new York design week was a blur of parties at showrooms up and down Manhattan, from SoHo and the emerging NoHo design district, to the Meatpacking district and even the upper east Side, as people came out to schmooze and support designers and launches. (Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with those blurry pics.) While the week’s cause célèbre, the annual international contemporary furniture Fair, was smaller than in years past, it wasn’t short of inspiring ideas and cool designs. here are a few things that caught my eye.    

1. Exotic style

New York showroom Amaridian, in association with design Africa, featured a collection of pieces by emerging African Designers.

I loved the colours, shapes and patterns. The chandeliers and sleek hanging chair/hammock, above, attracted a lot of attention.

Nearby, Canadian designer Patty Johnson presented furniture, lighting and accessories made in collaboration with Caribbean designers. like a lot of other designs at the show, they were rendered in bright, upbeat, nearly neon colours.

2. Florence Broadhurst Rugs

Patterns by the popular textile designer launched as carpets last year. new designs debuting this year include The Crane print, above.

3. Eco chic

Philadelphia-based Iannone showed new patterns for their environmentally friendly case goods. These had me humming Oh Canada.

4. statement Lighting

I pointed out in my previous blog post that new lighting company Roll & hill would be launching designs by Andy Spade’s Partners & Spade. In Spade’s signature style, this monogram lamp hits just the ideal note of preppy nostalgia. 

A few aisles over, Spain’s LZF Lamps wowed with a dramatic grouping of its flower shaped, bentwood Agatha lights.

But this homage to Jeff Koons was my surprise favourite. From Thelermont Hupton, it’s both silly and perfect.

5. walls & Woolies

Trove launched a voyeuristic new wallpaper that repeats an actual archive image snapped of an audience in Venice’s storied La Fenice opera house. Hang it wherever the drama happens. 

I became obsessed with these stunning textiles from Spain’s Teixidors. They don’t have a distributor in Canada, but they’re a good enough excuse to hop the Atlantic.

Be sure to look for a lot more ICFF finds in the fall issues of house & Home!

Photo credits:1-4. Kimberley Brown5. Cadrys6a. Trees graphic Nightstand, Iannone6b. Trees graphic Dresser, Iannone7-9. Kimberley Brown10. Fuoco wallpaper, Trove11a. Hydra cushions, Teixidors11b. Boí blankets, Teixidors