Five “Bloggers’ Choice Awards” for exemplary product design were announced today to Accent on Design exhibitors at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Accent on Design runs through today at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

Five bloggers from noted design and trend-watching sites were invited to select one product, representing “urgent, odd and delightful design,” from among Accent on Design’s 200+ exhibitors. Notably, new concepts from Souda and Design on Shell – both participants in the winter 2013 edition of A+™: The Young Designers’ Platform at Accent on Design – were among products selected by the panel of judges. 

“Design evolves every day, and these bloggers are monitoring, and reporting upon, the changes as they are happening,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and GLM vice president. “We’re delighted to have them bring their unique perspectives and trend-spotting savvy to Accent on Design.”

The five bloggers, and the products each identified as the “next big thing,” are:

Joanne Domeniconi, Daily Grommet

Indoor vertical gardening system and home office solution by Urbio (Oakland, CA)

“We searched for a product that was equal parts… strong design, innovation and function. Urbio is a delightful combination of all three.”

Marisa Marcantonio, stylebeat.blogspot.com

Pappelina woven vinyl rugs by Pappelina® AB (Falun, Sweden)

“Created in Sweden, Pappelina rugs are cheerful in fresh designs, practical and low maintenance woven from colored plastic strands. Lina Rickardsson found a manufacturer in Sweden working on traditional looms and modernized their business, creating a market for the woven designs. From stripes to dots, the runners can inexpensively alter a hallway or bath with color.”

Alexandra Zwicky, Design-Calendar.com

Bubble Chandelier by Souda (Brooklyn, NY)

“It is a gorgeous piece that reminds us that design doesn’t have to be a frivolous endeavor. It is sustainable and supports local community through its support of ‘Sure we Can’.”

Stephanie Murg, UnBeige

Linx by Blank Bubble LLC (New York, NY)

“Developed by French-born, New York-based artist Patrick Martinez as a way to create ‘density with almost nothing,’ this construction toy offers endless creative possibilities for budding designers of all ages. Just add drinking straws.”

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, Apartment Therapy:

Shirrley by Design On Shell (Springfield, PA)

“This is a surprisingly simple looking design that bridges utility and beauty with straight-forward materials and an affordable price. I couldn’t stop looking at how attractive the little ‘purse’ appeared after doing duty as a less attractive grocery bag. It’s a little piece of design magic.”

Accent on Design, the industry’s leading resource for design-led merchandise is one of 10 divisions presented semi-annually at the NYIGF.