ICFF Takes New York: What Not to Miss

A few hours on the exhibit floor of the Javits Center revealed a spirited state of affairs for design. But this isn't the slap-dash, unharnessed exuberance of years past; it clearly felt that a new phase of maturity has permeated the show.

Whether or not it was in the cause of creating eye- and camera-catching displays, neutral hues were few to be found. Colors like gold, plum and navy are rich and confident, and forms in furnishings are well-defined and strongly massed with just an occasional, restrained nudge toward the organic. [The Blob, I'm personally happy to report, has seemingly left the building, and taken the spidery Tree Branch shape with it.]

From my first afternoon at the show, here are a few of my picks:

- The Jonathan Adler collection of kitchen and bath sinks for Kohler. This limited edition of four funky/fresh colors across six sink models will be available for only one year. Paired with a white faucet and drain, it's a crisp and cool look in the Adler vein.

Jonathan Adler for Kohler

- The Fractal vanity by Sonia, available through Hastings Tile & Bath, is a sophisticated tweak on the typical wall-hung vanity. The asymmetrical composition of its integral sink and counter maximizes both basin and surface area.

- The Cerana kitchen sink from Blanco is reversible, owing to two different corner radii. One side is suited for contemporary installations, the other more at home in traditionally-styled
interiors.

- The Bouroullec collection for the bath from Axor. Plateaus and tiers characterize this full family of contemporary bath fixtures and fittings. Handles and faucets can be placed freely on or around the basin; compose your own design.

Bouroullec for Axor

And try not to limit your visit to JJC; while ICFF and NY Design Week may not yet have the tentacular venue range of Cologne's imm or Milan's I Saloni, there are alt locations aplenty to explore. Check out @wanteddesign on Twitter to find out more. 


Have fun!


- by Leslie Clagett
kbculture.com
@kbculture