Folk and Flora Lighting Collection Is Earthy, Sophisticated Illumination

In my mind’s eye I can see each of these lamps living in specific rooms of my home, with a similar feel but also worlds apart. The Folk and Flora Collection, designed by artist and vintage curator Carmen Nash of Loft and Thought for Troy Lighting, is earthy elegance embodied.

The series is a reimagining of Nash’s favorite folk art stories paired with her own belief that storytelling connects us to the objects we love. Similar to how stories can play off of one another, the collection’s lamp designs differ while also forming a cohesive group that feels related, all thanks to tones and textures.

The Folk and Flora Collection includes eight lamps made from a mix of natural materials such as abaca and terracotta. “In my world of design, palm fronds become lampshades, and lighting is rendered through the visual retelling of my favorite passages from novelists such as Zora Neale Hurston and Toni Morrison. I hope that showing lighting through my lens evokes joy and thought,” Nash shares.

The designer’s path hasn’t been a straight line, she was first exposed to luxury design via her degree in resort and hospitality management. From there, Nash began curating and purveying vintage furniture on her own through Instagram. Soon enough, she was selling to high profile clients and being featured in magazines, like Vogue, Milieu, and Domino. People were quickly noticing her great taste and sharp eye for design.

Nash says her design perspective is derived from her spirituality and a heritage rooted in experiences as a Black southern artist. Each piece is turned into a visual narrative through her work, evoking beauty, emotion, and thought – whether that’s expressed through Nash’s curation or in her own design practice. The Folk and Flora Collection is a triumph with several standout pieces, and here we’re sharing four of our favorites.

Morri Table Lamp

Morri, a tribute to novelist Toni Morrison, features a charred wood lamp base with a twisting neck and woven natural Abaca string shade. The smooth black body paired with the textured lamp shade feel unexpectedly welcome.

Seyla Table Lamp

Seyla embraces wabi-sabi and the imperfect. With the weighty, hand-sculpted feel of the Ancient Terracotta body, the woven natural Abaca shade provides a balance of material and aesthetics.

Pecola Table Lamp

Folk art may define Pecola more than any of the other lamp designs. Graphic etchings, curves, and a large ash ceramic base make it feel like a found treasure. Countering these materials are Patina Brass metalwork details and a tapering linen shade.

Soloma Table Lamp

Soloma borrows its name from Toni Morrison’s novel "Song of Solomon." Inspired by the color white and crafted entirely from Artisan White ceramic, Soloma’s sculptural form somehow manages to remain distinct and diverse. The irregular edge of the dome-shaped shade feels a bit like a crown when illuminated.