Where do lighting trends begin? At Lightovation, the industry’s premier event, where creativity and innovation shine brighter than ever. Every January, lighting professionals from around the globe gather in Dallas to explore what’s new and next in design.
Earlier this month, Mahlander’s sent a team to experience the magic firsthand, including General Manager Jason Miersma, long-time consultant Nancy Iverson, and our newest team member, Madi Milliron.
For Madi, this was her first introduction to the excitement and scale of Market, and her perspective brought fresh enthusiasm to the team’s trip. From stunning displays to bold new trends, Lightovation 2025 delivered inspiration at every turn.
The Magic of Lightovation
Lightovation is more than just a dazzling display of light fixtures from manufacturers from all over the world. For Market veterans like Jason and Nancy, it’s a chance to reconnect with other lighting professionals, discover new designs, and explore the artistry of lighting.
“Every market is exciting! There is a little something for everyone,” says Nancy, who especially loves seeing all the new fixtures and furnishings.
Mahlander’s is built on the foundation of offering customers not just quality fixtures, but also access to the latest in lighting trends. Attending Lightovation is a critical part of the team’s mission to provide inspiration, expertise, and value.
A Newcomer’s Perspective – Madi’s First Impressions
For Madi, Lightovation was more than just an introduction to Market — it was an eye-opening experience into the scale and creativity of the lighting industry.
“I didn’t know what to expect when going to market. I just knew I was going to learn lots and be able to see all the lights I have only seen in the catalogs,” she said.
And the show did not disappoint. Madi was amazed at the size of Dallas Market Center – and the fact that the mammoth space was filled with lighting and decor.
Walking through countless showrooms, Madi soaked up the knowledge as well as insights shared by Jason and Nancy, all while forming her impressions of the trends and designs on display. She was particularly excited to experience her first Market with veteran lighting consultant, Nancy.
“She put me under her wing and showed me lots of things that only someone who’s been working in lighting for 30 years can teach me,” Madi said.
Lighting Trends that Stole the Show
2025 is shaping up to be a colorful year in lighting, with three major trends dominating Lightovation:
Warmer Gold Tones: Fixtures with rich, gold finishes were everywhere, offering a timeless yet fresh take on luxury and warmth. These tones strike a balance between classic and modern, making them versatile for a wide range of styles.
Bold, Colorful Fixtures: Nearly every vendor embraced vibrant hues like blue, red, and green in their designs, breaking away from the metallic-dominated palettes of the past. These bold colors bring personality and playfulness to lighting, inviting homeowners to make a statement.
Large, Statement Pieces: Many collections featured big, dramatic fixtures that would be beautiful focal points. Madi reported seeing this throughout Market as they made their way through the showrooms, which were impressive to the first-time attendee:
“Something that kept sticking with me when walking in and out of showrooms is how well they displayed the lighting pieces. I mean, everything just looked very well done. Design is all about how you display it,” she noted.
The team is confident many of these trends will resonate with Mahlander’s customers and mentioned that cost is also a consideration when selecting what to order for display in our showroom – having the latest looks in a variety of price points is important.
“We are still seeing a lot of gold and alabaster is popping up everywhere. We saw some higher-end authentic alabaster as well as more affordable faux alabaster,” Nancy noted, adding that some of her personal favorites were at Allegri. “They had a beautiful collection of a mix of alabaster and crystal.”
Madi also had her favorites:
“I really liked Maxim’s and Capital’s new fixtures. They had very unique & sleek styles,” she said, noting a coconut bead fixture with gold accents. “It was such a soft fixture that would blend so well with neutral colors in your home.”
Learning, Networking, and Inspiration
Beyond the visual spectacle, Lightovation offered the Mahlander’s team the chance to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into upcoming trends. Jason and Nancy guided Madi through the whirlwind of showrooms, offering tips and pointing out key details to notice.
For Madi, it was a chance to learn from two experienced mentors while building her knowledge base as well as working to bring new items, ideas, and inspiration back to Mahlander’s showroom for the first time.
Final Thoughts
Now back in Sioux Falls, this trio is excited to share what they discovered at Lightovation. Customers can expect to see an infusion of bold colors, warm gold tones, and fresh designs hitting the showroom floor in the coming months.
Whether you’re looking for a statement piece to elevate your space or subtle touches to enhance your home, Mahlander’s is ready to help you find the perfect fit. Stop by the showroom to chat with any of our lighting consultants — and be among the first to discover the trends shaping 2025!
