At ICFF, New Furnishings Show Off Curves and Versatility
Sensuous shapes, modular styles and natural materials were on view at the 2019 International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Erin Carlyle
May 25, 2019
Former Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes to remodel. Former Forbes real estate reporter. Fascinated by cool homes, watching the bottom line.
Former Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes... More
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York showcases new introductions in luxury furnishings, lighting and accessories from companies around the globe. Top trends at this year’s show, held May 19-22, included a focus on sumptuous seating, an emphasis on modularity and customization, and an embrace of natural materials.
More than 900 exhibitors representing 64 countries were featured this year at ICFF. The 2019 show also attracted more than 38,000 attendees, including architects, interior designers, developers and visual merchandisers. Read on to learn more about six trends on display at ICFF and to see a curated selection of new product offerings.
More than 900 exhibitors representing 64 countries were featured this year at ICFF. The 2019 show also attracted more than 38,000 attendees, including architects, interior designers, developers and visual merchandisers. Read on to learn more about six trends on display at ICFF and to see a curated selection of new product offerings.
Miles sofa by Sebastian Herkner for Wittmann
1. An Embrace of Curves
Five years ago, ICFF was dominated by Scandinavian style, one exhibitor recalled, but this year, minimalist looks were in relatively short supply. Many of the exhibitors at ICFF displayed seating with sumptuous curves that seem to embrace the sitter, often upholstered in rich fabrics like velvet. This sofa is by German designer Sebastian Herkner, who was named Designer of the Year at Maison & Objet in Paris, for the Austrian brand Wittmann.
Architect and designer Josef Hoffmann once said: “I admit everything practical and necessary, but I also think that we always have a duty to give pleasure. This joy is the principal purpose of our existence.” Herkner developed the Miles Ahead collection of sofas, chairs, armchairs and tables with this motto in mind. The Miles collection is distributed by M2L in the United States and debuted at Salone del Mobile in Milan this year.
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1. An Embrace of Curves
Five years ago, ICFF was dominated by Scandinavian style, one exhibitor recalled, but this year, minimalist looks were in relatively short supply. Many of the exhibitors at ICFF displayed seating with sumptuous curves that seem to embrace the sitter, often upholstered in rich fabrics like velvet. This sofa is by German designer Sebastian Herkner, who was named Designer of the Year at Maison & Objet in Paris, for the Austrian brand Wittmann.
Architect and designer Josef Hoffmann once said: “I admit everything practical and necessary, but I also think that we always have a duty to give pleasure. This joy is the principal purpose of our existence.” Herkner developed the Miles Ahead collection of sofas, chairs, armchairs and tables with this motto in mind. The Miles collection is distributed by M2L in the United States and debuted at Salone del Mobile in Milan this year.
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Luke sofa by Munna
Portuguese brand Munna showed off its Luke sofa, which celebrates the curves of later Art Deco style. Luke was displayed at ICFF booth as the centerpiece in a nature-inspired palette that included blue, green and off-white.
Portuguese brand Munna showed off its Luke sofa, which celebrates the curves of later Art Deco style. Luke was displayed at ICFF booth as the centerpiece in a nature-inspired palette that included blue, green and off-white.
Becca sofa by Terry Crews for Bernhardt Design
The curvaceous new Becca collection by actor and former NFL player Terry Crews for Bernhardt Design debuted at ICFF and is named for Crews’ wife. The collection celebrates transitional architecture, which bridges modern and traditional design to create “a comfortably warm aesthetic,” according to Bernhardt, a North Carolina company. “Becca is an encapsulation of this principle because it blends soft curves that suggest emotion with modern lines that propose intellect,” Crews said.
The Becca collection includes a 98-inch-wide sofa, a 75-inch-wide settee and a club chair, and it can be customized with any Bernhardt Textiles fabric or leather, or with the customer’s own material.
The curvaceous new Becca collection by actor and former NFL player Terry Crews for Bernhardt Design debuted at ICFF and is named for Crews’ wife. The collection celebrates transitional architecture, which bridges modern and traditional design to create “a comfortably warm aesthetic,” according to Bernhardt, a North Carolina company. “Becca is an encapsulation of this principle because it blends soft curves that suggest emotion with modern lines that propose intellect,” Crews said.
The Becca collection includes a 98-inch-wide sofa, a 75-inch-wide settee and a club chair, and it can be customized with any Bernhardt Textiles fabric or leather, or with the customer’s own material.
Deep Tuft sofa by Harvey Probber (designed in 1972). Photo from M2L
2. Modularity and Customization
This year’s show included a number of seating and lighting products that feature modular pieces and the option to customize. This photo shows the Deep Tuft sofa by Harvey Probber, a 20th-century Brooklyn furniture designer credited with inventing modular seating in the 1940s. “[G]ood furniture doesn’t have to change with the seasons, leaping in and out of fashion like a woman’s hat,” Probber once said.
The Deep Tuft sofa comes in blocks that can be arranged in a variety of ways. The design is now being produced and distributed by M2L, the U.S. trade furniture source with the exclusive license to manufacture and sell Probber’s designs. M2L launched Deep Tuft in 2016.
2. Modularity and Customization
This year’s show included a number of seating and lighting products that feature modular pieces and the option to customize. This photo shows the Deep Tuft sofa by Harvey Probber, a 20th-century Brooklyn furniture designer credited with inventing modular seating in the 1940s. “[G]ood furniture doesn’t have to change with the seasons, leaping in and out of fashion like a woman’s hat,” Probber once said.
The Deep Tuft sofa comes in blocks that can be arranged in a variety of ways. The design is now being produced and distributed by M2L, the U.S. trade furniture source with the exclusive license to manufacture and sell Probber’s designs. M2L launched Deep Tuft in 2016.
Bob Home sofa by Bernstrand & Borselius for Blå Station. Photo from Scandinavian Spaces
This photo shows the Bob Home modular sofa from Blå Station (shown at ICFF in midnight blue and pale teal). The sofa is composed of modules that are just under 10¼ inches wide. Designers can choose a straight sofa, a corner sofa or an armchair, and can select the number of components they want to create various lengths. If the standard armrests are too wide, designers can choose a slimmer version that’s about 5 inches.
The contract-grade seating line is intended for residential or commercial use and sold direct to the trade. Consumers interested in the sofa for home use can purchase through a designer or dealer. Scandinavian Spaces represents and distributes Blå Station in the U.S. and Canada.
This photo shows the Bob Home modular sofa from Blå Station (shown at ICFF in midnight blue and pale teal). The sofa is composed of modules that are just under 10¼ inches wide. Designers can choose a straight sofa, a corner sofa or an armchair, and can select the number of components they want to create various lengths. If the standard armrests are too wide, designers can choose a slimmer version that’s about 5 inches.
The contract-grade seating line is intended for residential or commercial use and sold direct to the trade. Consumers interested in the sofa for home use can purchase through a designer or dealer. Scandinavian Spaces represents and distributes Blå Station in the U.S. and Canada.
Harmony sofa by Jephson Robb for Bernhardt Design
Bernhardt Design, which works with designers from around the world, debuted its new Harmony seating line by Scottish sculptor Jephson Robb. The inspiration for the collection was Robb’s own experience struggling to find products that offered versatility both in style and scale. Harmony is one solution: It offers 11,176 potential configurations.
“The idea was to present infinite possibilities based on a few simple elements. I didn’t want designers to be limited to one standard product with a predetermined scale or style, but rather give them the opportunity to compose something personal and unique,” Robb says.
Designers can customize Harmony products by choosing style, scale, cushion type, stitching detail, upholstery options and leg design. The collection comes in three distinct styles that produce looks ranging from sleek European to more classic and residential. The designs were primarily intended for commercial projects but can be obtained for residential use.
Bernhardt Design, which works with designers from around the world, debuted its new Harmony seating line by Scottish sculptor Jephson Robb. The inspiration for the collection was Robb’s own experience struggling to find products that offered versatility both in style and scale. Harmony is one solution: It offers 11,176 potential configurations.
“The idea was to present infinite possibilities based on a few simple elements. I didn’t want designers to be limited to one standard product with a predetermined scale or style, but rather give them the opportunity to compose something personal and unique,” Robb says.
Designers can customize Harmony products by choosing style, scale, cushion type, stitching detail, upholstery options and leg design. The collection comes in three distinct styles that produce looks ranging from sleek European to more classic and residential. The designs were primarily intended for commercial projects but can be obtained for residential use.
Capper lounge chairs, one with a metal base, from Phase Design
3. Palette: Blues, Green and Neutrals
In term of colors, this year’s show featured upholstered goods in blue, a sprinkling of greens, and neutrals like beige, white or gray. This image shows the new Capper collection of sofas, lounge chairs, side chairs, ottomans and bar stools from Los Angeles-based designer Reza Feiz’s Phase Design. The collection is named for the tufting across the seating and ottoman, which resembles a capped top. It debuted at ICFF in green velvet and earthy caramel nubuck. The colors are a departure from years past when Feiz focused on neutrals like black, white and gray.
Blues, in particular, were seen on upholstered pieces throughout the show. In addition to the deeper, intense hues from past seasons, some of the newer blues were softer and more grayed out, observed Jerry Helling, president and creative director at Bernhardt Design. This is in line with the color forecasting we’ve been seeing this year.
Maison & Objet: 7 Color Trends to Watch in 2019
3. Palette: Blues, Green and Neutrals
In term of colors, this year’s show featured upholstered goods in blue, a sprinkling of greens, and neutrals like beige, white or gray. This image shows the new Capper collection of sofas, lounge chairs, side chairs, ottomans and bar stools from Los Angeles-based designer Reza Feiz’s Phase Design. The collection is named for the tufting across the seating and ottoman, which resembles a capped top. It debuted at ICFF in green velvet and earthy caramel nubuck. The colors are a departure from years past when Feiz focused on neutrals like black, white and gray.
Blues, in particular, were seen on upholstered pieces throughout the show. In addition to the deeper, intense hues from past seasons, some of the newer blues were softer and more grayed out, observed Jerry Helling, president and creative director at Bernhardt Design. This is in line with the color forecasting we’ve been seeing this year.
Maison & Objet: 7 Color Trends to Watch in 2019
Verellen, Amadi and M2C Studio booth at ICFF. Photo from Verellen
Several exhibitors also displayed upholstered goods in whites, tans, grays and leathers. This photo shows an oversize sofa from Verellen, a North Carolina furniture company that primarily works in neutral tones.
Will These 9 Paint Colors Dominate Homes in 2019?
Several exhibitors also displayed upholstered goods in whites, tans, grays and leathers. This photo shows an oversize sofa from Verellen, a North Carolina furniture company that primarily works in neutral tones.
Will These 9 Paint Colors Dominate Homes in 2019?
Mikado table in French oak by Ethnicraft
4. Celebrating Natural Materials
Of course, the luxury interiors market includes beautiful wood furniture, and this year’s show was no exception. This elegant table is Belgian brand Ethnicraft’s new oval Mikado dining table, which debuted in the U.S. at ICFF after being shown this year in Paris at Maison & Objet. The table is made of solid French oak. It has a sculptural base and comes in a natural finish.
4. Celebrating Natural Materials
Of course, the luxury interiors market includes beautiful wood furniture, and this year’s show was no exception. This elegant table is Belgian brand Ethnicraft’s new oval Mikado dining table, which debuted in the U.S. at ICFF after being shown this year in Paris at Maison & Objet. The table is made of solid French oak. It has a sculptural base and comes in a natural finish.
Ostinato V dining table and Ostinato Tower cabinets by Materia
European walnut was the star material in new work debuted at ICFF from creative director Cristian Branea of Materia, based in Bucharest, Romania. Materia’s Ostinato collection includes the table and bar cabinets shown here, as well as chairs and a dining table with a quartzite top.
Ostinato refers to a repeated musical motif and here references the vertical lines applied to the table legs and cabinets. The black cabinet is stained ash. The woods are finished with oil. Branea prefers “very basic shapes and forms. The material should speak for itself,” he said.
European walnut was the star material in new work debuted at ICFF from creative director Cristian Branea of Materia, based in Bucharest, Romania. Materia’s Ostinato collection includes the table and bar cabinets shown here, as well as chairs and a dining table with a quartzite top.
Ostinato refers to a repeated musical motif and here references the vertical lines applied to the table legs and cabinets. The black cabinet is stained ash. The woods are finished with oil. Branea prefers “very basic shapes and forms. The material should speak for itself,” he said.
Meridiano wood sideboard from Ginger & Jagger
Ginger and Jagger’s new Meridiano wood sideboard features dramatic wood marquetry intended to reflect how the polarities in nature — north and south, earth and water, gravity and air — exist in harmony. This photo is of the walnut sideboard; the piece is also available in ebony or ash and in a matte or gloss finish.
Ginger and Jagger’s new Meridiano wood sideboard features dramatic wood marquetry intended to reflect how the polarities in nature — north and south, earth and water, gravity and air — exist in harmony. This photo is of the walnut sideboard; the piece is also available in ebony or ash and in a matte or gloss finish.
Machina & Manus chaise lounge in imbuia by Guto Indio da Costa
Brazilian designer Guto Indo da Costa showed this chaise lounge, which debuted at the SP-Arte fair in São Paulo in April and made its stateside debut at ICFF. The chaise, part of his Machina & Manus collection, comes in five different woods as well a limited (12-piece) edition done in imbuia, or Brazilian walnut.
Equinoctial is the distributor of the Machina & Manus collection in the U.S. The pieces are manufactured in Brazil by San German.
Brazilian designer Guto Indo da Costa showed this chaise lounge, which debuted at the SP-Arte fair in São Paulo in April and made its stateside debut at ICFF. The chaise, part of his Machina & Manus collection, comes in five different woods as well a limited (12-piece) edition done in imbuia, or Brazilian walnut.
Equinoctial is the distributor of the Machina & Manus collection in the U.S. The pieces are manufactured in Brazil by San German.
Ikonni’s flexible oak panel
One popular booth at ICFF was Ikonni, a brand that makes paneling and wraps for surfaces from cabinets to countertops to walls. This is the flexible oak panel. One side is pieces of oak; the other is plywood. A piece of fabric between the two layers gives the material its flexibility.
One popular booth at ICFF was Ikonni, a brand that makes paneling and wraps for surfaces from cabinets to countertops to walls. This is the flexible oak panel. One side is pieces of oak; the other is plywood. A piece of fabric between the two layers gives the material its flexibility.
Tulip by Anne Kyyrö Quinn
5. Multifunctional Furniture and Accessories
This year’s ICFF featured a number of products that serve a dual purpose: art that absorbs sound, seating that heats you up, task lights that charge your phone.
This image shows one of Anne Kyyrö Quinn’s handcrafted designs. Made from textured wool felt, the designs absorb sound. “It’s functional art,” Quinn said at the show.
5. Multifunctional Furniture and Accessories
This year’s ICFF featured a number of products that serve a dual purpose: art that absorbs sound, seating that heats you up, task lights that charge your phone.
This image shows one of Anne Kyyrö Quinn’s handcrafted designs. Made from textured wool felt, the designs absorb sound. “It’s functional art,” Quinn said at the show.
WoOL Amsterdam’s acoustic hanging. Photo by Hugo Thomassen
This photo shows a wool felt panel from WoOL Amsterdam, a brand founded by Dutch architect and designer Ingrid Heijne. Like Quinn’s work, the panels have artistic as well as functional properties.
This photo shows a wool felt panel from WoOL Amsterdam, a brand founded by Dutch architect and designer Ingrid Heijne. Like Quinn’s work, the panels have artistic as well as functional properties.
Apollo sofa by Galanter & Jones
San Francisco brand Galanter & Jones, the world’s first manufacturer of heated seating, at ICFF previewed its new Apollo line, which starts at $900 and will be ready to ship in early 2020. “We’ve been working to bring manufacturing costs down without compromising the aesthetic, quality and functionality,” said creative director and founder, Aaron Jones.
The line includes a sofa, lounge chair and (nonheated) table and planter, and is available for preorder.
San Francisco brand Galanter & Jones, the world’s first manufacturer of heated seating, at ICFF previewed its new Apollo line, which starts at $900 and will be ready to ship in early 2020. “We’ve been working to bring manufacturing costs down without compromising the aesthetic, quality and functionality,” said creative director and founder, Aaron Jones.
The line includes a sofa, lounge chair and (nonheated) table and planter, and is available for preorder.
Synergy Pro. Photo from Kooduu
New to the U.S. market is Kooduu’s Synergy Pro, a Bluetooth speaker, wine bucket and LED lantern all in one. The Synergy Pro syncs with Bluetooth devices and can be paired with as many additional Synergy Pros as you like — think backyard pool party — as long as they remain within 180 feet of one another.
New to the U.S. market is Kooduu’s Synergy Pro, a Bluetooth speaker, wine bucket and LED lantern all in one. The Synergy Pro syncs with Bluetooth devices and can be paired with as many additional Synergy Pros as you like — think backyard pool party — as long as they remain within 180 feet of one another.
Tile wireless charging lamp from Pablo Designs
Pablo also showed its new task lights with wireless phone chargers, a prettier way to charge your phone. Simply place your phone on the base of the device, shown here in a marble finish, to charge. The lights are scheduled to become available in the U.S. in October.
Pablo also showed its new task lights with wireless phone chargers, a prettier way to charge your phone. Simply place your phone on the base of the device, shown here in a marble finish, to charge. The lights are scheduled to become available in the U.S. in October.
Spinwood table by Hasegawa USA
And in a useful new product for apartment dwellers, Hasegawa has launched a bookshelf that converts into a dining table. The shelves stay parallel to the floor as the bookshelf transforms.
And in a useful new product for apartment dwellers, Hasegawa has launched a bookshelf that converts into a dining table. The shelves stay parallel to the floor as the bookshelf transforms.
Photo from Opiary
6. Green Walls
Though not a new trend, ICFF showcased some beautiful work in green wall installations, including this concrete and artificial plant installation from Opiary, based in Brooklyn, New York.
More on Houzz
Salone del Mobile 2019: The Changing Face of Design
Maison & Objet: Art Deco and a Return to Elegance
Read more about design around the world
Find a pro for your next project
Shop for products and materials
6. Green Walls
Though not a new trend, ICFF showcased some beautiful work in green wall installations, including this concrete and artificial plant installation from Opiary, based in Brooklyn, New York.
More on Houzz
Salone del Mobile 2019: The Changing Face of Design
Maison & Objet: Art Deco and a Return to Elegance
Read more about design around the world
Find a pro for your next project
Shop for products and materials
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some beautiful designs here and a big BRAVO to Terry Crews!!! What an unusual multiple-talented guy. Renaissance man! Lovely.
I like the shelf/table, it's very clever and and I can imagine it being useful. But please don't call it a BOOKshelf. Moving a few ornaments for a weekly sit-down dinner or tossing a few items in the bedroom when hosting a dinner party, sure, moving five shelves worth of books every time you need a table, not so much.
I love Munna's Luke sofa and the Cappa lounge chair without legs, and love love the velvet and their colours - and boy would they go togehter well! And vertical planting is becoming very clever and artistic. Time to know how it really works.