New York Gift Show: Style Savvy Animal Lovers

Today begins my New York Gift Show recap, as I charge my way through the halls on the hunt for great products! Whether I am looking for my design clients or great finds to share with you here on the blog, I am so excited to say that only after the 1st day I have found some real great treats.


As the usual coverage of the NYIGF tends to start with the brands that we all know and love, this time I thought I would shake things up a bit, and begin in reverse - with some fantastic young brands or ones a little less main stream.



Although we don't have animals in our home (3 kids is enough !) I grew up with my fair share of dogs, cats and small furry pets that parents don't care for all that much. Also, as a designer, it is always so difficult to find ways to incorporate the much needed panoply of items that the animals of my client's families need - for food, drink and comfort.

So, you can just imagine how excited I was when I came across this stand - Harry Barker.








Caution: This is only for the VERY Stylish animal lover!

Harry Barker is the brain child of ex-model Carol Perkins. As she dealt with overcoming a life threatening brain tumor, Carol took to her kitchen counter and began creating dog beds, toys and robes for friends as a form of therapy - and so, Harry Barker was born and with Carol’s beloved Super-Sheltie namesake.

For the contemporary design scheme, what more could you ask for. Black and White, great graphics, and simply fitting for a well designed home to have design conscious Dog Food containers like these.

For the classic design scheme and a little old school .. with a little "toile-de-jouy" inspired Dog Heaven..

From Doggy Beds ....

to Doggy Toys...

These products committed to great style, but also on remaining environmentally friendly, with the use of materials such as Hemp Beds and Toys which are made with recycled fill inserts.

Colorful doggy toys..."Eco-Friendly", non toxic and made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastics, earth-friendly fabrics and dyes.

Even these bags are biodegradable with recycled dispensers

As I was going through this post, I remembered a post from last year that struck a chord with so many of you, and ended up as one of my most "pinned posts" - Attention All Animal Lovers! with Doggy Caravans in abundance.. Head on over to that post too in case you missed it -> Here.

If you want to get a head start on the holidays..

Why not gift your dog this holiday season?

Or if you are looking for a great hostess gift - if they are dog lovers, what could be sweeter than offering them a personalized gift basket like this one?

So have you started shopping yet?

DAP 360: NY Gift Show - DAY 2 - Trend Alert

This Dec-a-Porter 360* takes another look at the New York Gift Show at the Javits Center.

There is nothing that makes me feel more inspired and energized than that of the hustle & bustle of a trade fair. Especially with everything we have been hearing and seeing about the world's economy, I left Day 2 at NYGIF feeling a sense of optimism. Wading through the heavy traffic in each aisle, once I entered a stand it really did look like they were selling..
Fingers crossed that things are looking up!


So today I felt I would focus on some of the TRENDS I spotted throughout the show...I am a Traditionalist at heart so I can't help but feel excited about an obvious swing back to contemporary interpretations of a more traditional style through form and finish.

I do think that alot of that has to do with us spending more time at home - staycations and all - and wanting a designer version of "Comfort Food" we want to feel cozy at home.


Let's call it "Comfort Design".


GOLD:
So starting off with the warmer hues in finishes. Not the glitzy version (although who doesn't love a little bling here and there) but more of an Etruscan Gold finish on furniture.

Regina Andrew Travertine / Metal tables; Jayes "Caddy"; Tritter Feefer new Greta Table.
For Pricing, Please send an email

Tozai  - A selection of Gold tones, Warm Hues and Pattern with Traditional Form

HANDMADE:
I definitely spotted alot of yarn/wool handmade ottomans like those from my post last week, but I was especially drawn to handmade blown glass.

These hand blown glass vases are stunning in these smoky, sexy hues.
Images via BOREALIS STUDIOS.

"Grow" Light, Happy Kiss and Gong Lighting from CALEB SIEMON
The Grow light especially caught my eye - creative new spin on the hanging planter.
All images via web/brochure.

NATURE & ANIMALS:
Nature and natural elements abound.
Animal busts in every shape, size, color and material which I mentioned DAY 1's post, but here are 2 examples where Nature does not mean rustic but instead a more
Stylised, Chic, Clean. approach

Great attention to detail was placed on framing and layout. Vivid Colors, Strong graphic statements
All examples of PHEROMONE collection
Images via Pheromone website

Tozai's (Two's Company) Ceramic Animal Busts

VIVID COLORS:
Lastly I leave you with two examples of how to bring in some vivid colors into your home.

Alexandra von Furstenberg's: Treasure & Limited edition Gem Box

SELETTI's Trip Furniture Collection

Revamp an old armoire (very important to have some interest in shape and form, like in this example) or just add a pop of color with a small accessory.

There will be more in detail posts of my NYGIF finds over the next few weeks - but for now, enjoy your final few days of summer.

DAP 360: Attention Animal Lovers

Last sunday, I watched in awe as CBS Morning covered some outrageous Designer Homes..not another well designed home for a starlet or the very rich & famous,

but instead for their animals!

It is official, our animals have truly become members of the family with their own designer homes...

Some fabulous ideas - where architects, industrial designers and simply creative minds have been hard at work to bring our pets new "BARK-tubulous" homes...

Image via CBS NEWS Online
Trent Tesch, of Kohn Pedersen Fox, in New York Design

this round, snail like shape, mimicks the circular motion of the dogs...with a little touch of grass on the top! Hopefully, it doesn't need any watering.

and for the cat lovers out there...

Images via Modern Cat

I just couldn't resist adding this one..The pink pod is too delicious!

this is a birds eye view of Manhattan with a difference...

Designer "Green" Chicken Coop

and for those of you that want a little "retro" look...

 

Camping anyone?