This week in design, find living room inspiration inside the homes of notable New Yorkers. Stay in the know with our weekly roundup of headlines, launches, events, recommended reading and more.
Business News
London-based art fair and media brand Frieze—whose flagship event, Frieze New York, is set to take place this week—has been acquired by Ari Emanuel, the former CEO of entertainment group and current Frieze owner Endeavor (now known as WME Group), The New York Times reports. The purchase will include Frieze’s magazine and seven fairs, including Expo Chicago, The Armory Show in New York, Frieze Los Angeles and Frieze Seoul. Though the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the Financial Times reports that sources with knowledge of the transaction have valued it at $200 million. Moving forward, Emanuel, who is executive chair of WME Group, plans to establish a new company to officially purchase Frieze—a strategy he recently helped execute with WME’s basketball representation business. According to Frieze’s CEO, Simon Fox, the company’s leadership will remain in place following the transition.
In related news, the Trump administration’s latest trade policies have complicated operations for the art and furniture dealers planning to attend upcoming industry fairs—particularly events like TEFAF New York, which is heavily reliant on international exhibitors. As ARTnews reports, although the majority of imported artworks and antiques that are at least 100 years old are tariff-exempt, dealers and exhibitors are still facing a number of other new policies, including a 7.5 percent tax on artwork imported from China; a 25 percent tax on sculptures made of steel and aluminum; 10 percent tariffs on all imported jewelry, furniture and design pieces; and counter-tariffs ranging from 155 percent to 179 percent on items imported from the U.S. to China. According to art shippers, many exhibitors have shifted toward showing items already stored in the U.S. and have modified their operations this year—for example, opting to display more paintings and sculptures than furniture and design objects, show replications instead of original pieces, or bring in items through temporary import bonds.
U.K.-based Chase Erwin Textiles has acquired fellow luxury fabric manufacturer TheSign, which produces woven and printed fabrics out of its headquarters in Switzerland. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Moving forward, Chase Erwin CEO Lauren Stonnell will lead both companies, and TheSign will be vertically integrated into Chase Erwin’s parent company, Panaz, to streamline existing processes. Through the purchase, Chase Erwin will be able to expand its reach, accessing new markets across Europe, North America and Asia.
U.S. ports are anticipating a sharp decline in activity following the rollout of new tariffs on Chinese imports, CNN reports. The country’s busiest ports, in Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, expect the 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods implemented last month to result in fewer cargo ship arrivals—and less freight on those that do make the journey. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, told CNN that he expects cargo volume to be down 35 percent from last year at the site, where nearly half of the business comes from China. The National Retail Federation expects imports into the U.S. to fall at least 20 percent year-over-year during the second half of 2025—and JP Morgan predicts an even sharper 75 to 80 percent decline in imports from China, leading to price increases and supply chain disruptions.
On May 21, award-winning nursery and children’s room designer Naomi Coe shares her insights on creating spaces that are not just kid-proof but kid-approved. Click here to learn more and remember, workshops are free for BOH Insiders.
The U.S. economy contracted in the first three months of 2025 for the first time since the same period in 2022, The Wall Street Journal reports. The Commerce Department reported that U.S. GDP fell at a seasonal- and inflation-adjusted 0.3 percent annual rate in the first quarter. Meanwhile, consumer spending slowed, rising only 1.8 percent—the smallest increase since mid-2023. The Trump administration’s new trade policies are the cause of the economic decline, as businesses rush to stock up on imports before the tariffs come into effect.
In line with broader economic trends, spending at home furnishings retailers declined 5 percent year-over-year during the first quarter, Home Textiles Today reports. According to market research firm Consumer Edge, consumer spending in the sector was down across every income group, with high-income households recording the biggest decline. The study found that just four retail categories experienced growth compared to the same period last year: kitchenware, decor, appliances/electronics and rent-to-own home furnishings.
North Charleston, South Carolina–based custom lighting company Riloh Studio announced this week that it would be shutting down production effective immediately. The closure marks the end of a chapter for the brand, which was launched in 2018 by metalsmith Peyton Avrett and interior designer Melissa Sutton. According to a statement posted on Riloh’s Instagram, the decision to shut down followed “ongoing uncertainty surrounding international tariffs, combined with a series of unforeseen circumstances with our suppliers,” which made it difficult for the brand to sustain operations. “The opportunity to create pieces for your spaces has been one of the greatest honors of our journey,” the statement read. “Thank you for your belief in us, for your support, and for allowing our work to be part of your world.”
Launches and Collaborations
Pottery Barn Teen tapped jewelry designer Kendra Scott to create a home collection. The resulting product assortment features statement lighting, mirrors, jewelry organizers, bedding, textiles, wallpaper and more, with colors and motifs drawn from Scott’s gemstone-inspired style.
Haitian-born creative Sasha Tesserot launched an artisanal design label called Dou So. The brand’s debut collection, Helena, offers an array of handblown crystal glassware and vessels—including jewel-toned tumblers and sculptural goblets and vases—crafted in collaboration with Turkish artisans using Bomma crystal.
Showhouses
Real Simple has announced the location of its eighth annual showhouse, set to debut this September across two separate residences in the newly built One Park Row luxury building in downtown Manhattan. A four-bedroom penthouse will be reimagined by Alvin Wayne, Mandy Cheng, Noz Nozawa, Alexandra Gater and more, and a two-bedroom apartment called the DIY Annex will feature projects from social media personalities Drew Michael Scott, Mallory Fletchall and Valeria Jacobs.
Recommended Reading
When “tomato girl summer” took hold last year, it seemed like a microtrend that would quickly fade into oblivion. But the aesthetic fascination with fruit and vegetables—particularly when it comes to home decor—is here to stay. For the AP, Kim Cook explores the persistent obsession, which has manifested in trends like fruit-themed furniture and a revival of lettuce-themed kitchenware.
Cue the Applause
Galerie revealed its 2025 Creative Minds list, spotlighting talents from across the fields of art, design, fashion, culinary arts, jewelry and more. From the design realm, honorees include Netherlands-based design studio Formafantasma; RH CEO and chairman Gary Friedman; French interior designer Laura Gonzalez; and Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. For the full list of honorees, click here.
Confindustria Ceramica has announced the winners of the 2025 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition, which celebrates residential and commercial projects across North America that display exemplary use of ceramic and porcelain tile from the Italian consortium’s member brands. This year’s winners in the residential category are both from Canada: Secter Architecture + Design for a home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and These Architects for a project in Pelham, Ontario.
