Earlier this month, the design community hit the Javits Center in New York City for the semi-annual NY NOW show, and Editor at Large was there to take note of favorite pieces. Read on for a look at picks from Stylebeat blogger Marisa Marcantonio, Design-Calendar blogger Danielle McWilliams, The Grommet blogger Marcia Demirjian, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA).
Accent on Design Bloggers Choice Awards went to three companies: Chicago-based Gentner Design, for its brass dustpan and brush set selected by Marcantonio; New York-based Marset, for its FollowMe table lamp selected by McWilliams; and L.A.-based Robert Siegel Studio, for multi-use designs that work as tumblers, vases and even household organizers, picked by Demirjian.
Follow Me Tablelamp
“Cleaning can be done in style,” said Marcantonio of the Gentler brush. “[It] makes a functional object beautiful through its high design and elegant materials, elevating an everyday activity from being a chore to a delight. Both the brush and pan hang from a wall hook, making storage stylish so the pieces look great in use or at rest.”
“A light for all occasions, this cute little LED is portable and rechargeable,” said McWilliams. “It’s fun and functional—the perfect accessory for bloggers like us, who are always on the go!”
“Handmade in small batches, Siegel's ceramics are saturated with color, adding warmth and sophistication to any home,” said Demirjian.
The panel of judges for the winter 2015 ASID “Best of the Best” awards included Susan Anthony, Allied ASID, Susan Anthony Interiors; Darrin Varden, ASID, Darrin Varden Design; Alyssa Grella, ASID, Studio Grella, LLC; and Alma Nugent CID, ASID, Nugent Designs Inc.
The winners were as follows:
Imaginative Product Presentation: Tommy Mitchell from Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Innovative Product Design: QLOCKTWO from Yorba Linda, California.
Social Responsibility/Ecological Sensitivity: Christophe Pourny Studio from Brooklyn, New York
Gentner Design candlesticks
Lighting: Gentner Design from Chicago.
Accessories: Metalace from Haifa, Israel.
Textiles: Aviva Stanoff from Carlsbad, California
Wall Art: Muratto by Sustainable Materials LLC from Boulder, Colorado.
Caleb Anderson, Hermine Mariaux (seated), Tamara Stephenson, Andrea Algaze, Rose Ott, Nancy Fire, Julie Schuster and Dwayne Clark
The panel of judges for the winter 2015 “IFDA Selects” awards include interior designers Caleb Anderson, Hermine Mariaux, Tamara Stephenson, Andrea Algaze, Rose Ott, Nancy Fire, Julie Schuster and Dwayne Clark.
The winners were as follows:
Art: Dean Rhys-Morgan “Madam X,” chosen by Ott
“Madam X was painted in by Jeremiah (Goodman) for a decorating magazine of Babe Pailey’s bedroom,” said Ott. Jeremiah wanted his pieces to be a personal statement of the client and Madam X “reflects a serene, soft elegance with beautiful brush strokes.”
Tommy Mitchell console
Furniture: Tommy Mitchell “Brass Butterflies Console,” chosen by Algaze
“Owner and designer Tommy Mitchell was originally a furniture restorer,” said Algaze, noting that the pieces “combine art and function” and "would be a beautiful addition to make a statement in any room.”
Savora products
Gourmet Housewares: Savora “Sid Ramnarance Products,” chosen by Mariaux
“Utility does not need to exclude beauty,” said Mariaux. “This is a collection based on the same mindset of Apple and the response is just as emotional.”
Mounted violin by Pivot
Green Sensibility: Pivot Encore “Recycled Instrument Art,” chosen by Schuster
“All product used is repurposed from old instruments as well as made locally upstate, employing previously incarcerated men,” said Schuster.
Innovative Booth Design: Emporium Home by Ashley Childers, chosen by Clark
“The curated design sensibility embodies fashion for interiors and is committed to creating unique and beautiful products that has a respectful nod to fine furniture,” said Clark.
Lighting: Pablo Lighting “Circa Pendant,” chosen by Anderson
“The clean, modern lines offer a versatile and striking silhouette with adjustable discs that can be adjusted in numerous positions,” said Anderson. “The warm glow of the LED provides a uniform light source. The fixture is available in various models for multiple application possibilities.”
Textiles: Rafael Velzquez, chosen by Fire
“The ottomans are creative and commercial at the same time,” said Fire. “All products are made in Miami and are clever in style, fabric and trim. Also love the pillows with the wood trim!”
Table Top: Rablabs “Gold Bowl Strainers,” chosen by Stephenson
“The strainers are so beautiful, with veining and a handmade feel.”
