This past week I had the opportunity to attend the Architectural Digest Design Show in Manhattan. Of course, going to Manhattan is a treat in and of itself, but it’s been several years since I attended, so I was pretty excited to see the latest in what the show had to offer. Oh and I simply can’t just attend and keep it to myself, so here I am to share ideas and inspiration!
But first, this is the AD Show
The Architectural Digest show is a 4-day show featuring interior design (furniture, textiles), kitchen and bath, builders and contractors, and artworks – with booths showing everything from curated pieces to established manufacturers – for the purpose of connecting with potential new clients as well as educating trade professionals with an abundance of interior design/trade seminars. There might even be a bit of grandstanding going on, but hey, I’d be tooting my own horn if I had art like this too!
Now in its 17th year, the Architectural Digest Design Show draws approximately 40,000 design aficionados to interact with incredible design displays from more than 400 brands.
Posted on Architectural Digest landing page – 2018
To inspire your creative mind
I couldn’t take photos of all of the booths, but I did my best to cover a wide range of what you would see at the show. There really is so much it’s even difficult to really get immersed in every booth. I find that ventures like this get me out of my everyday normal pattern, which helps open up my creative mind. And second, I see the beautiful work of wildly inventive minds that are so talented and find that I have fluid sketching sessions after such exposure. Now to be clear, I’m not sketching what I saw, but I sketch because I saw so many things that opened up that creative portal in my mind. It makes the flight home go by pretty quick too!
So take a deep breath and open your mind and look for ways to be inspired by this montage of photos from AD 2018!
Above: ANOMA offers natural stone slabs, yes natural stone, embellished as dimensional panels in amazing patterns. “Drawing inspiration from the elements that surround us” is a quote you’ll see when you explore their website, which showcases their extraordinary abilities.
Candy-colored art displays, and glitzy glam too!
Sub-Zero showcased some golden bling as well:
Desaturated neutrals in lighting and decor:
“Walk on Art” CASTELLUXE custom rugs could make me forego furniture altogether!
Above: Color statements were expressed even in large appliances! I think I would just have to display that Hestan grill…too pretty to mess it up!
But I’m all in knots trying to figure out how this one started! (Is this what we call knotty?!)
And speaking of tea…
Above: Dimensional art in mono-color schemes – very striking! (By Justin Teilhet)
And so many wonderfully unique lighting displays!
But that’s not all…
Design for emotion: Pyro Lave
A RARE AND NATURAL STONE
Extracted from the Volvic region in the Natural Park of the Auvergne Volcanos, Pyrolave lava stone carries with it all the nobility and power of Nature.
Rocky Mountain Hardware has always been near to my heart, and these are just a few of the reasons why…
And just when you think you’ve seen it all…here we have TileBar’s amazing display:
Streamline hoods displayed this recirculating vent (lights were off) that is hand-painted porcelain. Seriously!! And of course, RangeCraft’s beauty of brilliant blue and brassy gold would certainly win on focal points!
The Pier Next Door
An Artistic Experience to Fight AIDS–DIFFA’s Dining by Design
Every year during the Architectural Digest Design Show, DIFFA (the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) presents Dining by Design, showcasing unbelievable, one-of-a-kind table décor created by imaginative designers from all over the country. The unique arrangements are the setting for a gala that raises funds for HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and treatment. Just look at some of the stunning creations they’ve dreamed up this year!
This Moroccan-inspired “tablescape” features Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, bold, bright Caliente.
Design Within Reach took a surrealist direction, covering their iconic modern furniture with yards of billowing cloth.
A big yellow elephant hovers above diners in this design by students from the Pratt Institute.
Hand-dyed ropes from Nepal create a loom-inspired screen in this design for The Rug Company.
Fendi Casa’s display harkens back to Pantone’s color of the year, Ultraviolet, with its rich purple walls, lilac garlands, and blue velvet.
Click here for more beautiful images and the full article on DIFFA’s beautiful displays.
I hope this week’s blog gives you some food for thought on how art can inspire your designs. I would love to hear about other great shows around the country that you’ve experienced, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Currently picking my jaw up off the floor! Debra Folz ribbon pulls for the win! Love it all! Thanks for sharing!
Ribbon Pulls were certainly artistic, but my whole heart loves the whole table from Contemporary Ecowood – and how much split and splintered wood can be salvaged utilizing this. Thanks for the photos Suzanne!