This week was a whirlwind for me as I spent several days immersed in the international design world at WantedDesign in Manhattan. Launched in 2011, WantedDesign is an innovative international design conference founded by Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat. Its mission is to bring together members of the design community from New York City and beyond to foster dialogue and encourage partnerships.
What inspires me the most is how the conference’s programming pushes the envelope, opening conversations about new innovations and ideas that are shaking up the industry. Every May, the event serves as an inspiring meeting point for designers, manufacturers, buyers, distributors, craftspeople, and all design lovers. This year’s conference was no exception and allowed me to swap ideas with some of the greatest minds in the design industry while solidifying partnerships. I have no doubt that the relationships I built at WantedDesign will greatly benefit my clients and enhance my designs. Here are just a few of my favorite finds.
Eileen Fisher Designwork
“According to a new report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry’s current ‘take-make-dispose” system creates greenhouse gas emissions of 1.2 billion tonnes a year—that’s “more than those of all international flights and maritime shipping combined.’” * Eileen Fisher’s Designwork seeks to counter the industry’s destructive behavior by using recycled materials to create works of art in the form of pillows, wall-hangings, art, and even clothing. This inspiring endeavor speaks to our industry’s awareness that change is vital and sustainability is a must.
Fresh From Brazil
Brazilian furniture harnesses everything I love about minimalist design and sustainability. In the Fresh From Brazil exhibit, I was able to interact with artful designs that combine straight, strong lines and luxurious, yet substantial wood. In addition, lighting, accessories, and household products were shown that will enhance my minimalist designs, or provide a resting place for necessary, meditative objects in my sanctuaries.
NJ interiors
NJ Interiors presents Nature in 2018. A Florence, Italy based company, NJ Interiors turns natural materials into wallpapers, handles and drawer-pulls. Thanks to NJ Interiors, everyday objects take on new forms, enhancing even the most mundane piece of a home or commercial space with a surprising natural element. This adventurous brand breathes new life into the often overlooked earthly objects that surround us.
Alessi
A company founded on the concept of striking a balance between artful design and consumer demands, Alessi reliably achieves functional, yet fairytale-like designs, Alessi creates home accessories, domestic appliances, and even jewelry. However, Alessi’s presence at WantedDesign was about their Five Seasons line of home fragrances. These beautiful fragrances add a luxurious layer to the design of a home, tapping into the sense of smell as a client interacts with his or her environment.
Jill Malek
Wallpaper is coming back into the design space in a big way, and it’s no longer just a simple way to round out a design with some texture and color. Thanks to designers like Jill Malek, wallcoverings are upscale, customizable and add unexpected texture to a design. Integrating these artful coverings will allow me to gently guide my clients to explore more adventurous elements.
Istanbul Design Collective
Turkish design is breathtaking, and the Istanbul Design Collective, curated by Füsun Eczacıbaşı and Koray Duman taught me a great deal about what is happening in the Turkish design world. From innovative design to harnessing of surprising materials and impeccable craftsmanship, Turkish designers are now among my favorite to access when I’m searching for a unique, global treasure, like this piece by Fy-shan Glass Studio.
New Discoveries Mean New Innovations in Laurence Carr Design projects.
I cannot wait to start incorporating my favorite finds into my designs. To be among the first to take advantage of these new relationships and allow me to incorporate them into a custom design for your home or commercial space, contact us here.
