New York City is all about design during the month of May, when more than 300 events covering all disciplines of design from product to interiors take place at design shows, pop-up shops and special exhibitions.

Designers hit the Upper East Side, Soho and even ventured out to Brooklyn to absorb as much as possible during the 10-day event. Editor at Large spoke with a handful of designers who collectively visited ICFF, Collective 2 Design Fair, Sight Unseen Offsite, Wanted Design, as well as numerous showroom events to hear about their favorite products, events and takeaways.

What were your favorite product introductions?

Eason in Cheryl Eckstrom's chair, Albero Bookcase

“I loved Cheryl Eckstrom's stainless steel chairs from Grey Area at Collective 2. The Albero Bookcase from Poltrona Frau is a great twist on the floor-to-ceiling shelving popularized in the 50s and 60s and Foscarini's Tuareg lamp caught my eye for its fresh take on the floor lamp form—it has a magical and dynamic sense of suspension.”—John Douglas Eason, interior designer

Furniture by AMMA studio

“The brilliant, creative, and super hip duo of AMMA studio debuted their stunning line of sculptural furniture at Sight Unseen OFFSITE. The pieces are made entirely of organic materials and handmade in their studio in Brooklyn.”—Mimi Faucett, Luxe Interiors + Design Market Editor

Atelier Vierkant display

“A major stand out for me was the brilliant sculptural pieces from Atelier Vierkant. The company history and pure scale of this pottery was unique. I will be using a seating sculpture for the upcoming Ronald McDonald House Project Design 2014 rooftop area we are designing. Lighting was also trending for me, particularly the corrugated pieces.”—Suzanne Costa, interior designer

Was there a stand out show or event this year?

“Collective 2 Design was by far the most interesting. We needed a design show that is as layered and sophisticated as New York.”—Jayne Michaels, interior designer

Yabu Pushelberg's exhibit

“Yabu Pushelberg’s exhibit opening was not only fun—complete with taco truck and minty cocktails—but also really inspiring. The collection of furniture and objects previewed at the event was both innovative and playful with thoughtful shapes and a fresh palette. To socialize amidst such a collection was one of the weekend highlights.”—Faucett

“Collective 2 Design was by far my favorite event; the quality and variety of furnishings and accessories, both old and new were unmatched by my estimate in any of the other venues. I will add that in general the offerings on view at all the fairs were noticeably a step above recent past years—I saw many great new products and ideas.”—Eason

What was your biggest takeaway from NYCxDesign?

“How the use of LED lighting is having such a huge effect on the design industry. Beautifully handcrafted/curated artisanal pieces from Europe, California and Brooklyn, NY.”—Anthony Baratta, interior designer

Jallu Gypse console

“There is a great return to craftsmanship. The pieces I liked had a quality and tone yet were the work of fine craftsmen not big factories (with the exception of Bernhardt).”—Mark Cutler, interior designer

“There was a renewed focus and sense of vigor from the traditional design leaders, the Italians. There was an exciting feeling that American designers have started to come of age and hold their own on the international design scene.”—Eason