Laurie Gorelick: It’s Show Time

It’s show time around the world for the design industry, with shows in Germany (Heimtextil, imm cologne), Paris (Maison et Objet), Atlanta (AmericasMart), Las Vegas (Las Vegas Market) and New York (New York International Gift Fair). No wonder there is so much flu going around—everyone’s run down from this crazy show schedule. I risked it this past weekend to take in the New York International Gift Fair, a show that draws vendors and buyers from around the globe for the best in home, lifestyle and gift wares. This was my second time attending the show, giving me a sharper eye for recognizing first-time exhibitors, new line extensions and trends among the multitude of home furnishing products.

With sub-freezing temperatures outside, I found myself instantly drawn to furnishings that evoked summer and coastal vibes. Mr. Brown, the eclectic offshoot from the traditional-with-a-twist British furniture line, Julian Chichester, debuted new pieces in their white rustic pine wood finish. Almost opaque, this white-washed finish—on tables and case goods in heavily-grained wood with contemporary silhouettes—suits the informality of beach-side homes.

One trend that was prominent at the show in home textiles was the color indigo. In pillows and bedding, this color adds depth and an indigenous flair. I would easily pair these items with Mr. Brown’s white rustic pine pieces in a coastal New England vacation home for a fresh take on the traditional nautical color palette.

LuRu Home was a great find at this year’s show. Their indigo-only line uses an ancient Chinese dyeing process called nankeen to create pillows and table linens in a myriad of patterns. Only six families in China remain who know how to do this special technique, and LuRu Home works with two of them to produce their distinctive textiles.

Another unique find in the shade was this indigo calligraphy fabric from Design Legacy, here shown on their Dexter chair. I love the way this fabric melds a bold graphic, global pattern with the rich indigo colorway.

My attraction to all things coastal led me to new wall decor and tabletop accessories. I’ve been drawn to three-dimensional sculptural pieces for the wall as an alternative to two-dimensional displays. I like these Square Driftwood wall art pieces in white introduced by Gold Leaf Design Group for their texture and contrast.

These ceramic Zinnias and sea flowers, also by Gold Leaf, provide a similar impact on table tops.

Thinking again of enjoying warm weather outdoors, I was so impressed with the new indoor/outdoor New American collection from Berkshires-based Annie Selke. Known for the vibrant array of color she brings to bedding, rugs and home textiles in Pine Cone Hill, Dash & Albert Rug Company and Annie Selke Home products, Annie now imbues that same color saturation in performance-based pillows and poufs for outdoors. The nautical palette perfectly suits the backyards, poolsides and marinas of our New England coastline. But I could see the bright chevrons, stripes and floral embroideries in any warm outdoor environment. For that matter, I would use them indoors when there’s a need for high performance furnishings (think kids’ rooms, kitchens and playrooms).

What’s a visit to the Gift Show without seeing what New England Home editor, Stacy Kunstel, has created with photographer and Dunes and Duchess partner, Michael Partenio. I love that they’ve introduced simpler single spindle fixtures like the Cupcake and Modern Sconces and the Single Spindle Chappy Chandy. These single spindle options suit spaces of modest proportions, like bathrooms, entry vestibules and hallways. The Single Spindle Chappy Chandy is just so versatile: I’d use it in a breakfast area, a girl or teen’s bedroom, a foyer or over a game table.

I look to the gift show to discover new vendors that add that touch of the unexpected to keep my designs fresh and unpredictable. At this show, my find was Tommy Mitchell, an artist and sculptor who transforms gilded metals into sculptural pieces and then incorporates them into wall décor and occasional tables. The table below features a hand-crafted medallion of gilded tin encased in acrylic and mounted on a gilded steel base. The table is both functional and art. Besides the medallion, Tommy does butterflies and “brussel sprouts†in the same fashion.

I’ll have more finds from the New York International Gift Fair on my blog at lauriegorelickinteriors.com. With so many vendors and so many products, it’s hard to fit all the great finds in one post. For that matter, it’s virtually impossible to come home empty handed.

-Laurie Gorelick 

Laurie Gorelick is a New England-based interior designer whose practice focuses on residential and hospitality spaces. With over fifteen years of experience, Laurie’s designs have appeared in print and digital media and several show houses including the most recent 2012 Junior League of Boston Show House. Her blog, which she began one year ago, has been recognized by House Beautiful magazine and voted as one of the top interior design blogs. To learn more about Laurie Gorelick Interiors and read the blog, please visit lauriegorelickinteriors.com