Riloh cofounder and designer Melissa Sutton has bright ideas for lighting
Melissa Sutton contemplates balance, form, and structure. She ponders the relationship between material and shape. She’s not, however, an art curator (though she did major in studio art at Furman University). As the creative director of Riloh, Sutton produces a brilliant line of lighting—minus the actual light bulb. “Integrated lighting means the LED source is built into the fixture,” explains Sutton. “This is the direction the industry seems to be heading.”
Riloh’s designs frequently use LED strips wrapped inside glass pucks. That cast glass element then acts like a lens, diffusing the light evenly throughout a space. “In theory, these diodes last 25-plus years with normal use,” she notes. Thanks to that lengthy life-span, the LEDs don’t need to be accessible for swap outs the way a standard bulb would. In fact, the only “bulbs” you’ll find in Riloh fixtures are glowing glass orbs that appear to defy gravity as they’re cradled inside pewter chandeliers and float above brass sconces. “Aesthetically, you can get really creative with integrated lighting,” she says. “I don’t think I’ve even scratched the surface of what’s possible.”
Though Sutton’s background is in interior design—she’s worked as a high-end vintage furniture dealer and decorated coast to coast, once working under Michael Smith—she’s always felt drawn to lighting. “From a design aspect, I’m driven by curiosity. My exposure to so many facets of the design world have helped define my passion for creating artistic statements,” Sutton notes.
Nine years ago, she met local lighting guru Peyton Avrett while consulting about private label design work. Three years later, they launched into business, designing and producing fixtures in a 10,000-square-foot North Charleston factory. Eventually, the desire to scale the business led them to outsource some of the fabrication, which allowed Sutton to push the boundaries of the sculptural Riloh collection. “I’m very shape-driven,” says the creative director, who aims to land somewhere between classic, identifiable silhouettes and challenging perceptions of traditional lighting.
Since taking the company solo in early 2023, she’s expanded her catalog of pewter, nickel, brass, and glass to include alabaster, travertine, and viola marble. “I see limitless possibilities using new material and concepts,” says the self-taught designer.
“Back when I was slinging vintage furniture, I really nerded out on the provenance of each piece, deep diving into where it came from and who created it,” recalls Sutton. “I love the idea of creating something for someone’s home knowing my name will still be attached to it some 60 years from now—that legacy is a very fulfilling side of the business.”
Hot & Cold: While some remain wary of moving away from incandescent bulbs, “LEDs are always evolving,” says Sutton. For warm, inviting light, opt for 2700K (that’s Kelvins, FYI). For a moodier feel, try 2400K.
In-House: At the Riloh factory in North Charleston, skilled metalworkers handle welding, custom finishes, and final assembly on every fixture.
On Tap: “I’m developing new categories for Riloh, like vases and stone accessories, and working on a collaboration with a Los Angeles-based furniture company for a 2025 release.
More: riloh.com
Photographs by Blake Shorter; (“Seesa Single” Pendant) Hollace Cluny & (6) Kip Bulwinkle of Karson Photography
