Best of Show: Architectural Digest Home Design Show, Part I.

As readers of our blog and other channels, we hope you have been enjoying our pre- and post-show coverage of the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. Most of you already are aware our team has been working to feature select companies and products in our two article series. These include the “Sneak Peek” profiles prior to the event, which took place in New York City last month, and our new “Best of Show” series, first addressed in the article entitled, “The Best of Beautiful Design from NYC,” dated March 25.

Today we commence with a well-researched and collaborative review of some of the very best the show had to offer trade and consumer attendees. For those not having had the pleasure of seeing the show first-hand – as well as media members seeking content and articles for your own magazines and websites – follow our multi-part “Best of Show” article series now through early May.

With real estate still flat for the most part, homeowners are renovating and redesigning their current homes at increasing percentages. Product manufacturing experts and retailers of lifestyle inventories agree that consumers are spending more time, thought and budgets on the re-creation of existing living spaces. They are staying in their homes longer, yet giving them fresh new styles by adding furnishings, art, accessories, kitchens, appliances, and more. The effect is an again-growing Home and Design Industry, whereas supply and demand are showing positive signs of balance. The result involves expert companies in the trade producing and showcasing the best of the best for home design. So begins our “Best of Show” reviews…

The Tortoise Commode, designed by Christian Lyon for Matsuoka International, is a one-of-a-kind casegood. The piece was inspired by an amber and dark brown tortoise shell the artist had seen several years before constructing the commode. Christian spotted the Zebrano veneer at the Matsuoka International factory, which resembled the image of the tortoise, capturing the spirituality and beauty of the animal. The Tortoise Commode is beautifully designed with an Asian theme, ideal for traditional or modern interior design spaces. Its essence is perfect craftsmanship very much like that of superior art, yielding a piece that is both functional and conversational for those fortunate enough to own one. To view more furnishings from Matsuoka International, visit the company’s website at www.matsuokainternational.com.

Sun Valley Bronze’s Goose Neck Faucet is timeless. Precision machining and superior components ensure exceptional functionality and durability. Made from only the highest quality grade bronze, the Goose Neck Faucet is available in white or silicon bronze. Featuring world class craftsmanship, this faucet from Sun Valley Bronze is available in several choices of elegant patina finishes. Designers will find it of high interest to their clientele. The Cremone Bolts, also from Sun Valley Bronze, are a beautiful way to accessorize a door or gate. They are available in passage, dummy, patio, and entry functions. Any escutcheon design can be used on the exterior side of the door. Cremone bolts are available in any length. Like possibly no other feature we saw at the show, these bolts will provide a warm and welcoming sense of place for thresholds to beautiful rooms and spaces. For additional information on Sun Valley Bronze products and accessories, visit the company’s website at www.sunvalleybronze.com.

This energy-saving, environmentally safe Grando rigid pool cover from CoverTech is a new and innovative design, one that caught our eye and those of both trade and consumer show attendees. With enhanced safety features and clean lines, Grando is the future of pool covers. A main reason for this is the fact the rigid-slatted covers float right on the water, which keeps evaporation to a minimal level. Additionally, the Grando pool covers do not slide out of place. Instead, they are designed with a locking mechanism using plastic moldings and stainless steel pins to secure them, preventing leaves and other particles to creep into the pool year round. Uniquely, this German-made pool cover can be custom designed to fit any pool shape. For additional information on these state-of-the-art pool covers, visit www.poolcovertech.com.

Heritage Metalworks showcased a traditional hanging lantern made from a symphony of glass and paktong, an ancient non-tarnishing metal with a golden-silver hue. The company created the Meta Lantern from a design by Matali Crasset. At first look, the distinct personality the lantern portrays takes the breath away for a moment, making a design statement that is quite memorable. Designers will find this lantern of particular applicability when seeking a dramatic way to bring light to a home’s foyer or dining room. Preferred to modern float glass because of its intricate details, the Meta Lantern is made up of 102 different shapes of paktong, which meticulously hold the hand-blown glass panes. It is lit by an internal pendant made from hand-blown, milk-white glass in a style and shape purposely reminiscent of the glass encasement. The lantern is suspended by a paktong chain with a unique repeating link, designed to obscure the flex. It is a unique counterpart to other designer lanterns, sconces, chandeliers, and various lighting pieces the company creates, including the Maker’s Mark Collection, which was also displayed at the show.

Heritage Metalworks’ Matt White, the company’s creative leader, and his colleagues are quickly making a name for their company as one of the nation’s top metal design and fabrication specialists. Readers can learn more information about the paktong Meta Lantern and Heritage Metalworks by visiting www.heritage-metalworks.com.

* To vote for your favorite “Best of Show” product, add your “Comments” below. Be sure to indicate the name of the product in your comment. At the end of our article series, the product with the most comments will be awarded the top “Best of Show” status.

Note: Click on the above photos to enlarge them.

~ ECPR