Mary Douglas Drysdale, Drysdale Inc.
“Bauformat Kitchens is a German brand with a long history in manufacturing but is newer to the U.S. market. I was impressed by the sleek lines of the cabinetry, depth of finish selection, and particularly by their opening approach to the cabinetry. Most lower cabinets open with pressure, not pulls. Since there are few pulls, the look is clean and minimal.”
Jamie Drake, Drake Design Associates
“The Cubist, architectural vases of Piet Hein Eek, shown at the Future Perfect, are superbly sculptural. Harking back to early-20th-century Austrian designs, the crisp silhouettes are elegant, and the bold scale makes a big statement.”
Thomas Hamel, Thomas Hamel & Associates
“The hanging light from David D’Imperio lighting has a sculptural, almost origami form. The lightness of material is a nice departure from heavier forms of metal lighting, and the pierced and shaped metal panels create a translucent quality. They are the perfect illumination for above bars or islands.”
John Barman, John Barman Inc.
“The ceramic occasional tables by RS Ceramics could be very effective in the right setting.”
Matthew Patrick Smyth, Matthew Patrick Smyth Inc.
“I am a fan of Voutsa founder George Venson’s work because he is not motivated by trends or influenced by what else is happening in the industry. He moves on what inspires him at the moment. He is always evolving and someone to keep an eye on! His work is beautifully crafted yet has a subtle sense of humor. I especially like the Ballets Russes and Grecian Urn wallpaper collection.”
Brian McCarthy, Brian J. McCarthy, Inc.
“Like Sister Parish, I love a patchwork and so am easily drawn to Piet Hein Eek’s table that was shown at the Future Perfect.”
Brian Graybill, Graybill DDB
“I’m constantly looking for art for second homes that is reasonably priced. These images at Barloga Studios are created on a laser printer but have a pen-and-ink quality to them.”
Ellie Cullman, Cullman & Kravis
“Ping-Pong tables are usually an eyesore and are often relegated to the basement in most projects. This dynamite table—made of glass with metal components—would be a showstopper in any modern room. But because the table is translucent, it does not dominate. Chameleon-like, this table can be used in traditional settings as well.”
Brad Ford, Brad Ford ID
“I’ve followed Asher Israelow’s work for some time and was really excited to see his new sling chair. It’s a fresh take on a classic design, and the details are quite handsome.”
Stephanie Goto, Stephanie Goto Design Group
“My inner race-car driver loves the Ligne Roset Parachute. I am attracted to the use of lines to express structure and imply lightness and surface. This to me is the new modern.”
Steven Gambrel, S. R. Gambrel Inc.
“James Lowther of the Lacquer Company does a line for us, but I liked the line he did for Flair in dark lacquer and brass. They had wide banded edges in brass with bolt details. There were side tables that cleverly fit within the console, which was graphic and alluring.”
Thom Filicia, Thom Filicia Inc.
“I’m a big fan of the hand-painted indigo rug from Avo. I love the juxtaposition between that natural cowhide, with its always unique organic shape, and the graphic hand-painted pattern. It creates a beautiful balance that I find both modern and timeless, creating an artful and earthy sophistication.”
David Rockwell, Rockwell Group
“One of my favorite items at this year’s AD Home Design Show was the Bicicleta rug by Nanimarquina featured in the Karkula booth. The rug is made from hand-loomed recycled inner tubes. I love how it can transform a floor into a highly textured surface in a playful, handcrafted way.”
Tom Kligerman, Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects
“Empire Safe supplies custom-size, elegant safes in what appeared to be any color of the rainbow. The interiors are completely customizable in beautiful woods and metals of your choice. I had a vision of a safe plated entirely in brushed nickel, inside and out—an oversize version of the polished metal watches residing within.”
Basil Walter, BWArchitects
“Our clients increasingly collect a wider range of periods and styles in their artwork and furnishings, which can create real challenges in balancing the decor of a room. I see the Gem cocktail table by Debra Folz Design as just the sort of piece that could bring together a traditional sofa and modern rug, or vice versa, with an elegant lightness.”