DIY Design: Aurora Smart Modular Lighting Kit Creates Works of Art, Too

Designing with light is no longer reserved for the innately talented or skilled creative. A new modular Internet-of-Things product is affording every layperson the ability to compose a work of art with light, too — and it’s as simple as peel and stick. Nanoleaf — the fledgling company behind the world’s only dodecahedron-shaped lightbulb — has launched Aurora, a do-it-yourself kit consisting of nine triangular LED panels that are applied in any desired configuration simply with mounting tape.

The starter pack (retailing at $200) includes the adhesives and nine linkers to connect and power up each panel as well as stencils to help you design your composition on the wall, ceiling or both. And because this is a plug-in system, no hardwiring is required.

Switched off, the geometric patterns formed by the triangular panels appear like minimalist and on-trend wall art. But power the system on, and the real magic begins: An included controller changes brightness intensity for various tasks, tunes white light from cool to warm hues for different ambiances and paints the space in any color of the (RGBW) rainbow. One can even have multiple colors displayed simultaneously to produce a gradient or spectrum effect. For a more dramatic look, you can add modules using expansion packs (three additional panels, linkers and tape for $60) to connect up to 30 triangles on the single plug.

Because the Aurora system is a smart product, all of these functions and settings can also be controlled via mobile app (both iOS and Android) or voice (using Siri on Apple products). The company is in the process of developing compatibility with Amazon Alexa, IFTTT (If This Then That) and DMX Wireless for professional and commercial applications.

Nanoleaf first unveiled the Aurora prototype last year, then launched the finished product a couple months ago in limited quantities and exclusively at the MoMA Design Store and select Best Buy locations. Within days, it sold out — even online. This month, Aurora was released globally and is currently being restocked in time for the holiday season. Nanoleaf is banking on the fact that in addition to general illumination, the triangular-panel system is perfect for creating some intriguing holiday décor. Christmas tree, Star of David, Moravian star or dreidel shapes, anyone?