I fully admit to having a total soft spot in my heart for Studio DUNN. In fact they are one of few modern americana studio's that I actually own a piece from. As much as I love their furniture though, it was their lighting that first caught my eye. I'm happy to report that they look to be making a strong push back into the lighting world this year with two new designs. 

The Radiata (above) was inspired by a jellyfish of the same name, and I think looks especially amazing with the smoked grey glass. The Sorenthia (below) is made of steel and brass, it's delicate arms look particularly nice when grouped together. ​

Portland based PHLOEM STUDIO is making their debut appearance at ICFF this year, and they are going big. I've always loved the stuff that they have made, but this year they look to be absolutely killing it. ​

I'm especially fond of the Peninsula ​Chair that they collaborated on with Wood & Faulk. The leather sling and brass and wood details are spot on. It's nice to see some more bespoke details like that in the furniture world. 

Needless to say, I'm expecting lot's of great things from these guys in the future. ​

ICFF 2013 is just around the corner. Unfortunately this year I won't be able to make it, although I will be sending a friend in my place. In the meantime, all the exciting ICFF news is already starting to fill up my inbox. Volk has always been one of my favorites, and this year they are doing some exciting pieces that incorporate hand painting. 

One of my favorite craftsman at ICFF last year was Volk. I posted about some of Brian's amazing work that I saw while I was there. With ICFF looming on the horizon this year (shame I can't make it) Brian was kind enough to pass along a photo of one of the projects that he has completed since I met with him last. Stunning is the only way I can describe this Walnut dresser with hutch. It's made of solid walnut with inlaid brass details and custom brass drawer pulls. The hutch top has a sliding door with an inset Harris Tweed panel. It's finished off with a classy oil and wax finish. Volk furniture really has to be seen and touch to appreciate it, so if you do find yourself at ICFF make sure you stop by booth 2453. Make sure you tell Brian that Grassrootsmodern say's "hey". 

Volk Furniture

I'm an avid "iPhone as an alarm clock" kind of guy, so it's nice to see that there are some options out there besides the standard issue. One of the newest on the block is the Hip Clock.  It does all the things a good alarm app should do, plus it looks pretty. There is a classic analogue interface (shown above) or a flip clock or digital clock version. My favorite feature? Shake it to turn on the flashlight. Brilliant. All it is missing is a nice wooden stand to go on. I'm thinking something like this one I saw at ICFF.

Hip Clock.

In case you didn't already hear, Bludot absolutely killed it at ICFF this year, taking home the editors award for best body of work. They had a lot of new stuff that was all good, but my two personal favorites were the Dang Media Cabinet, and the Branch table shown above. They both touch on two different trends that I continue to see emerging in the modern world, a throwback to the mid century days, and a move towards more raw or "rustic" modern forms. Which do you like the best?

Bludot

I just rolled back into town last night and I'm still sorting through all the great things I saw at ICFF and on the roadtrip home. One piece that did stand out for me at the show was this 7 Drawer Miniature Chest by Brian at Volk Furniture.  Volk is a Brooklyn based company, and all the furniture is designed and made by Brian in the Brooklyn Navy Ship Yard.  I had some time to look at this piece and some of the best parts about it are hard to capture with a picture.  The detail work is superb, as is the tactile quality of the whole thing. The waxed wood drawer slides were flawless and make the piece feel very special.  The knobs were salvaged off an old pump organ, and the drawer liners I believe were found by Brian's girlfriend. Modern, handmade, personal, beautiful, just the way furniture should be.

Volk Furniture

After ICFF, it's clear that brass is making a serious comeback.  Now I can't help but spot it everywhere, even in the smallest of accessories like these textured chopstick holders by designer Masanori Oji, for example.  Created in collaboration with one of Japan's oldest metalware manufacturers, Futagami, these lovelies are made from solid brass and come in a beautiful gift/storage box.  Aren't they gorgeous??  I'm rather smitten by them!

Chopstick Rests by Masanori Oji available from Analogue Life: $3

One of the most fantastic things I saw at ICFF was called Crafted by Urbancase and Teroforma. It is a collaboration between, surprise,  Urbancase and Teroforma.  Urbancase made the amazing sidebar liquor cabinet show above, and Teroforma made matching barware to go with it. They had a matching geographic pattern which was etched into the glasses and laser cut into the wood cabinet.  The end result is absolutely stunning. I'll let the photo's speak for themselves. Lots more after the jump. Urbancase and Teroforma Sidebar project

One of my favorite collections at ICFF this year was from Brooklyn-based furniture makers UM Project.  I simply couldn't resist their playful combination of colors, form, and material!  More specifically, I fell hard and fast for the FWD Credenza with its pops of pink powder coated aluminum, matte-lacquered ash, and satin brass (yes, ALL of those things on a single piece of furniture!!).  I also loved their new LUM Lamp, which presents an interesting combination of 60s Pop and Art Deco styles - sounds crazy but looks awesome.  Check out more of their work and let me know what you think!

LINK: umproject.com

The much-anticipated 2011 ICFF Editors Awards were bestowed in 16 categories. The ICFF Editors Awards Ceremony took place during the 23rd annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) last night at the ICFF Exhibitors Reception at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

This year's ICFF Editors Awards Committee: Arlene Hirst, Anniina Koivu of Abitare, Elizabeth Pagliacolo of Azure, Sam Grawe of Dwell, Annie Block of Interior Design, Nadia Lionello of Interni, Bénédicte Duhalde of Intramuros, Paul J. Makovsky of Metropolis.

The winners circle:

Body of Work

Vitra, Booth 1826

New Designer
Rich, Brilliant & Willing, Booth 1936

Craftsmanship
George Nakashima Woodworker, SA, Booth 1147

Furniture
Artek, Booth 1804

Seating
Wilkhahn's Chassis Chair by Stefan Dietz, Booth 1326

Carpet and Flooring
Ltd. Edition, Booth 1304

Lighting
Wästberg, Booth 1840

Outdoor Furniture
Herman Miller Retail's Eames Aluminum Group, Booth 1624

Materials
Stone Source's Mutina, Booth 2026

Wall Coverings
Piet Hein Eek, Booth 2223

Accessories
Angell Wyller Aarseth, Booth 873

Textiles
Teixidors, Booth 926

Kitchen and Bath
AF New York, Booth 1226

Multiple Production
Fermob, Booth 1253

School
Tools at School by The School at Columbia University with Aruliden and Bernhardt Design, Booth 1604

Booth
Tom Dixon, Booth 1104

Looking for a little ICFF 2011 photo coverage? Here are a few pictures I took yesterday while wandering around.  Look for a follow-up post with more information/details coming soon.