My Lighting Collection with Alora Mood

I still can't believe I get to say this out loud, but… I designed my very own lighting collection with Alora Mood. Total pinch-me moment!

When Alora Lighting first approached me about the collaboration, I was in the thick of it—life, work, the Building Oklahoma pilot was happening, multiple projects were on the table—but even with everything going on, I was so excited. I’ve always dreamed of designing lighting, and I actually have a whole Pinterest board I’ve been saving for years full of ideas, vintage pieces, and shapes I’ve loved.

Eventually, I carved out time to sit down and just sketch. That’s how I think best—getting the ideas out of my head and onto paper. I ended up with a handful of concepts, and from there, we narrowed it down to three sub-collections to bring to life: The Crosby, The Ellen, and The Rosemary.

And if you’re wondering about the names—they’re all from my favorite movie, White Christmas. We’ve got Bing Crosby, Vera Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney in the lineup. Poor Danny Kaye didn’t make the cut this time, but who knows—maybe in the future.

Kelsey's Lighting Collection Inspiration

People always ask where inspiration comes from, and honestly, it’s everywhere. Travel, old movies, vintage finds, antique stores, flea markets, Round Top… I’m always drawn to pieces that have history and personality. Sometimes I’ll come across an incredible vintage light and there’s only one—which drives me nuts because I need two for a kitchen island or a pair over nightstands. So in a way, these collections are answers to those moments—lighting I wish existed when I was designing spaces for my clients (or myself!).

I’m always pulled toward things that feel a little shapely, a little artistic. I don't love things that feel overly contemporary. I want lights that feel timeless, like they’ve been around, but with just enough of a modern edge to keep them fresh.

The Crosby

Lighting has always been one of my favorite parts of the design process. It’s the jewelry of the house. Especially in new construction, where you don’t always get to furnish and style every corner, lighting becomes that one moment of expression that ties everything together. It’s the one "furniture" piece you get to add to all the hard finishes, and it makes such a difference.

The Crosby is really where I leaned into that idea. I love mixing traditional elements with modern lighting, and this one pulls from mid-century inspiration with a soft, umbrella-like linen shade. We added some refined details like a delicate chain and those little feminine touches that make it feel special.

There are a few different sizes, so you can layer them however works best—think pendants over a kitchen island, a chandelier over a breakfast nook, or even down a hallway or in an entry. I can even see it as a statement piece in a living room. And the Crosby table lamp and floor lamp carry that same shape and pull-chain detail, which just makes them feel cohesive and intentional no matter where they land. We kept the finishes simple—brass and bronze—because I’m loving the warmth and versatility of those tones right now.

The Ellen

The Ellen pendant light started with one clear idea: I knew I wanted to use a pulley. I’ve always loved that little industrial nod—it feels vintage and sculptural and just adds a little bit of artistry to a space.

We tried a couple pulley mockups and ended up with this bell-like, wide shade that I adore. It has a modern twist with a linen feel, and I can see these over a laundry room sink, a breakfast table, or even in a bathroom over a freestanding tub. Anywhere you want that mix of charm and function.

The Ellen picture light in this collection might be one of my favorite pieces overall. It has an opaque bulb and a half-metal shade that you can tilt and adjust, which makes it super practical. You can direct it right onto a piece of art or use it in a bathroom over a mirror—especially in a space where sconces don’t work or you want something a little different. I also love the idea of lining these up over built-ins or even down a hallway. It’s functional but still feels like a moment.

The Rosemary

Ah, sweet Rosemary. This one is dainty, feminine, and just full of charm. There was a very specific shade I had in mind for this one, and I think it turned out exactly how I pictured it.

The Rosemary chandelier is perfect in spaces that call for a little softness—like a bedroom, a study, or a breakfast room. I can even see two hanging over a smaller dining table or one over a tub in a primary bathroom. It has that beautiful modern pleated shade that feels both nostalgic and fresh. We kept the same brass and bronze finishes here, too, so everything can flow seamlessly if you mix and match the collections in your home.

And just a little spoiler… I think this one would make the cutest sconce. Stay tuned.

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I’m so excited to finally share this lighting collection with you all, and for a little piece of KLD to be available for any home. Every piece in the collection is designed to be beautiful and usable, because what’s the point of gorgeous lighting if it can’t work in real life?

You can order* all of the lights from my collection now over at Heritage House, and I can’t wait to see how you use them in your homes.

Shop the Lighting Collection

*The Rosemary chandelier and Ellen picture light are available now! Pre-order the other light fixtures for a late May delivery.