Lighting with Kelp
Seaweed is increasingly recognised as one of the world's most promising renewable materials, but it rarely finds its way into our homes as something built to last. Designer India Iles is exploring a different future. Combining dyed whole-leaf kelp with steam-bent plywood, she creates sculptural lighting that celebrates the material's natural beauty while challenging expectations of what seaweed can become. Inspired by the playful forms of post-war modernism and the vibrant colours of Ho Chi Minh City, where she grew up, her work brings together material experimentation, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.
At Material Matters London, Iles will present a new collection of large floor lamps featuring naturally dyed kelp shades in rich, vibrant colours. By moving kelp beyond its familiar role in packaging and retaining its structural integrity as a durable design material, the collection opens up new possibilities for sustainable lighting. The result is a series of joyful, contemporary pieces that demonstrate how renewable natural materials can inspire beautiful, long-lasting interiors.