June 2, 2014

Spring in New York means Design Week (http://nycxdesign.com/) and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), which is in its 26^th year. More than 600 exhibitors play host to nearly 30,000 designers and industry attendees who come to see the latest in contemporary furnishings. Similar to recent European shows like Cevisama and EuroCucina, industrial, handcrafted (personalized) and vintage looks are on the rise. Because it’s ICFF, there are also many designer/product collaborations and collections to celebrate as well. Here’s what we saw for kitchen and bath.

EBIR Illuminated Bathroom Mirrors

EBIR’s versatile, illuminated bathroom mirror (pictured above) lets users personalize their bathroom space with features like adjustable colors or LED lighting intensity and height. The ability to adjust lighting and magnification to your use and height in a bath mirror is a game changer – including LED lights that will last more than 30 years with daily use. EBIR also features products that enable users to plug in a music device, integrate a magnifying mirror or a product that lets you write a message on a special display screen. www.ebirusa.com

Suzanne Vanity by LACAVA

The Suzanne vanity by LACAVA shown in Radiant Orchid (Pantone’s color of the year) bridges memories of the glamorous past with the present moment and is as full of style as it is bursting with color. The mirrored doors, adorned with spherical pattern and crystal knobs, conceal pullout organizers and keep any distractions away from the elegant display of the facade of the vanity and mesmerizing metallic finish of the porcelain lavatory crowning it. www.lacava.com

Elan Vital Faucet Collection by Watermark Designs

Elan Vital combines the utilitarian aesthetic of industrial design with the ability to completely customize faucets. Elan’s lever handles are reminiscent of commercial ball vales, or they can be replaced with 130 other available handle options. Designers specify how many elbows they need, what length and width and in which of Watermark Designs’ 40 finishes. During the show, designers could play with the faucets, literally building their own to photograph and potentially win a prize. www.watermark-designs.com

Apavisa Metal 2.0

Apavisa Metal 2.0 offers a stunning industrial oxidized metal look done in porcelain tile. Available in green, oxidum and white, Apavisa Metal 2.0 is a sustainable product that qualifies for LEED credits. Available in a lappato finish, it can be used in residential, contract and hospitality settings. www.apavisa.com

iTOPKer Porcelain Slab Countertops by Inalco

Inalco presents iTOPKer solutions, large-format, highly resistant porcelain slabs that are all set to revolutionize the world of countertops. The new slabs are 12mm thick and come in a 1,500-mm x 3,000-mm format. Because of their size, they can be used to create countertops with practically no joints, bringing continuity and visual appeal to all projects. The slabs are also food grade and resistant to fire and strong impacts, as well as perfect for use indoors or out since they withstand the passing of time because of their resistance to ultra-violet rays, frost and ice. Since the textures were conceived to set new trends in decoration and interior design, they bring differing sensations of depth, spaciousness and personality to design projects. www.inalco.com

QuickDrain USA Michael Graves Linear Drain

Quick Drain partners with Michael Graves to create stylish linear drains including “Stream,” a fluid design that will make a lasting impression and “Cosmo,” an unmistakable contemporary style that commands attention. Both will be available in brushed and polished stainless steel and a new oil-rubbed bronze finish. Crafted from 18-gauge, 304 stainless steel, they will be offered in the standard lengths as well as custom sizes up to 100 inches. Ideal for residential, hospitality or commercial spaces, all drains are ADA approved and easy to install. www.quickdrainusa.com

Victoria + Albert’s Amiata Collection

Victoria + Albert’s new Amiata Collection are the outcome of an exclusive collaboration between the upscale British brand and Italian design house Meneghello Paolelli Associates. This is the first such design partnership for Victoria + Albert. The Amiata Collection offers a timeless-yet-modern look that perfectly captures the high-fashion influence of its Italian creators while retaining the elegant lines and exceptional comfort that are hallmarks of the Victoria + Albert brand. www.vandabaths.com

Riveli Art Shelf

Riveli is an innovative, modular, patented shelving system that transforms the shelf from a display platform for objects and art into an object of art, itself. Designed and made in America out of solid, extruded, recycled aluminum, Riveli is comprised of individually pivoting shelves –16-in. x 9-in. x ¼-in. each. With a sophisticated drop-resistant motion, the shelves fold up to reveal the underside, which features interchangeable, customizable, magnetic artwork and materials, or the beautiful luster of a luxury line of architectural-grade, satin anodized finishes. http://www.riveli.net

– Lori Dolnick has nearly 30 years of experience building brands. She works primarily with manufacturers in the home design industry and writes for several blogs.