The Best New Releases From NYCxDesign and Beyond
New York Design Week concluded last week after a bustling series of events. With a plethora of panels, exhibitions, soirées, and receptions staged throughout Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, attendees were treated to a sensory feast of design innovation and creativity. This marathon celebration highlighted not only the city's vibrant local design scene but also its significant presence on the global stage. The best part? Our Creative Director and Procurement Manager, Samuel Clarke, and National Sales Manager, Lauren Hardy, were there to witness everything firsthand.
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Drawing an international crowd of over 300,000 visitors, New York Design Week sets the stage for a captivating journey through the realm of design. Complementing this bustling event, we ventured into the dynamic world of contemporary design at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). Whilst smaller in scope than Milan Design Week, the ICFF offers a distinct perspective, providing an alternative insight into the global design landscape.
Be inspired and dive into our top trend forecasts for the upcoming season below!
Cork
In the realm of furniture and interior design, cork has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once associated with traditional earthy tones, cork has now taken on a bold new identity with the emergence of rich, dark brown hues. This shift from the familiar 70s orange to deeper, more sophisticated shades has opened up exciting possibilities for designers seeking to infuse spaces with warmth and character. With its natural texture and eco-friendly appeal, cork in dark browns adds a touch of organic elegance to contemporary spaces, making it a standout trend in the ever-evolving world of design.
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Stainless Steel and Chrome
Stainless steel and chrome have long been celebrated for their sleek and modern aesthetic, making a bold statement in contemporary interiors. From minimalist chairs to striking table legs, these metallic finishes add a touch of sophistication and shine to any space. With their reflective surfaces, stainless steel and chrome elements effortlessly enhance the visual appeal of furniture pieces, creating an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.
Recycled plastics, composite/reclaimed stone, recycled fibers, and biopolymers were design materials of choice; their clever use and appropriation were definite head-turners this season. Transparency in product life-cycle was a refreshing uptake in most production houses, and many of these brands also presented their works using recycled materials in imaginative ways.
Crystalline Colour
Cast resin (both synthetic and natural), glass and other crystalline materials were used thoughtfully and playfully this season. Instantly eye-catching, their bright colour and light-filtering qualities had an uplifting, almost ethereal, effect. Their transparency explores dimensions of colour, depth and light. Bright, rich and almost edible-looking, these pieces provided bold moments inspiring joy and a sense of wellbeing.
Neotenic Proportions
In line with the ‘more is more’ approach of recent post-modernist trend revivals, playful, oversized and voluptuous shapes created energetic and uplifting design moments. This design trend turns conventional ideals on their head and leaves you with a smile and an appreciation for the reimagined. After several emotionally taxing years on a global scale, this playful design trend provides much needed light-heartedness.
Multi-sensory experiences
As a means to influence mood and wellbeing, and offer thought-provoking and emotive experiences, designers considered all senses in their experiential design and indulged in the theatre of events and their ability to take you away. Our five senses are our primary means of interpreting the world, and in addition to the sight and touch provided by physical design at the show, our sense of smell, sound, and even taste were appealed to in much of this season’s presentations. Custom-designed fragrances were diffused, emotive soundscapes played and complimentary flavours served as part of this comprehensive approach to the experience.
Be sure to follow Valiant’s Creative Team as they travel the globe seeking, identifying, and curating the perfect collections and styling across Events, Residential Interiors, and Workplace Hire.
