Save-The-Date: Lia Burke Libaire x NLS

Artistry Rooted in Nature and Collaboration

We are looking forward to unveiling a new project that’s been in the works: a capsule collection of lampshades designed in partnership with Lia Burke Libaire! Save-the-date to celebrate the launch of the collection and a pop-up shop featuring a selection of Lia's work here at Newport Lamp & Shade Company June 5th - 7th. 

This collaboration brings Lia’s artistic perspective to our world of lighting, resulting in a series of lampshades that reflect her signature style - layered, textural, and inspired by the natural world. Each piece in the collection is thoughtfully crafted to serve as both a functional accent and a colorful statement in any space. The Lia Burke Libaire x Newport Lamp & Shade capsule collection will be available exclusively through our shop and website, and we’re excited to share more details soon. In the meantime, read more about Lia and her inspiring work.

Works in Progress by Lia Burke Libaire

Lia Burke Libaire: The Artist

Lia Burke Libaire is a Charleston-based visual artist and designer whose evocative work bridges the gap between timeless botanical illustration and contemporary design. Her journey from New York City’s design world to the creative heart of Charleston has shaped a career marked by innovation, collaboration, and a deep reverence for the natural world.

Background and Artistic Evolution

Lia’s artistic roots trace back to an intense studio art program at St. Mark’s School in Massachusetts, where she honed her observational skills painting still lifes in silence. She later studied communications and psychology at the University of Denver, before embarking on a 12-year career in interior design in New York City. This experience provided her with a unique perspective on the intersection of art, architecture, and functional design. A pivotal move to Charleston in 2016 inspired Lia to pursue her art full time, immersing herself in the Lowcountry’s lush landscapes and establishing her permanent studio. The slower pace and natural beauty of Charleston became a wellspring of inspiration, fueling her signature style: classic botanical motifs with a modern twist.

Works in Progress by Lia Burke Libaire

Signature Work and Style

Lia's work is celebrated for its intricate ink and watercolor renderings of botanicals, mushrooms, shells, and ocean-inspired motifs. Drawing inspiration from 18th and 19th-century scientific illustrations, she reimagines historical forms with playful color choices and unexpected details-think hot pink mushrooms or hidden inchworms-bringing freshness to traditional subjects.

Creative Process and Philosophy

Lia’s creative process is rooted in experimentation and observation. She primarily works with ink and watercolor, often using a calligraphy nib for drawing -a rare choice that lends her work a distinctive line quality. She enjoys manipulating travel photos and painting directly on them, always seeking new mediums and techniques.

Her philosophy centers on creating art that is both timeless and whimsical. She eschews fleeting trends in favor of pieces that evoke nostalgia and enduring beauty, aiming to produce work that will be cherished for decades.

“I like things that will stand the test of time, things you’ll still appreciate in 20 years. I like the idea of creating something that evokes nostalgia and familiarity, a sense of connection that lasts.” - Lia as quoted in Charleston

Collaborations & Product Lines

Lia Burke Libaire’s collaborative spirit has played a vital role in expanding the reach and impact of her work. One of her most notable ventures is the co-founding of Brier & Byrd, a contemporary wallpaper line created alongside interior designer Georgia Tapert Howe. This partnership beautifully marries Libaire’s hand-drawn, nature-inspired motifs with Howe’s refined design sensibility, resulting in wallpaper collections that feel both timeless and fresh. The patterns, rich with painterly details and vibrant colors, have found homes in premier showrooms across Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Dallas, earning acclaim for their unique blend of nostalgia and modernity.

Lia's design "Artichoke Vine" for Brier & Byrd

Beyond wallpaper, Lia has extended her artistic vision into other mediums through collaborations such as those with Beau Rush Ceramics, where her botanical illustrations were translated onto handmade plates and catchalls, bringing her art into everyday functional objects. Her partnership with luxury retailer Moda Operandi has also introduced her work to a broader audience, featuring exclusive product lines and trunk shows that showcase her distinctive style.

Aside from our upcoming pop-up, Lia's work can be seen in person and online at our favorite design shop in NYC: KRB. An endless source of inspiration, be sure to visit KRB (if you haven't already) and follow them on instagram for all of Kate's latest finds!

An assortment of Lia's mushrooms on offer at KRB a few years ago

Follow Along

We are so excited to collaborate with Lia and be a part of her artistic story. Follow Lia on instagram and visit her website for more inspiration - and be sure to mark you calendar for June 5 - 7th and plan a visit to meet Lia in Newport!