Last week, I made the yearly pilgrimage to ICFF (the International Contemporary Furniture Fair), to see what is new and noteworthy. The booths were incredible, the products lovely, I will devote a separate entry for the lights, as there was too much to cover in one short blog. It was so incredibly visually intense. There were a lot of international companies at the fair. I am guessing that the cost of showing at one of these behemoths is astounding so you don’t get as much of the local variety and scrappy startups as at a local show.
That being said, totally loved Akke functional art ping pong table with what looked like a bowling alley surface, with steel pipe legs and a lighted glass inset. I don’t even play ping pong and I was ready to roll with this piece, I just loved the industrial look to it. Akke is based in Huntington, New York, owner Axel Yberg’s hometown.
There were a number of wallpaper companies doing interesting patterns with small runs. I liked Lobo Loup and Juju Papers, both were very playful. Lobo Loup describes themselves as Wallpaper for the Modern Family and featured sophisticated kid friendly prints. I was also intrigued by the scrap wood wallpaper by Piet Hein Eek, made in Holland. There were equally convincing papers simulating concrete wallpaper, tin ceiling and other textures.
For classic good looks, I admired this chair by John Ford, shown in different woods. It was beautifully made and the museum style presentation really showcased the minimal lines.
While I went to the show expecting great furniture and hopefully sustainable options (see next blog for lights made from recycled products!) I was not expecting to stumble on… the next thing in kitty litter boxes. Nice that someone took the time to re-think this design and household issue. Modko presents the “Flip”- it is an inverted version of the covered cat box, with a fold-back top for easy access, paperboard liners that are easy to remove (and treated for water-tight, no leak use). There is a handy spot to hang the poop scoop as well.
Lastly, was inspired to rest when I found the seat that best matched my outfit…you’ve heard of tub chairs? These retrofitted pedestal tubs were so much fun. It was a Kohler plumbing display- with Jonathan Adler colors and prints. As that pairing seemed unusual I checked it out online. Zack Cohn describes the partnership on psfk.com–
Celebrity designer Jonathan Adler recently teamed up with Wisconsin-based home appliance brand, Kohler, to introduce a new line of colorful sinks for the kitchen and bathroom. The collection, which made its debut at the 2012 International Contemporary Furniture Fair, explores the question of the impact color can have amidst the white, ‘sterile’ space that traditionally defines a bathroom and kitchen.
Next week’s post will show pictures of some very cool lighting. There will be sustainable and recycleable materials in lamps and hanging fixtures. For a sneak peak, check out Gin Art & Design.