Design Trends 2012 : Report from the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York City
New York, New York- What better place to get inspired by new design ideas?! Well, I just arrived back from the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, and let me just tell you, WOW, am I excited by the latest in home décor!
This fabulous show open to both the trade and public was held at the iconic Pier 94 and included exhibits from 400 premium home brands. It was very difficult to come up with my favorites, but after some considerable thought and rolling through all of my photos, I am excited to present my Top 3 Style Trend Setters! I will share how these forward thinking companies are setting the trends in their prospective industry.
The first La Cornue oven was invented over 100 years ago in France by Albert Dupuy, which revolutionized home cooking forever. Today his grandson, Xavier, carries on the extraordinary tradition, while infusing modern conveniences and design adaptations to their lines. While the “Chateau” series is quite pricey and marketed to the world’s most discerning gourmets, it is literally the most beautiful cooking piece I have ever seen! I can’t even call it an appliance; that seems so generic. This is truly an artistic masterpiece; each range is meticulously assembled by a single worker who devotes at least 40 hours to each range. Ranges, cook tops, hoods, and cabinetry are available in 30 enamel and metal finishes and 12 trims. The “Cornufe’” series (designed by Xavier) is just as exquisite, but machine built and starts at a much lower price.
Trend Take-away: So, these luxury pieces aren’t for everyone; however I do see the overall vintage design style filtering to American appliance manufacturers. It is very refreshing to see such lovely enamels (red, white, and black, to name a few) and trim metals—including polished and satin brass, and polished copper—especially after a decade of stainless steel appliances ruling the market!
This outdoor and indoor furniture line provides a distinct alternative to the western definition of modern design. This lovely collection is designed and fabricated on a small island, Cebu, in the Pacific. The use of natural fibers and organic materials are locally sourced, then produced using innovative hand-made techniques, passed down from generations. The “Yoda” chairs were so unique in their design, but so comfortable to sit in! And the “Cabaret” collection presented a new “twist” (literally) on upholstered furniture. The pieces literally took my breath away, and I can see new Modern classics being born!
Trend Take-away: While contemporary furniture is very popular, I was excited to see this softer, more natural side. Modern design now has a new face. Expect more natural and organic shapes and materials from other furniture companies!
Since being introduced to this furniture line last year, I have been a big fan! This furniture company fuses “traditional” style with hip coolness. Each piece is designed in trendy Soho (New York City), then hand made in charming New England. They describe themselves as “Influenced by classic silhouettes, exceptional clothing, objects, history, and you.” I would say that their incredible hand rubbed finishes and ultra unique designs easily set them apart in the furniture industry. Tradition is easily shown, but each piece just oozes with coolness. One of my favorite pieces introduced at the AD Show was the Bar Stool no. 40, shown in a tomato leather seat and a rounded Chesterfield inspired back with nail head detail and finished in silver solid color glaze on oak. It was paired with the sleek Bar Cart no. 1, made from a North American walnut. I almost can picture Frank Sinatra sitting there, enjoying a drink with friends!
Trend Take-away: The love of mid century modern is more and more prevalent in the design world, and empowered by such hit TV shows as “Mad Men.” Even though this line is more traditional in form, it has a groovy, cool vibe to it, which I think will be seen in more and more furniture lines!
Studio M, author of this feature, is a Interior Design firm in Tampa, Florida. Michelle would love to talk to you about designing a commercial or residential space expressly for you.
You can also find a full list of all our global mentors [ who are top professional interior designers ] on our Mentors Page.
Tweet It!
Facebook It!
