This was our first year at Architectural Digest Home Design Show and we were like children in a candy shop – tons of interesting and exciting designs that grabbed our attention! ADHDS is one of the largest design shows in USA and in its 14th annual iteration, the show returned this spring to Manhattan’s Pier 92 and 94 from March 19 through 22. The show exhibits a convergence of top names in furniture, lighting, art, kitchen, bath, and building. It also featured hundreds of participating brands and a host of programs such as think lectures, book signings, and cocktail parties which was a pure delight for design enthusiasts like us!
Although we can talk forever about all the unique and innovative products showcased, we were particularly intrigued by the appliances and fabulous lighting on display. Being a supplier of Smeg, the appliance category was a priority for us and here are some of the upcoming trends!
Colour
Though spring had not quite sprung yet outside the walls of Pier 94 as the city got 6 inches of snow on the Friday; a sprinkling of colorful appliances in hues ranging from pastel pink to robin’s egg blue brightened up the exhibition space’s hallways. You would be forgiven to think Easter came early. Smeg was amongst the rainbow set with their vibrant toasters, ovens and ever-popular Fiat fridge. On the opposite side of the spectrum, glossy black appliances were also popping up at several booths. However it was evident that stainless steel appliances took a back seat at this year’s show.
Big Names Embrace Small Appliances
Smeg is probably best known for its retro-looking refrigerators. The Italian manufacturer is bringing the same aesthetic to its new chic line of countertop appliances, including a toaster, blender, stand mixer, and kettle. According to CEO Vittorio Bertazzoni, mint green is the most popular hue in the U.S. market, while Europeans favor cream.
The Year of Built-in Cooking Appliances
The show featured the next evolution of built-in cooking appliances from several manufacturers including Smeg. The standout built-in appliance was an “invisible” induction burner in the countertop itself. The induction system is underneath the countertop and works through it with the controls built into the cabinet under the countertop. Although Smeg’s introductions weren’t as extreme, they did introduce their newest induction hob and award winning Victoria styled built-in wall ovens.
The design of appliances has certainly come a long way – not only were our eyes satisfied but the various cooking demonstrations kept our stomachs content too!
On to lighting and it did not disappoint! Word on the street is that this year it was a well-represented category at the show. We were captivated so many but here is our stand-out picks.
David D’Imperio designs and manufactures a collection of sculptural lighting and is an innovator in linear suspension lighting as an art form. His work lies in a place where the organic world meets the mechanical, where geometry and mathematical order meet the abstract. D’Imperio’s pieces are noted for their inventive design, simplified without the clutter of interconnecting wires. His lights seem to defy gravity as they hang from thin cables.
Delightfull! The company names says it all. If you are a lover of design and beautiful objects, Delightfull’s unique collection will be sure to please. It is full of a broad selection of high quality lighting designs, versatile enough for many types of atmospheres and spaces. Each masterpiece is excellently handcrafted with passion and devotion.
The extremely talented duo of Jean and Oliver Pelle and founders of Pelle Designs creates objects and design for the modern age by merging architectural practice and pristine craftwork. We were wowed from the get-go but it was the bubble chandelier that intrigued us most. The Bubble Chandeliers are delicate and airy compositions of luminous glass globe clusters. It artfully combines PELLE’s signature material palette of cotton and leather cording with blown-glass globes.
And that wraps up part 1 of the ADHDS! Stay tuned for our next blog which will share some of the most unique designs and products seen at the show!