5.26.2013

New York Design Week: WantedDesign and ICFF Highlights

So much amazing design, so little time! ICFF has morphed into a total city design diversion. There is no way you can see everything, but I managed to squeeze in a few days to view the latest offerings of the international design world. See my favorites below...

WantedDesign took over the Tunnel space. Modko, who make the best cat litter box presented their newest designs on lightboxes.
Quebec designer Tat Chao (left) super-glues glasses and pedestal bowls together to create one-of-a-kind table bases and candlestick holders.
The Effeti Showroom had me salivating over its streamlined space...the cabinetry and accoutrement were quite special. From left to right: The yellow inside the cabinets can be custom applied in any color; tools fit beautifully inside; architect Kelly Solon show us how the corner shelf pulls out. If you are doing your kitchen over, head to the showroom to see the indoor grill and wall of hideaway surprises.
My favorite countertop material, Caesarstone showed off its latest colors.
Raison Pure NYC presented a funky tea party diplay. GOLD tea cup by Will Kang.
Britto Charette Home’s animated porcelain vessels with GOLD interiors caught my eye.
GOLD edged porcelain dishes by Daniel Levy have a zen-like quality.
gt2p GOLD vases from Chile, the Royal Mahuida collection.
Tom Dixon’s Eclectic collection uses marble and brass elements.
Glamour exudes at THG Paris fixtures that pair with Christofle and Baccarat brands.
Raimond Puts’ magical lights at Moooi.
Garden without having to stoop! These planters from Hurbz would work well on a terrace or backyard. They can be anchored to a wall, and have a clever drainage system.
Oxidized maple creates an elegant sideboard. The wood is silky to the touch. Tod Von Mertens hand makes this and some lovely matching dining room tables.
Gorgeous gaming: love this white ping pong table from RS Barcelona.
Cowhide and leather make for an elegant backgammon board by Gilles Caffier. For serious players!
Tibetano creates beautiful carpets using cowhide assembled in classic patterns. Lovely to touch. I would like to see these as a table runner, perhaps under glass.
More cowhide, brightly colored from Britto Charette Home.
This was my absolute favorite item. From Wiener Silver Manufactur, this tray can switch out its center, depending on your mood. Designed by Marco Dessi.

New York Design Week @ Dune: Close Encounters

Dune kicked off the week with an exhibit by photographer Jean-Marc Bellaiche in their showroom on Wooster Street. Jean-Marc created beautiful abstract photos of architecture in Manhattan with super saturated colors. The photos are taken with an amazing eye and are only minimally enhanced. See more on the website or at Dune.

 Artist Jean-Marc Bellaiche poses in front of his photo, "Bar Code."
 photo, "On the Edge" had beautiful blue tones that caught my eye as soon as I entered the space.
 photo, "Infinite Sunset"
photo, "Complex Lines"

Off the Wall Yogurt: guilt-free indulging

If you are craving a sweet treat in the Union Square area, be sure to stop into Off the Wall Yogurt, which recently opened it’s third Manhattan location on 14th Street, just past Fifth Avenue. I attended the opening and got to taste a few of the flavors. Since I really love a salty/sweet combo, I headed right for the low-fat Salted Butter Pecan and topped it with some slivered almonds. It was super creamy, and satisfying to know it only had 133 calories for 3 fluid ounces. This could be habit forming.