Blu Dot Furniture

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I’ve just returned from five days in New York, where I took in the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

The ICFF is one of the two marquee modern furnishing shows held abroad each year. The larger Milan show takes place earlier in the spring; New York’s is where the leading lights of furniture design show their wares to the thousands of retailers, designers and architects who fly in for the event. The air crackles with industry and deal-making.

Design-wise, I’d been feeling listless, and I went to the show looking for a tonic. And while I found much of the edge and innovation I was seeking, the pieces that most that excited me were simple and beautiful, with broad market appeal.

Here’s a selection of my favourites. I’m looking forward to using them all this year. (I have no commercial relationships with any of these vendors.) Since ICFF is for industry types, the pieces below may not yet be priced – or even released. If any catch your fancy, visit the company website or speak to a retailer near you.

Lithophane Hanging Lamps by Lladro

Widely known for fine figurines, the Spanish company Lladro has carried its porcelain expertise into interior lighting. The result is clearly delightful. This series of delicate pendant lights distinguished itself from any other lights I saw at ICFF. Their teacup form is playful, with the whimsy underscored by the apparent fineness of the porcelain.

Where I’d use it: Two of them over a condo-sized kitchen island or above the vanity in a quirky powder room. www.lladro.com

Dang Media by Blu Dot

This media cabinet has great character and makes a refreshing move away from the generic dark lacquer you see too often. The Dang’s retro feel is articulated by the perforated panels, which allows remote controls to work – and AV equipment to stay cool – with the doors closed. The army grey is conservative, but Blu Dot’s designers took well-calculated risks with the brass pulls and feet. I love it.

Where I’d use it: In almost any room of any home, modern or traditional. www.bludot.com

Wingback Chair by James

This mid-century inspired wingback is sultry, well made, and comfortable. The handmade chairs come in a double seat, opening up the potential for a sensuous settee in a room designed for repose. For colours, you simply can’t beat the classic black leather on walnut.

Modern Furniture from Blu Dot | Seeking Designers

Blu Dot furniture was founded by John Christakos, Charles Lazor, and Maurice Blanks. The firm began as a loose collaboration of three college friends trained in architecture and art, based on the premise that design should be affordable. The partners chose furniture as the subject of interest and opened a studio and operations in Minneapolis in 1996. Blu Dot has begun to realize their vision with a collection of over 40 furniture pieces that are both elegantly abstract and unambiguously functional.

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