The story of Articolo spans far beyond its decade in design, rooted in founder and creative director Nicci Kavals’ formative years in food, styling, and publishing. These experiences sharpened her eye for detail and form, ultimately culminating in the creation of Articolo Studios.
In this conversation, Kavals shares insights into Articolo’s evolution, the inspiration behind new collections Cubo and Swivel, and how the studio continues to blur the line between function and poetry as it enters its next chapter.
This piece originally appeared in est magazine issue #57: ‘Kitchen Expressionism‘.
A decade of Articolo—how do you reflect on this milestone?
Marking ten years, Articolo celebrates a decade of growth, maturity, and clarity in its creative direction. While this milestone is a significant achievement, it also marks the beginning of a greater vision—one that aspires to endure beyond its founders.
To celebrate this milestone, Articolo is unveiling three collections that pay homage to its first decade, embodying ten years of maturity and dedication to refinement and artistry. From technologically driven task lights to textured cast glass pendants and hand-crafted leather lounge seats, these collections mark our progression from decorative lighting to furniture design and now performance-driven lighting. The journey has been one of continual learning and adaptation, shaped by diverse experiences and the resilience to overcome adversity—remaining dedicated to excellence and innovation to ensure the next decade is just as significant.
How did your collaboration with Studio Goss shape the new Melbourne showroom?
Our partnership with Studio Goss is a natural evolution of a longstanding collaboration. His sensitivity to contemporary, timeless architecture complements Articolo’s spatial identity perfectly. This new showroom builds on a decade of spaces we’ve created together. It’s composed as a series of interconnected volumes, varying in scale to showcase our full collection.
A restrained material palette—textured render, oak flooring, bold curves, and stone accents—creates a quiet yet confident backdrop for our lighting. Travertine, hand-rubbed brass, and bronze bring warmth and character while maintaining an understated elegance. Larger architectural moments are anchored by statement pieces, while skylights draw attention to volume and texture. Sculptural joinery and seamlessly integrated staff workstations add further depth and functionality.
Nicci Kavals, founder and creative director of Articolo Studios
“We challenge materials and push our artisans to refine and explore. Every piece reflects the hands behind it—there’s no substitute for the human touch.”
– FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NICCI KAVALS
Tell us about Cubo and Swivel—what inspired these new collections?
Both Cubo and Swivel mark a new era for Articolo, expanding from decorative lighting to include adjustable and performance-focused pieces. Swivel is our first adjustable task light and a true reflection of our growth—combining performance, technical sophistication, and decorative intent. It rotates at 15° intervals in a full 360° cycle, offering flexibility for ambient, task, or accent lighting.
Cubo explores contrasts—precision-machined elements paired with handcrafted glass, transparency with solidity. The eight sconces and pendants offer diverse configurations but share a purity of form. Cubo Swing adds a playful, dynamic energy to the range, bringing movement and drama through shadow play.
What emotions or qualities were you hoping to evoke through these designs?
Decorative lighting should evoke feeling—it invites pause, stirs emotion, and adds soul to a space. With Cubo and Swivel, we wanted to create that sense of awe and intimacy. They’re sculptural in presence—refined yet quietly confident. Each piece balances artisanal expression with engineering precision, becoming more than lighting—they’re objects of art, jewellery for the wall and ceiling.
How do you continue to balance sculptural form with utility?
The lighting industry evolves rapidly, and we embrace that. We launched our first tunable white fixture in 2023—combining wellness benefits with beautifully designed form. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to traditional craftsmanship. We challenge materials and push our artisans to refine and explore. Every piece reflects the hands behind it—there’s no substitute for the human touch. That’s something mass production can’t replicate.
Has your understanding of light changed in the past decade?
Absolutely. Light transforms how we experience space—it brings soul and atmosphere. Whether through shadows, reflections, or calibrated output, light animates interiors in powerful ways. Clients are increasingly seeking bespoke designs—pieces that are personal and intentional. That bespoke nature allows each fixture to be both functional and emotionally resonant, enhancing the entire spatial experience.
What’s next for Articolo?
The past decade was about establishing our identity and laying the groundwork. Now, we’re ready to expand the brand and bring the ‘World of Articolo’ to life—beyond just lighting.
Produced in partnership with Articolo Studios.
