Editors, retailers and designers spent days at New York City’s semi-annual gift and home show scouring every corner to find the best new products and makers, many of whom were making their debut. Below is a sampling of what a few of them found and loved from the winter edition of NY NOW.
“I discovered Zoe Bois Creative this market and they're such a great resource for beautiful accessible art. Based out of LA, they produce much of their art in house as well as represent a handful of other talented artists from photographers to painters and mixed media artists. I loved Oomph’s new table lighting introductions as well as a new étagère they just launched all seen in the (photo above). I also fell in love with Dunes & Duchess’ Captain's table, which can be customized in a variety of colors and sizes. I am redecorating and ordered a dining table version in white lacquer for myself!”—Nicole Gibbons, interior designer.
“I love the double duty iPad/phone holder from black + blum, the natural wood is a nice counterpoint to electronics and I can see using it in the kitchen to follow a recipe online. The extra wide washi tape from Mt Casa is something of a revelation! Why didn't I think of that? And, this chair with paper upholstery from essenti'ial was not only totally unexpected but it also seems pretty durable.”—Jennifer Hunter, editor of Apartment Therapy.
“Waffle towels—I love that they're clean and simple, but provide texture, and the oversized waffle is a design element that takes a very usable, ordinary thing to a new place. Michele Quan—an example of taking something that could be ordinary and elevating it because of stunning craftsmanship and taste. I'm a sucker for anything that points toward spring right now. I'm dreaming about a few of these hanging from the trees in my back yard in Brooklyn. Zoe Bios—I always fall in love with something in this booth. Last time I bought two oversized pieces that haven't made it on the walls yet in my apartment, but soon! This one has such an invigorating, livable version of some color in your home.”—Day Kornbluth, One Kings Lane VP of merchandising.
Pablo lighting
“Among the superlative companies participating in NY NOW this winter, these seven deserve special recognition,” said Susan Anthony, president of the ASID NY Metro chapter. "Imaginative Product Presentation: Garden; Innovative Product Design: NEO; Social Responsibility/Ecological Sensitivity: Pivot; Lighting: Pablo; Accessories: Rablabs; Textiles: Jo-Liza International; and Wall Art: Long Street Collection."
Two companies received Accent on Design awards in the home sector. “These talented Accent on Design participants have introduced a higher level of functionality and aesthetics within the home and lifestyle categories worthy of this special recognition,” said Jaime Sikorjak, Accent on Design sales manager.
Tom Dixon gold form bowl set
Excellence in Product Design: Tom Dixon, for its entire collection of extraordinary accessories, gifts and design objects formed from resilient and heavyweight materials including copper, marble, cast iron, brass and wood.
Finell table accessories
Best New Collection: Finell, for its collection of neo luxe housewares and accessories. Offering new functionality and progressive design, the products are made from a fun mix of luxury materials.
Six “Bloggers’ Choice Awards” for exemplary product design were presented to Accent on Design exhibitors as well, with three landing in the home category. Top style and design bloggers chose products that featured “urgent, odd and delightful design,” from among Accent on Design’s 150+ exhibitors.
BOWER Tipsy paper weights
American Design Club for BOWER's Tipsy: "I was immediately drawn to a playful collection of brightly colored paper weights by Brooklyn-based designer's Danny Giannella and Tammer Hijazi of BOWER that look like little bauhaus-inspired garden gnome heads. Cleverly named 'Tipsy'—the wooden cone hats sit on a solid brass spherical base (the head) and rock around like a floating buoy when touched. As a cluster they magically move synchronously—almost like coral swaying underwater – inviting more interaction and immediate joy!"’—Glenn Jackson Taylor, Core77.
Finell's Hex three-piece baking dish set
Finell for its Hex three-piece baking dish set: “It had me thinking these were regular serving trays, but they are oven-safe, food-grade coated pieces meant to go from oven to table. With sleek and modern lines in a crisp white ceramic coating, the cast aluminum trays fit together to create a wonderful origami-like, angular serving piece, with trays that slide from side to side. With no crevices, their infinite presentation possibilities elevate serve ware to a beautiful functional object." Marisa Marcantonio, Stylebeat.
Neo-utility for its Boskke Cube. "Finally—a clear solution to keeping houseplants alive! Designer Patrick Morris deconstructed the traditional plant pot and added an ingenious irrigation system to create this transparent planter, which acts as a reservoir for a month’s supply of water."—Stephanie Murg, UnBeige.
Savora Colander
Finally, one product took the cake for overall “Best of HOME,” voted on by market goers. The winner chosen was Lifetime Brands, Inc. for its Savora Colander, a stainless steel colander with a premium, baked-on finish and drainage holes, designed in a vortex pattern.
