wolf and Shepherd, Manhattan, NY

Krystle Fader, NCIDQ, CID

Design Manager / Senior Associate

As a Design Manager at DyeLot Interiors, Krystle brings over 15 years of professional experience in interior and architectural design to the team. With experience in a range of markets including food & beverage, multi-family housing, hospitality, workplace and healthcare, she brings her combined knowledge from each and is able to apply that to new project opportunities. With an education in interior architectural design and a passion for efficient solutions, Krystle has been able to grow into a leadership role managing projects from design concept though completion of construction.

Project Experience:

  • Alexan Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Alexan Arcadia, Arcadia, CA
  • The Monde, Scottsdale, AZ
  • Partake Collective, Long Beach, CA
  • Port of Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
  • Swing Set Productions, Long Beach, CA
  • Din Tai Fung, Various Locations
  • Fogo de Chao, Various Locations

Add new name and Affiliations

Title

New Bio.

Hospitality Experience:

  • Update Projects
  • Update
  • Update
  • Update
  • Update
  • Update

Residential Experience:

  • Update
  • Update
  • Update

Alex Kuby, AIA, WELL AP

Associate Principal

Alex is a licensed architect specializing in hospitality and experiential interior design, with a foundation built on years of practice across high-end hotels, branded environments, and lifestyle-driven residential spaces. His work is grounded in architectural rigor and elevated by a narrative-driven approach that shapes immersive, memorable experiences. With a deep understanding of design theory, construction, and project execution, Alex brings a holistic, strategic lens to each project—bridging spatial storytelling with operational excellence.

Hospitality Experience:

  • Vintera Resort at Napa Creek, Napa, CA
  • Hotel De Novo - Tapestry by Hilton, Springdale, UT
  • Hotel Indigo - IHG, Los Angeles, CA
  • Grand Hyatt - Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas
  • Pullman Baotou, Baotou, China
  • Hilton Resort Wenchang, Hainan Island, China

Residential Experience:

  • Perla Luxury Condo Tower, Los Angeles, CA
  • Watermark Assited Living, Westwood, CA
  • Alexan WestEnd, Long Beach, CA

Jackson Thilenius, AIA

Senior Principal

As Senior Principal of DyeLot Interiors, Jackson operates at the intersection of strategy, design and implementation, driving innovative and authentic solutions to hospitality projects around the world. With over twenty-five years of practice in architecture and interior design, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, Jackson collaborates with clients to establish project objectives which produce original designs and tailored brand positioning. Jackson has created a broad range of award-winning projects across the globe, leveraging his understanding of operational trends, local culture, and narrative-driven design.

Brand Experience:

Marriott
Hilton
Pacifica Hotels
Hyatt
Equinox
Loews Hotels
IHG
Karisma Hotels and Resorts
Oxford Capital Group
Marcus Hotels
Blackstone
Radisson Hotels
Starwood Capital