The design movements taking shape at BDNY offered a fresh perspective on where design is heading, with plenty of reasons to pause and take in the details. From pastel palettes and Deco flourishes to nature-inspired forms, the event showcased a range of design elements that invited interaction and made a space memorable.
Immersive Design Experiences
A standout example was the Relish immersive space designed by firm //3877, which began with the idea of a supper club where guests would gather face-to-face, phones down. The design included tables with built-in chessboards and ample charging outlets to create a sense of community.
The space also featured multiple arched, draped entryways and slatted windows near the entrance, introducing a sense of permeability and giving the installation room to breathe. This effect was welcoming and enveloping, yet surprisingly light.
Color Forecasting and Design Trends
Stacy Garcia’s presentation with partner Andaaz was a highlight, featuring arched vignettes that framed two inviting settings: a dressing area and a cozy seating nook. The dressing area offered a streamlined interpretation of Art Deco, pairing a three-panel mirror with a Neo-Deco vanity.
Samuel & Sons Passementerie was another notable exhibit, winner of the BDNY Best Exhibit (Small), with a bright and cheerful display of pastel yellow textiles and trims. They mixed T-shirts with trimmed sleeves, trimmed baseball caps, and slippers among pillows, towels, and delicate slipper chairs in their merchandising approach.
Nourison’s Joy collection hinted at Art Deco with a touch of Versailles’ Sun King grandeur, softened by atmospheric color, organic contours, and painterly abstraction. The collection was executed in pastel yellows and blues, aligning with Samuel & Sons for color forecasting into 2027.
Biomorphism and Lighting Design
Biomorphism continued to make its presence known in lighting design at both Hubbardton Forge and Lodes. Hubbardton Forge’s Muse wall sconce was a popular design at the show, featuring a biomorphic design compared to butterfly wings that casts a shadow becoming an artistic element of the light.
Lodes’ Kinno outdoor series featured a mushroom silhouette that communicated clean modernity with the delicacy and beauty of nature through touches such as radial ribbing reminiscent of mushroom gills.
Wendover Art’s booth was also worth mentioning, with a large piece of art created by Manuel Santelices that invited attendees to join in and collaborate on a painting of NYC, showcasing design and marketing ingenuity.
Design Takeaways
The interplay between details and experience was a key takeaway from BDNY, with a particular shade of yellow, a beautifully fringed chair, or a familiar silhouette with an unexpected underside giving reason to pause and take pleasure in the details. These elements together offered a clear sense of where design is heading – and that is what made them memorable.
As the design industry continues to evolve, it is likely that there will be more emphasis on immersive experiences, color forecasting, and biomorphic design. By taking cues from nature and incorporating elements of art and community, designers can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also memorable and impactful.
The design industry’s evolution will likely involve a greater focus on creating immersive experiences. This focus on immersion can lead to the development of unique and engaging spaces. Designers will need to consider how to effectively incorporate various design elements to create memorable experiences.
