Proper lighting and its fixtures may be a necessary staple of day-to-day life, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. A shared belief in this concept—aided by the happy coincidence of some shared cab rides—brought together two forces of the decorative lighting industry to form the powerhouse of Lucas + McKearn Lighting.
Joe McKearn has always been called to push the illumination of the home beyond the basic. His first venture in the twenty-first century, New Orleans-based Flambeau, is perhaps best described as “art disguised as lighting.” Chief designer Paul Grüer’s distinctive creations are known for providing “jewelry for the home” inspired by the vibrant whimsy of New Orleans. But the city cultivates a variety of tastes and aesthetics, so naturally McKearn expanded to accommodate. While Flambeau’s fixtures channel the more flamboyant nature of the French Quarter, Gilded Nola (opened in 2013) is alight with the kind of sophisticated style evocative of the estates of Uptown New Orleans.
Meanwhile, Deborah and Jonathan Lucas were looking to foster new relationships with their own company, Elstead Lighting. From its beginnings in the English countryside, Elstead grew to become the reigning force of decorative lighting in the UK and to expand to over fifty countries worldwide, offering elements of period British hearth and home far beyond the small island’s shores. While already firmly ensconced in Europe, the Lucases were looking to make more connections across the Pond. They joined forces with McKearn to bring classic and retro English design to USA homes.
As appropriate for entrepreneurs with an eye for both art and business, it was a combination of planning and serendipity that brought McKearn into partnership with the Lucases. The aforementioned shared cab ride—to a Dallas market—jumpstarted the process that lead to Elstead Lighting distributing Flambeau. Five years later, they embraced both the synchronicity and the success of their initial venture and set out to establish a more involved partnership that would bring Elstead Lighting, Flambeau, and Gilded Nola together under a single umbrella.
Thus Lucas + McKearn was born. Each branch would continue to pursue the designs they had become known for, but the merger prompted some changes. One of the most notable is the relocation of the company’s warehouse to Baton Rouge's Perkins Road. This is great news for locals; it is also the site of an expansive showroom, whose 3000-square-foot space and the treasures it contains are open to the public, allowing designers as well as individual shoppers ample opportunity to acquaint themselves with the merchandise.
This new storefront is one of the most exciting changes the new stage of the partnership brings for Joe McKearn. Opening up to full public retail is a definite shift in the rhythm of McKearn’s daily business, but he seems to be enjoying the challenge.
“At a trade show, you can only showcase selected pieces from your collection,” said McKearn. “But here we’ll be able to show off everything. Customers will really be able to see what we have to offer, appreciate the scale of the products, and see the beautiful hand-finished details.”
In addition to the extensive catalog inventory, customers will also have access to specials on trade show pieces and other bargains not available elsewhere. And because the warehouse is attached to the showroom, any selection can be provided on demand—perfect for those who need a last minute gift or are up against a renovation project with a demanding deadline. The space also allows more interaction with industry experts and the local community. A builder's event and open house is in the works for early November, with more to come in the following months.
Of course, even the most felicitous of mergers is not without its learning curve. Lucas + McKearn is putting vigorous effort into making sure their customer base can still find the brands they’ve come to trust and know they’re receiving the same first-rate products. But the partnership with its combination of staff and resources provides advantages all around, especially to patrons. An expert, connected team means more rapid and accurate customer service and increased capability to meet demand across the board. McKearn is confident that connecting the companies will only strengthen their overall reputation for quality design and manufacture.
“We’ve all put a lot into the new showroom and warehouse facility, and we look forward to sharing our products with more discerning customers in the Baton Rouge area,” said McKearn.
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