Written by Linda Jennings
Check out some of the modern kitchen and bath products showcased throughout this four-day event!
There’s nothing like springtime in New York – the outdoor markets, new shows on Broadway and the parks are blooming with flowers. For me, and for thousands of my fellow designers, springtime in New York is special for one particular reason – the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
Held May 16th -19th at the famed Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, ICFF is literally a designer’s dream come true, with more than 600 exhibitors from around the world showcasing their latest and greatest innovations – all under one enormous roof. The variety of products on display was astonishing – all manner of furniture, seating, carpet and flooring, lighting, wall coverings, accessories, textiles and more. As a dedicated trend-watcher, I found myself inspired by this up-close glimpse of the industry’s latest inclinations and took note of several amazing products and companies that stood out from the crowd.
Crazy for Customization
The Furniture Guild is known for crafting heirloom quality bathroom furniture, and they didn’t disappoint at ICFF! The Angelo and the Clayton are both beautiful pieces, and they feature the company’s new Guildstone integrated sinks (eco-friendly and seamless construction – LOVE that!) But what really got my attention was the degree of customization that The Furniture Guild offers. From dimensions and drawer configurations to sink designs and edge thickness, each vanity can be virtually made to order. Even the interiors can be custom-built with an array of oh-so-handy optional accessories, such as hair dryer holders, internal power outlets, automatic LED lighting, and laundry hampers.
Contemporary Chic + Vintage Style
Once a mainstay of the Victoria era, freestanding tubs are now considered a must-have for today’s upscale bathrooms. MTI Baths is the master of freestanding tubs, known for combining impeccable style and immeasurable comfort. Their ICFF booth created quite the stir with their new Parisian® tub on full display. This elegant and sophisticated tub pays homage to its namesake with flowing curves and exaggerated roundness. While the exterior of this tub may hint at its classical roots, this isn’t your grandmothers tub! The technology on the inside offers benefits such as ergonomic seating, underwater LED lighting, air bath therapies, and MTI’s Radiance® heating system.
Design Collaborations
What happens when a fashion-forward manufacturer combines talents with an international design star? Crazy-good results, that’s what! The Victoria + Albert booth gave the ICFF crowd their first stateside look at the stunning new Amiata Collection, the result of a partnership with the Italian design house Meneghello Paolelli Associates. I love the idea of talented minds from different companies and industries coming together to work toward a common goal. And the results are a dream! A timeless-yet-modern look that captures the high-fashion style of its Italian creators while retaining the elegance and comfort that are hallmarks of the Victoria + Albert brand. This is a tub that definitely lives up to its designer pedigree.
Another not-to-be-missed collaboration was Quick Drain USA’s new line of low profile channel drain systems. Created in partnership with world-renowned architect and designer Michael Graves, the joint collection combines the best of Grave’s whimsical aesthetic and the trademark innovation of Quick Drain. One of my favorites was “Stream,” a fluid design that mimics the ripple effect of flowing water. Crafted of 18-gauge 304 stainless steel, the drain is available in brushed and polished finishes as well as a new oil-rubbed bronze. Besides adding visual interest to the bathroom, these drains are ADA-approved, easy to install, and are well suited for residential, hospitality or commercial spaces.
Fabulous Tabs
Tab pulls have become one of the most stylish trends in kitchen and bath design, and no one offers a larger collection with the most comprehensive selection of sizes and finishes than Atlas Homewares. The sleek modern lines of these little numbers are very appealing. Their profiles are so slim and clean – definitely a plus for those who favor an uncluttered, minimalist type of look. Atlas Homewares chose ICFF as the venue to unveil their new Modern Square Tab Pulls. With a distinctive architectural feel, these pulls are available in 2” and 6.5” sizes and come in Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome and White Gloss finishes.
To learn more about these amazing companies and product lines discovered at ICFF, visit:
atlashomewares.com | mtibaths.com | quickdrainusa.com | thefurnitureguild.com | vandabaths.com