Over 25,000 people attended the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York last month. Although it was much smaller than the Salone del Mobile in Milan, it had its share of innovation to share with the world, but on a much cozier scale. While the Milan show was very Italian-oriented, the ICFF was more worldly in terms of exhibitors. Here are some of the most interesting pieces:

Antipode Planter by Essenze: This upside-down indoor planter designed by New Zealand designer Patrick Morris was probably one of the first things that caught my eye at the show. The planter suspends from a hanging system, allowing plants to grow downward. Watering the plants is quite easy — plants may be watered from the top and water flow is then regulated to avoid overwatering. Not all types of plants can grow this way; it’s best to grow light fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowering annuals and perennials. Priced at $390 each.

The company that represents Mr. Morris’ designs, Essenze, also represents other New Zealand-based designers. Check them out!
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Over 25,000 people attended the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York last month. Although it was much smaller than the Salone del Mobile in Milan, it had its share of innovation to share with the world, but on a much cozier scale. While the Milan show was very Italian-oriented, the ICFF was more worldly in terms of exhibitors. Here are some of the most interesting pieces:

Antipode Planter by Essenze: This upside-down indoor planter designed by New Zealand designer Patrick Morris was probably one of the first things that caught my eye at the show. The planter suspends from a hanging system, allowing plants to grow downward. Watering the plants is quite easy — plants may be watered from the top and water flow is then regulated to avoid overwatering. Not all types of plants can grow this way; it’s best to grow light fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowering annuals and perennials. Priced at $390 each.

The company that represents Mr. Morris’ designs, Essenze, also represents other New Zealand-based designers. Check them out!

reiHuggable by Diana Lin: This Boulder, Colorado based designer’s huggable pillows is a series of 12 LED lights embedded with silicone bubbles wrapped with a furry pillow cover. They are visually appealing and can be great conversational pieces. The lights run on 4 AA batteries that can last for about four hours. Lights may be turned off at any time by pulling a chain at one end of the pillow. Comes in white, pink or gold. Priced at $160 each.

Normann Copenhagen: Before the show I have never heard of this company, but after the show I became a fan — perhaps it’s because Scandinavian designs are typically simple yet functional. These Butterfly Can Openers are just that — you would think not much could be done to such a simple item, yet the design is appealing and ergonomic. Designed by Marianne Britt Jørgensen and Rikke Hagen. Comes in eight different colors. Priced at 13.75€ each (approximately US$21).

There are also other great products on their website, such as their money clips, pill boxes, key hangers and credit card holders from their new “Move” accessories collection.

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