In 1978 my parents, Paul and Carla, bought a leaning, overgrown, condemned, two-over-two colonial built in 1796. Needless to say their love of old houses, creative vision and craftsmanship made it "Home" with a handmade spiral staircase, exposed beams, vaulted bathroom ceilings and bay windows.
Because of my parents and the house I grew up in, I love to reuse, recycle and repurpose everything. In 2009, I refurbished my first light. It was a traditional brass table lamp I found at a local thrift store. I remember standing on my tiny fire escape in Richmond, Virginia, spray painting it in flat white. A few years later, again in a thrift store, I found a wooden, telescope tripod base which my dad and I turned into a floor lamp. These were my first two, refurbished lights but my love for light goes deeper. It's an obsession. I used to stare at lightbulbs as a kid—I have no idea why. Light simply makes me feel alive.
When someone who barely knows you, tells you, you have a light fetish, it's a sign.
I studied Graphic Design and Communication at Longwood University and after, followed my path to become a successful Art Director. After 10 years I decided it was time to start a new path that included working with my hands.
Fast forward to 2015, and I started Paul Paige, a residential and commercial lighting design company. My designs are simple but re-engineered for function and refined to add texture, color and quality to a space.
I build sustainable lighting which means my raw materials are often old: rusty table-top heaters, tarnished candelabras and sometimes an 1800s Turkish brazier. I envision each piece from all angles before picking up the first tool. Then I shape, sand, soften and use texture or color to build a fixture that is versatile and timeless–old but new.
Design has always needed that balance of function and beauty and Paul Paige designs serve this dual purpose. They illuminate where light is needed, but exude a feeling.
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- Leslie Paige
Light brings it to life.
P A U L △ P A I G E