Most people know Ellen DeGeneres as a comedian, as a talk show host, as an activist or as the voice of Dory in the 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo. But while many have likely seen a few of her collections on the shelves of Bed, Bath and Beyond or even at market, not everyone realizes DeGeneres' love of design is far more than just a passing hobby.
Over the last 25 years, DeGeneres has bought and renovated almost a dozen homes, seven of which she showcased in her 2015 coffee table book, HOME. In her book, DeGeneres dishes on the lessons each home taught her and offers up her own design tips, along with a few from some of her favorite design collaborators.
"I have had a passion for interior design for as long as I can remember," she writes in the introduction of her book. "In fact, interior design is what I would do if I wasn't a comedian and talk show host."
Thus far, DeGeneres has designed furniture, rugs and bedding, but now she's tackling lighting with her new ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Generation Lighting. High Point Market goers got a sneak peek at the new collection last month, but those attending Lightovation will get to see the full collection in its entirety in Generation Lighting's new space in the Interior + Home Design Center at Dallas Market Center.
“Our ED Ellen DeGeneres line is influenced by some of Ellen’s favorite, world-renowned artists (such as Alberto Giacometti and Jean Royère) and features signature details that are inspired by Ellen’s found and treasured pieces in her homes," says Corbin Philhower, Visual Comfort Group Studio Manager. "There are similar, harmonious aesthetics in ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Royal Doulton, which features natural materials and finishes, and ED Ellen DeGeneres Crafted by Thomasville, which has relaxed, Mid-Century styling and hand-crafted elements."
Philhower worked with DeGeneres throughout the design process and says she had full approval over every single piece. Her designs reflect her love for MId-Century Modern and rustic designs.
“In addition to product conception and approval," he adds, "Ellen selects the finishes and helps finalize designs. She says ED is ‘an extension of my lifestyle and is inspired by who I am as a person. ED is things that I see as a necessity, and things that are playful, too. ED is a design that I want to share with everyone.’”
Wherever you're planning on seeing this collection, take a closer look at the new designs here and don't forget to stop by at Lightovation and see them in person.
Brianna Chandelier
Inspired by a vintage wall sconce designed by one of DeGeneres favorites, French interior designer Jean Royère (1902-1981), the Brianna chandelier has graceful, seamless curvature and elongated tubular arms that lend fluidity and modern appeal to this classic minimalist silhouette. Available in rich, gilded Burnished Brass (shown) and a more contemporary Polished Nickel finish.
Haymarket Pendant
Inspired by a vintage pendant in one of DeGeneres' homes, Mid-Century designed Haymarket pendant meets touches of rustic and industrial. Layered concentric tiers are painted white inside to catch the light.
“Haymarket is hand-painted to look like galvanized steel, making each a unique piece,” said Philhower.
Anhdao Table Lamp
Inspired by Ellen’s travels, the Anhdao table lamp channels the natural beauty and texture of the exotic durian fruit, adoringly designated in Southeast Asia as the "king of fruits.”
An instant conversation starter, Anhdao's milky Matte White base is paired with a neutral, perfectly tailored White Linen shade. Metal accents are available in two finish options: the more rustic Aged Iron (shown) or classic Burnished Brass.
Asher Pendant
Building on the trend of color blocking in interior design with accents of gold and brass, the Asher is contemporary with time-honored appeal in a low profile — yet it has a large-scale silhouette that exudes understated elegance.
A matte exterior finish utilizes an artisanal, hand-applied treatment of real gold leaf reveal that lines the interior of the shade, while a silk screen glass diffuser softens the illumination. Available in a Matte White or Matte Black (shown) finish, this five-light pendant is 5 inches high and 19 inches in diameter.
Which of these designs is your favorite? Share with us in the comments!
