What Interior Designers Wish Lighting Showrooms Knew: A Designer’s Perspective on Successful Collaborations

By Kathleen Jennison, KTJ Design Co., Stockton, Calif.

The Art of Lighting: A Designer’s Take

Hi, I’m Kathleen Jennison and, as an interior designer, I know firsthand how transformative lighting can be in a space. But here’s the thing — while I love creating beautiful interiors, I also rely heavily on lighting professionals and showrooms to bring my vision to life. When designers and lighting showrooms collaborate effectively, it results in stunning, functional spaces and a seamless experience for the client.

In 2025, lighting trends are all about statement pieces, sustainable materials, and innovative technology. As a designer, I want to share my top insights with lighting professionals on how we can work together to create unforgettable spaces while improving our mutual success.

Understanding the Designer’s Perspective

One of the biggest challenges designers face is finding the perfect balance between aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Lighting showrooms that understand and anticipate these needs become invaluable partners. Here’s what I wish every lighting professional knew when working with designers:

1. Scale & Proportion Matter

Designers think big — literally. The number one mistake I see homeowners make is selecting fixtures that are too small for a space. I always tell my clients to go bold with oversized statement lighting, but I need my showroom partners to reinforce that guidance and provide the best options.

2. Placement & Spacing Should be a Conversation

Lighting professionals can enhance a designer’s expertise by advising on optimal placement. Key recommendations that I share with clients and would love for showrooms to reinforce include:

• Over a kitchen island, pendants should be 30-36 inches above the countertop and evenly spaced.
• Over a dining table, the bottom of the pendant should be 30-34 inches above the table.
• In an entryway, pendants should be at least 84 inches from the floor to avoid obstructing movement.

By discussing these best practices, showrooms can provide value beyond just selling products — they can become trusted resources for designers.

How Lighting Showrooms Can Elevate the Designer Experience

1. Offer Customization Options

Many designers are moving away from cookie-cutter designs and toward unique, customized lighting solutions. Showrooms that provide customization services – whether in finishes, sizing, or even custom fixture designs – become go-to resources for designers who want to create one-of-a-kind spaces.

2. Keep Up With Technology & Sustainability Trends

Designers are increasingly focused on smart lighting and sustainability. Having knowledgeable showroom staff who can speak to:

• Smart lighting systems and controls

• Tunable LED bulbs that mimic natural daylight to enhance circadian rhythms

• Sustainable materials like recycled glass, eco-friendly metals, and bioplastics

will make a showroom stand out as an industry leader.

3. Build Stronger Relationships With Designers

The best lighting showrooms understand that collaboration leads to repeat business. Here’s how showrooms can position themselves as invaluable partners for designers:

• Host designer-exclusive events to showcase new collections and technologies.
• Provide trade pricing and incentives that recognize the volume of business that designers bring.
• Offer in-depth product knowledge sessions to help designers stay ahead of trends and innovations.

The Win-Win of Designer-Showroom Collaboration

At KTJ Design Co., we believe that a well-lit space is a well-lived space. Interior designers and lighting professionals both bring essential expertise to a project and when we work together, we create exceptional results for our clients.

By understanding the designer’s perspective, offering tailored solutions, and staying ahead of industry trends, lighting showrooms can strengthen their partnerships with designers and become indispensable collaborators in the design process. Let’s work together to illuminate the future one beautifully lit space at a time.