Showcasing a cross section of art and architecture, BKLYN DESIGNS is the first of four major shows that comprise the month-long NYCxDESIGN extravaganza. Founded by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce in 2003 to highlight the borough’s bustling creative economy, the show continues to serve as an incubator for emerging designers as well as a platform for established brands, producing a range of products across furniture, lighting, tableware, art, textiles, and jewelry. From May 6 to 8, the show attracted over 7,000 design industry professionals and design-savvy consumers at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint.
Assembly Line
SLAB is the inaugural series from Assembly Line, a new product brand from Brooklyn architecture and interiors firm General Assembly. With a minimal form rooted in the equilibrium of two elements, the arm and base are designed to balance against each other with no need of outside support. The LED desk lamp available in two metal finishes (polished brass and oil rubbed bronze) and two marble base options. http://genassembly.com
Bolé Road Textiles
Inspired by a trip to southern Ethiopia, the new Konso collection by Bole Road Textiles mirrors the vibrant stripes and colourful trim found on women’s skirts in the namesake region. The collection of pillows and curtains is the company’s boldest and most colourful line yet. www.boleroadtextiles.com
Calator Design
Arbore is the first product line from Calator Design, launched by artist Leonard Ursachi at BKLYN DESIGNS. Each lamp is handmade from translucent, tinted resin cast from driftwood pulled from the East River and fallen trees rescued from Prospect Park. When the lamps are turned off, the resin reflects subtle modulations in ambient light; when on, they glow like jewels. www.calatordesign.com
De Islas
De Islas is an incredible resource for one-of-a-kind textiles. Each pattern is hand-drawn by founders Junko and Elena, creating truly unique textile designs for the home, upholstery and wardrobe. Ducks (pictured) is available on 100 per cent cotton poplin, a versatile woven fabric perfect for home decor. www.deislas.com
Think Fabricate
Suitable as a work or dining surface, the Dialogue Table from Think Fabricate is crafted from maple hardwood with eye-catching brass inlays. The geometric tabletop graphic evolved from the studio’s exploration of hexagonal forms and demonstrates its appreciation of materials and craftsmanship. The table is complemented by matching benches featuring subtle chamfered edges and visual halves connected by a brass inlay. www.thinkfabricate.com
Talbot & Yoon
Talboy & Yoon is a young firm that incorporates architectural thinking into smaller scale objects for everyday use. With a half gold mirrored bulb and base hand-cast in concrete with recycled glass aggregates, the minimal form of the Bob Lamp allows for seamless transition between small table lamp and pendant light fixture. www.talbotandyoon.com
Come Out to the Coast
These hand-cast sculptural planters, made from gypsum cement and epoxy resin, come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Apart from their unique, eye-catching surface made from found bubble wrap, they also include a highly functional, built-in drainage system. The Bubble Planters are available in white, beige, or slate. www.comeouttothecoast.com
Peg Woodworking
Peg Woodworking is a one-woman operation run by Brooklyn designer and woodworker Kate Casey. Coming from a background in sculpture, Kate began making custom furniture in 2013, incorporating elements of handmade joinery, Danish cord weaving, crochet, macramé, and shaker techniques. Her latest creation, the Euclid Bench, features a coopered white oak frame with a hand woven cotton seat that pierces the rounded legs. Patterning, cord colour and size are customizable. www.pegwoodworking.com
Sawkill & Louis Lim
Sawkill Lumber wowed visitors with its Rocking PacMan bench designed by Louis Lim. Using 400 pieces of reclaimed distillery oak, Lim created a backwards see-saw that requires two people to activate, offering a lesson in trust, balance and opposition. A portion of sales proceeds will benefit Brooklyn Woods, a wood shop job training program in Gowanus, Brooklyn. www.sawkill.nyc
