1. Artic Wall Light by Andrea Bastianello
The glow of this oversize sconce drew me in from across the room, and when I read the title Arctic, the look of the jagged pattern and partial orb became that much more visceral.
2. Rocker by Fredericia
This chair has a truly modern grace. Diagonally sewn seams create a subtle pattern, the curved seat flows into the open arms, and a wood veneer bottom warms the stark white leather.
3. Buzzilights
In a trade show of seriously modern furniture, these colorful felt lights looked refreshingly cheerful. They cast fabulous shadows, but the best part is that the shape is adjustable; the fixture is made with a flexible frame, so you can scrunch them up or stretch them out for different looks.
4. Diamond Bathtub by Aqua Mass
I’ve been seeing this diamond cut-trend a lot in vases and dishes, but in bathtubs? That’s ambitious.
5. Lotus Fire Pit by Tulip
Unless a fire pits is built into the ground, it usually feels a bit phony. The Lotus by Tulip has a presence that rarely comes with portability.
6. Bed by Giorgetti
This Giorgetti piece is not new, but I’m in love with it.
7. Poliform Chandelier
Cords used to be things you try to hide, but not at this show. I must have seen five to ten lighting companies flaunting bright red cords and weaving them into their designs. This Poliform light was my favorite example.
8. Pings Bench by Bocci
Pleating as a form of cushioning was a clever and fashion-forward choice by Bocci.
9. Bert and Dennis Chair
Bert and Dennis was a company showing within the Young Designers Fair, but their work looked more polished and professional than the majority of their peers. Where many of the other designers just go for a “sculptural” look, this chair also looks comfortable.
10. De Padova Coffee Table
Coffee table styling tends to be a central display of books + bowl + tchotchkes. This cut-out metal table makes each section its own decor pedestal, and the negative space highlights items on the forgotten lower level.
Interieur 2008 is truly one of the best trade shows I’ve ever been to. It’s not a huge show compared to the one in Milan, but the quality of design makes up for its size. It’s a very well curated with the best of the major players and a promising crop of emerging designers. There were so many inspiring products it was hard to digest it all in one sitting, but here is a smattering of the most eye-catching displays at the show.
Alessi’s iconic wine opener man and teapot cast a playful but powerful presenting companies shadow at the show. Although an Italian brand, Alessi was one of the few presenting companies that has a major presence in the U.S and the international market. Other familiar powerhouses in attendance were Cassina, Vitra, Minotti, and Thonet. Many of the convention center’s 300 companies don’t even do business in the U.S.
For me the highlight of the show was by far the Young Designers Fair. Filled with fresh ideas, I’ve decided I need to create a whole photo gallery to fully describe the talent Ive seen (coming soon). Here, designer Sandor Bokkinga stands behind his seat made of garden hoses while holding his pitchfork chair.
I am flying to Belgium as I type this. How did I get here? A few months I ago I was invited by the Flanders Investment and Trade Commission to attend 
