Often when we think of smart lighting, we think of fun and creative ways we can use them at home—like hanging your new cool LED light panels above the TV or by your battlestation. However, there’s a whole global community of people who use Nanoleaf smart lights in their businesses!

This blog is about shining a light on some of these people and places around the world that have found magnificent ways to incorporate Nanoleaf smart lighting into their business—from restaurants to studios and even museums.

First, we’re starting in Canada…let’s pop into Toronto more specifically.

Minami is an elegant Japanese and globally inspired restaurant in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District. “Both the menu and interior are meant to showcase the spirit of theatrics as an homage to the important cultural and architectural significance of this area,” says Seigo Nakamura, Founder and CEO, Aburi Restaurants Canada.

You’ll find Nanoleaf Elements wood look hexagons lighting up this warm, vibrant destination. The refined wooden finish, ambient lighting, and sound-activated movement is the perfect way to enhance the restaurant’s dining experience. Minami opened in Toronto during the pandemic, and with things opening back up people can finally take in the exquisite design and ambience.

Fun Fact: Minami is an award-winning space. They won best design resto in the Americas at the 2021 Resto and Bar Design Awards and have found that lighting in general plays a huge role in restaurant design, transforming your mood throughout the day.

Next on this journey, we’re going to the other side of the world to Auckland, New Zealand.

Ambian Studios is a unique studio space in Gray Lynn, Auckland. This large loft-style space has a recording studio and a separately dedicated photography studio. The space is aptly designed to pull you away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world to instead inspire creativity in a safe and zen-like atmosphere.

Studio Manager, Josh E., has always appreciated how much lighting can transform the mood and esthetic of a space. “The Nanoleaf products appealed to me because of their customizable selection of shapes and textures,” says Josh, “I also appreciate the technology behind the lights and how they can be integrated into one system that is then controlled from the app on your phone.”

In the recording studio, you’ll find Nanoleaf Elements matching the exposed wood and vintage details of the room. There are also Essentials Bulbs in the vintage lamps and the lightstrips behind the recording desk and under the couch. The main entertainment area of the studio is where you’ll discover Nanoleaf Shapes coming down from the ceiling. And the ceiling pendants in this room are also fitted with the Essentials bulbs.

Day or night, Josh has really enjoyed the added value the Nanoleaf lights bring to Ambian Studios. During the day, the lights add a soft ambience, enhancing the natural light that fills the space. And at night when it’s dark, the lights become the main feature, creating a unique mood that flows throughout the whole studio. All in all, creating an inspirational space no matter the time of day.

Bonus: Check out Josh’s favorite scenes “Jungle,” “Starry Night,” and “Japanese Streets.” Also, try out his favorite feature, the Rhythm music Visualizer for when you’re listening to music—the panels will dance along in real-time.

Let’s fly on over to Hong Kong now!

Selling coffee in the morning and cocktails at night, Major Tom Bar & Cafe is a space-themed bar inspired by David Bowie’s Space Oddity. If you love Sci-Fi, you’ll love this space that’s decorated with movie-themed decor and yes you guessed it, Nanoleaf lights.

At this location, you’ll find over 1000 Shapes Triangles installed…on the ceiling! The small triangular shape of the shop and all-white interior really allows for the color-changing LED panels to pop. They often change the lighting Scenes to best match the occasion—which can be done remotely through the Nanoleaf App.

Time to hop over to Shinjuku, Tokyo.

.me is a restaurant and karaoke bar located in a 6-story building in Japan. Visit and you’ll discover that certain floors are dedicated to the restaurant and others to Karaoke rooms.

.me is currently using around 4000 Nanoleaf light panels to create a fun and moody atmosphere across the whole establishment. On the restaurant floors, you’ll find Nanoleaf Elements wood look hexagons and a mix of Elements and Shapes in the Karaoke rooms. Each private karaoke room also has access to the Nanoleaf controllers (attached to the layout) so that customers can change the Scenes by themselves and create a truly custom karaoke experience curated to each song.

Now off to the city of lights and love, Paris in France.

Le Bon Marché (Rive Gauche) is a large luxury department store that offered its visitors a whole new shopping experience in 2019 when they combined the latest technology with the hottest fashion trends. Delivering a “Geek Mais Chic” exhibition with the help of Nanoleaf and 80 other international brands.

With 1400 Nanoleaf Canvas square light panels, Nanoleaf brought to life 10 display windows, the 1st floor, and the men’s floor. At the time of the window installation, this was the largest Canvas setup to date. Not only were the layouts of an impressive scale, the Squares lit up in Pantone colors to match the “Geek But Chic” theme, really tying together design and fashion with technology!

Jennifer Cuvillie of Le Bon Marché explained it best; thanks to exhibitions like these and digital technologies, customers can interact with and customize their favorite brands better than ever before—in this case with thousands of lights.

Shall we visit some community members in the United States? Let’s pop into Anchorage, Alaska.

The Anchorage Museum sits on the traditional homeland of the Eklutna Dena’ina and is committed to honoring the land, culture, and language of the Dena’ina people. While Alaska and the Arctic are seeing an increase in tourism, it’s still quite an untouched part of the world—making this an extra intriguing use of Nanoleaf lighting.

The Anchorage Museum came up with a modern take to introduce visitors to remote Arctic landscapes with the Land Marks series. This series took full advantage of technology like Nanoleaf’s LED modular light panels in the museum atrium to mimic moving images of Arctic landscapes and wildlife. This installation uses technology and design to create the opportunity for conversation, meditation, exploration, education, and awareness.

Terra uses nearly 1,188 Nanoleaf OG Aurora light panels—the successor of these today are Nanoleaf Shapes. The museum programmed the panels to not only display light and color but also still and moving images. Using the Nanoleaf Open API the Anchorage Museum media and technology team wrote the software application to bring this digital mural to life. The museum’s design team fabricated 28 sheet metal panels to hold the 1,188 triangle-shaped lights that comprise the installation, which is 57 feet 11 inches wide and six feet six inches high.

Fun Fact: At the time of its installation in 2017, Terra was the first museum installation to use Nanoleaf lighting.

Last but not least on this trip, we’re going to the other end of the US to Prescott, Arizona.

Sister studio of BEND Hot Yoga, BPedal is more than just fitness on a bike…it’s an experience. Nanoleaf worked with BPedal to deliver this party on a bike-style workout. Bend was first drawn to Nanoleaf because they “wanted something that was bright and bold” just like them, and their clients seem to be loving it!

Using Nanoleaf OG light panels (like the Anchorage Museum above), BPedal combines movement, with energizing music, and of course, lights to create an invigorating spin class. The panels are displayed on each wall, and on the ceiling in the large, modern yet industrial Spin Studio which houses almost 20 bikes. And, what’s a party without some refreshments? Don’t forget to visit the refreshments bar on the way out, stay hydrated!

BPedal’s most popular spin class is called “Party Pedal” incorporating the Nanoleaf lights. Spin coaches use an iPad to toggle between their favorite colors, animations, and settings during the class to keep it interesting—the experience is designed to be super easy, fun, and energizing of course.

Their favorite feature to use in class is the Music Visualizer, so the music moves and reacts with the whole class. Nothing is better than seeing the entire studio and lights come to life when the beat drops during your favorite workout song! Try some of BPedal’s favorite lighting Scenes: “Fireworks,” “Dancing Tiles,” and “Magic Strobe” for your own workouts.

Which is your favorite business setup? We’d love to know!

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