I love contradiction. I especially like companies that embrace contradiction. Zero of Stockholm is one such company. The lighting firm believes in being inspired “by your heart” (that’s a general you, not you in particular–they don’t want your heart, this isn’t some futuristic organ-stealing realm presided over by Jude Law). Interestingly, their hearts have been deeply affected by their environment: “Our hearts have grown up in the gloomy darkness of the Scandinavian winter and in the brilliant sunshine of the Scandinavian summer. A double life that involves us in a complicated love affair with light and shadow, darkness and shape.” This geographical push and pull has given Zero and their designers a “double life.” Like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Scandinavians in question struggle with their duplicity–but they use it to full advantage in the realm of lighting design, combining function and heart.

Stitch. Designed by Mattias Ståhlbom for Zero.

Of Zero’s many products, Stitch, a new wall-mounted lamp by Mattias StÃ¥hlbom, exemplifies the company’s binary nature. Available as a wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted lamp, Stitch derives from an embroidery hoop (I like to think StÃ¥hlbom spent his dark winter hours stitching away). Besides the dual mountings, Stitch has two finishes: painted metal and matte opal acrylic. The design takes full advantage of the light source by working much like an embroidery frame: “When attached on the wall or in the ceiling it is possible to adjust the frame in different angles to direct the light and gain the most effect out from the light source and the lamp.” Stitch also comes in two diameters. The lamp strays from its dualistic form in one way: it’s available in three colors–red, black, and white.