George Kovacs Lighting: Modern, Contemporary Classics at Carolina Rustica
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George Kovacs Lighting is a name synonymous with modern design: Wall sconces, chandeliers, table and floor lamps are all part of the Kovacs genius' for creating contemporary lighting that is revolutionary in design and practical in use. For over four decades, George Kovacs has been a name equivalent with contemporary design. Mr. Kovacs was a pioneer in the fusion of clean lines with unexpected twists and curves, resulting in pieces that had a modern appeal with a retro flavor. His design philosophy has since become an industry standard, but there are few lighting collections that can truly match the originality of Kovacs.
George Kovacs began this career humbly when he found a job in a lamp store paying him $50 a week. After coming to the US in 1954, George agreed to market lamps by J.T. Kalmar, a respected Austrian manufacturer. The products sold well, being that there were not many sources for contemporary portables. This success allowed George to open several stores in Manhattan and eventually a factory in Queens. The business flourished and George began importing lamps from all over the world, representing well known artists like Ingo Maurer and Isamu Noguchi. Later, he also collaborated with designers including architect Robert Sonneman and artisans Harry Allen and Karim Rashid. When it became uneconomical to manufacture in Queens, the factory was closed. He formed a design partnership with Wesner and licensed the company name to The Minka Group.
George Kovacs trained and influenced groups of designers for decades, taking them under his wing and giving them valuable experience in the nuances of lighting design. In the later years of his life, Mr. Kovacs was unable to design, but his proteges took up the reigns for him. One group created in tribute to the designer is called Simply Kovacs, and it is epitomized by the Simply Original Collection Accent Lamp, shown at left. It continues with the great traditional of surprising design, cutting-edge modernism, and affordability, all hallmarks of the Kovacs Legacy and entirely embraced by the Minka Group, parent company of George Kovacs Lighting.
| From early on the sixties, Mr. Kovacs designed and manufactured his products from his facility in Brooklyn, NY. This facility became the epicenter of a revolution in modern design and launched the careers of many of those associated with Kovacs. A few years ago, his studio, designs, and naming rights were purchased by the Minka Group and his collection was incorporated as a stand-alone grouping. Although the products are now imported, the design heritage remains the same. George Kovacs lighting remains at the forefront of cutting edge contemporary style, and he retains a team of renowned designers, including George Kovacs himself, Rachel Simon, Karim Rashid and Alecia Wesner. These lighting experts have designed a wide selection of pendants, chandeliers (such as the George Kovacs Kimono Collection 5-Light Chandelier), and bath & vanity lighting, table lamps and floor lamps. We are sure there is a Kovacs light that will fit in to your modern decor. |  |
We truly enjoy selling Kovacs lighting here at Carolina Rustica, such as the George Kovacs Holy Collection Wall Sconce, shown at left. This wall sconce features a very unique machined hole pattern around the perimeter that creates an "out-of-this-world" motif to decorate your chic contemporary home. The designs can be cool and sophisticated to playful and light-hearted. Our customers truly enjoy the unique designs and outstanding value of the Kovacs Collection of lighting.
Additional Kovacs Best-Sellers Include:
- Mercury: Sleek style combined with a shade in a soft blush color creates a look that is both modern and inviting. Be sure to browse the entire Mercury collection; with four different looks to choose from you're sure to find something that appeals to your eye.
- Simply Kovacs: These lights add a true flair to your living space with simple yet sweeping, bold lines and a choice of blue or opal shade. The richness and simple elegance of this collection.
- Droplets: The color on this beautiful lamp is simply breathtaking. There are several pendant lights available in the Droplets collection, all of which bring together gorgeous color with clever retro styling to create a set of uniquely charming lighting choices.
- Plato: Imagine grid planes intersected by light to create a dazzling display of diffused, refracting light in a wonderful spectacle. The Plato Collection includes chandeliers, wall sconces, and a torchiere.
