Born on a Train

As Canada’s plans for a high-speed Ontario–Quebec rail line gain momentum, the country might do well to look abroad for style ideas.

The true star of France’s new TGV INOUI trains (designed by Nendo alongside the engineering consultancy AREP, and debuting in 2026) is the chic moutarde-hued table lamp installed in each row. By taking inspiration from horizon lines and river stones, the playful seating companion reflects the rural scenery rolling by. As it turns out, the French have a history of great transit lighting: Ionna Vautrin’s equally charming design for the SNCF’s current generation of railcar lamps became such a hit that a commercial version was eventually put into production. Here’s hoping Nendo’s geometric luminaire eventually disembarks too.

Family Business

Reinforcing the timeless appeal of the classic task lamp, a cross-generational collaboration delivers an industrial reinterpretation for the ages.

In many ways, Ipoli is the ultimate embodiment of Montreal lighting brand Lambert & Fils: The design literally developed as a collaboration between Samuel Lambert and his stepson (or beau-fils) Darius Laprise, a recent grad of the Université du Québec à Montréal’s design and applied arts program. Touch controls on the slender aluminum table lamp (part of a larger family that also includes pendants, sconces and floor models) enable progressive dimming; the light even returns to its previous setting when turned back on. If ever there was a design to keep in the family and hand down to the kids, this is it.

Double Espresso

The cybercafé boom of the 1990s lives on thanks to a circular design company rebooting old computers and coffee pulp.

To create its proprietary Matek composite, Danish brand Mater combines coffee bean shells with e-waste from retired consumer tech. First put to use in chairs and tables back in 2020, the water-repellent (and mighty durable) material now provides the basis for Terra, a portable lamp with a conical shade designed by Copenhagen’s OEO Studio. Currently a U.K. exclusive, the java-fuelled design launched in two colours — an earthy red and a slate black — as well as pendant plus wall sconce versions. Consider the collection the ultimate form of latte art.