The Architectural Digest Home Design Show took place on Pier 94 on Manhattan's Upper West Side last week. I had the privilege of attending again this year. I noticed some significant and insignificant changes. The greatest, in my opinion, was the fact that there seemed to be virtually no furniture. Where had all the furniture companies gone to? Kitchens, baths and hardware seemed to me to be the show's main attraction this year, whether intended or not. I hadn't noticed that many changes in kitchen design and technology from the preceding years. Last year introduced color and this year seemed to bring those colors forth even more. Beautiful, large, colorful kitchen appliances seemed to take center stage. Though there were plenty of neutrals out there too. We saw a movement towards more streamlined kitchens, with European and Scandinavian influences with a wide selection of larger, more traditional, classic pieces with modern lines and a vintage feel. Are we Americans becoming more colorful? Or are neutrals still selling more? I will never really tire of seeing and learning about kitchens and kitchen technology. But my favorite part of the show has always been the MADE section.
The MADE section features artists and designers of limited edition and one-of-a-kind objects and furnishings providing them with an opportunity to showcase their creations. Artisan work has always been a part of the Show’s offerings, and MADE's unique galleries highlight this work and shows the most talented artists and designers working in the world of design today. The MADE galleries feature hundreds of designers from local artisans to international craftsman--from lighting and art to fine crafted furniture and furnishings.
Below are just a select (few - and I use the term loosely) images from the MADE section.
Images (3) above from Next Step Studio and Gallery. www.nextstepstudio.com
Details of these incredibly mesmerizing water and glass creations reminded me of an elegant rendition of a salt water aquarium... with none of the hassle or mess! By Alison Sigethy, www.alisonsigethy.com
Several artists had their own renderings of colorful stacked stones. Elegant, whimsical and slightly edgy. Axiom Glass, by Robert Madvin, www.axiomglass.com
Incredibly intrinsic and delicate. Like glass lace. I was mesmerized by this piece "Tensio" by Micah Evans, Chesterfield Glass Art
These fantastically fun and whimsical Wild Chairy re-purposed chairs by Andrea Mihalik made a cheery appearance once again in the MADE section. www.wildchairy.com
These wonderful Daniel Levy porcelain plates and bowls immediately jumped out at me! Are they not spectacular? For more on Daniel Levy visit his website, www.daniellevyporcelain.com
I tend to gravitate the to silly, sensational and whimsical as opposed to the serious - These fun and fantastical wall papers really jumped out at me. What an energy they would add to a space! Of course, it takes a certain bold personality to hang these. I do think they are such fun and they indeed make your walls come alive! Wallpapers by Voutsa, www.voutsa.com
I'm not sure whether it was the bed itself or the strategic and fun placement of all the apples that captured my photographic eye, but I loved both by Brooklyn Based Palo Samko, www.palosamko.com
This speaks to me! Where would I put this? This vintage inspired creation by Fred Sanders was one of many fun metal and neon creations. For more visit www.toddsandersart.com
Patrick Weder has been busy as a bee creating these Honeycomb lamps, www.patrickweder.com
The light bounced and danced off the bits of glass in this delicate light fixture by Elizabeth Lyons, www.lyonsglass.com
This springtime inspiration was absolutely remarkable by Canadian designer, Lori Morris. It took 300 hours to install! www.lorimorris.com
I love elephants. I forgot to grab this person's card! Sigh....
The above mirror was amazing. Look at the top photo for the detail!
The above couch was one by Natuzzi. They had several installation/seating arrangements and many exhausted attendees sought refuge on these for a few moments to rest their weary selves. This should have been a huge opportunity for Natuzzi. Their sales rep should have welcomed the visitors. He should have asked them if they were comfortable, what they thought of the leather - the softness, colors, etc... Instead he was busy shooing everyone away. Such a shame, really.
If you've never been to the show and live in or near the New York City area... or plan on visiting the area next March, you should absolutely make this part of your visit.
Tomorrow I will share with you, what in my opinion, was the highlight of the show - Dining by Design, DIFFA, Design Industry Foundation Fights AIDS. This years tables were truly spectacular!