Metropolis Likes NYCxDesign 2019 Winners
Every year in May, New York City brims with energy thanks to NYCxDesign. Gatherings large and small generate that energy, whether it’s massive exhibitions like ICFF and WantedDesign or intimate panel discussions and showroom openings. But no gathering of design industry talent would be complete without some friendly competition. The #MetropolisLikes biannual awards program sees Metropolis editors select the best products in a wide variety of fields, from flooring to lighting to furniture and more. This year’s winners forefront a mixture of artful originality, straightforward functionality, and an honest expression of materials. See our selections below.
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Amuneal Metal Bar in Blackened Stainless Steel
This system that blends distinctive functionality with minimalist detailing. The interior cabinetry is fabricated from solid wood and hand-cut veneers, using the highest quality traditional woodworking techniques. The bar’s exteriors however, infuse the design with a sense of nuanced minimalism. The clean detailing of the fully metal clad door and drawer faces is highlighted by the full width-machined door and drawer pulls.
amuneal.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #551Amuneal Metal Bar in Blackened Stainless Steel
This system that blends distinctive functionality with minimalist detailing. The interior cabinetry is fabricated from solid wood and hand-cut veneers, using the highest quality traditional woodworking techniques. The bar’s exteriors however, infuse the design with a sense of nuanced minimalism. The clean detailing of the fully metal clad door and drawer faces is highlighted by the full width-machined door and drawer pulls.
amuneal.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #551 -
Brizo Vettis Concrete Single-Handle Faucet
The Brizo team worked with expert sculptor Christopher Shannon, who meticulously handcrafts each of these limited edition Concrete faucets in his small British Columbia studio.
brizo.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #411Brizo Vettis Concrete Single-Handle Faucet
The Brizo team worked with expert sculptor Christopher Shannon, who meticulously handcrafts each of these limited edition Concrete faucets in his small British Columbia studio.
brizo.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #411 -
Wilsonart Chair Competition
"The Future" was the theme that students at Kent State University considered to design chairs for the 15th Annual Wilsonart Challenges Student Chair Design Competition. Each entry was inspired by the students' personal interpretation of what the future means and how it can be expressed in a chair design.
Wilsonart.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2213Courtesy the manufacturerWilsonart Chair Competition
"The Future" was the theme that students at Kent State University considered to design chairs for the 15th Annual Wilsonart Challenges Student Chair Design Competition. Each entry was inspired by the students' personal interpretation of what the future means and how it can be expressed in a chair design.
Wilsonart.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2213Courtesy the manufacturer -
Rich Brilliant Willing All Sew
Made from only the essential components, AllSew’s weightless volume and pared down design takes formal inspiration from Isamu Noguchi’s classic Akari lanterns, reinterpreted and updated for high-performance needs and everyday use. The enlarged textile shade is made from a textural, heavyweight canvas sail cloth that creates a light and luminous volume, while the interior framework is made from thin, composite carbon-fiberglass rods that are pliable butt built to last.
richbrilliantwilling.com, see it at: Rich Brilliant Willing Showroom | 50 Greene St., NYCCourtesy the manufacturerRich Brilliant Willing All Sew
Made from only the essential components, AllSew’s weightless volume and pared down design takes formal inspiration from Isamu Noguchi’s classic Akari lanterns, reinterpreted and updated for high-performance needs and everyday use. The enlarged textile shade is made from a textural, heavyweight canvas sail cloth that creates a light and luminous volume, while the interior framework is made from thin, composite carbon-fiberglass rods that are pliable butt built to last.
richbrilliantwilling.com, see it at: Rich Brilliant Willing Showroom | 50 Greene St., NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Vibia North Lamp
Designer Arik Levy’s fixture fuses a floor lamp and a pedant. A long carbon fiber rod hangs from the ceiling via an almost imperceptible steel cable, while a counter-weight at the floor level guides the electrical cable from the conical shaped shade to the wall socket, making it possible to place the light in any desired position.
vibialight.com, see it at: Gandia Blasco, NYCCourtesy the manufacturerVibia North Lamp
Designer Arik Levy’s fixture fuses a floor lamp and a pedant. A long carbon fiber rod hangs from the ceiling via an almost imperceptible steel cable, while a counter-weight at the floor level guides the electrical cable from the conical shaped shade to the wall socket, making it possible to place the light in any desired position.
vibialight.com, see it at: Gandia Blasco, NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Standard Issue Stille
Stille is a contemporary collection of furniture designed by the Brooklyn-based studio Standard Issue using the Abstracta System, a modular set of components developed in the 1960s by the Danish industrialist Poul Cadovius. Steel tubes are fixed over cast-zinc connectors with a friction fit, resulting in an incredibly strong yet easy-to-maneuver framework. Metal shelves fit neatly into the frames, and a leveling foot provides 0.75" of adjustment for old or uneven floors.
stille-life.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #469Courtesy the manufacturerStandard Issue Stille
Stille is a contemporary collection of furniture designed by the Brooklyn-based studio Standard Issue using the Abstracta System, a modular set of components developed in the 1960s by the Danish industrialist Poul Cadovius. Steel tubes are fixed over cast-zinc connectors with a friction fit, resulting in an incredibly strong yet easy-to-maneuver framework. Metal shelves fit neatly into the frames, and a leveling foot provides 0.75" of adjustment for old or uneven floors.
stille-life.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #469Courtesy the manufacturer -
Poppin Meredith Lounge Chair
As an expansion of the Meredith seating collection introduced in the fall of 2018, the Meredith Lounge Chair assembles in seconds without tools while also meeting the BIFMA durability standards for commercial office furniture. This makes it accessible to both designers and end users by removing the challenges often associated with furniture purchases, making for a truly flexible solution for the workplace.
poppin.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2920Courtesy the manufacturerPoppin Meredith Lounge Chair
As an expansion of the Meredith seating collection introduced in the fall of 2018, the Meredith Lounge Chair assembles in seconds without tools while also meeting the BIFMA durability standards for commercial office furniture. This makes it accessible to both designers and end users by removing the challenges often associated with furniture purchases, making for a truly flexible solution for the workplace.
poppin.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2920Courtesy the manufacturer -
Nemo Tile + Stone Casablanca 2.0
Replicating the distinct design of handmade, old world Moroccan tiles, this collection offers textures and finishes relevant to both modern and traditional schemes. Each of the six solid color lines is also available in a deco pattern that features a clear glaze, so matte and glossy tiles can be combined for dimensional walls.
nemotile.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #856Courtesy the manufacturerNemo Tile + Stone Casablanca 2.0
Replicating the distinct design of handmade, old world Moroccan tiles, this collection offers textures and finishes relevant to both modern and traditional schemes. Each of the six solid color lines is also available in a deco pattern that features a clear glaze, so matte and glossy tiles can be combined for dimensional walls.
nemotile.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #856Courtesy the manufacturer -
Mohawk Group Relaxing Floors
Fractals are the building blocks of many of nature’s patterns and have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and so provide benefits to physical health. This visual language is the basis for Relaxing Floors, a broadloom and modular system designed by 13&9 in collaboration with Fractals Research and Mohawk Group.
mohawkgroup.com, see it at: Mohawk Group Showroom | 125 W 25th St, 6th Floor, NYCCourtesy the manufacturerMohawk Group Relaxing Floors
Fractals are the building blocks of many of nature’s patterns and have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and so provide benefits to physical health. This visual language is the basis for Relaxing Floors, a broadloom and modular system designed by 13&9 in collaboration with Fractals Research and Mohawk Group.
mohawkgroup.com, see it at: Mohawk Group Showroom | 125 W 25th St, 6th Floor, NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Flos Noctambule
Designed by Konstantin Grcic for FLOS to be mostly invisible during the day, the glass modules of this lighting system transform into illuminated art in the dark. Extra elements such as a glass dome or cone shaped head allow for added performance as floor-standing uplight or pendant.
usa.flos.com, see it at: FLOS Soho Showroom | 152 Greene Street, NYCCourtesy the manufacturerFlos Noctambule
Designed by Konstantin Grcic for FLOS to be mostly invisible during the day, the glass modules of this lighting system transform into illuminated art in the dark. Extra elements such as a glass dome or cone shaped head allow for added performance as floor-standing uplight or pendant.
usa.flos.com, see it at: FLOS Soho Showroom | 152 Greene Street, NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Mattiazzi/Herman Miller Forcina Chair
Similar to a hairpin (“forcina” in Italian), the tubular frame of this chair curves above the backrest, forming an easy-to-grip handle. Designer Leon Ransmeier conceived the Forcina family of chairs, stools, and tables to meet the needs of hospitality settings and beyond.
hermanmiller.com, see it at: Herman Miller Showroom, 251 Park Avenue SouthCourtesy the manufacturerMattiazzi/Herman Miller Forcina Chair
Similar to a hairpin (“forcina” in Italian), the tubular frame of this chair curves above the backrest, forming an easy-to-grip handle. Designer Leon Ransmeier conceived the Forcina family of chairs, stools, and tables to meet the needs of hospitality settings and beyond.
hermanmiller.com, see it at: Herman Miller Showroom, 251 Park Avenue SouthCourtesy the manufacturer -
Kohler Kensho Bathroom Sink Collection
Kensho sinks offer modern forms inspired by nature and minimalist patterns of Japanese origin.The embellishment derived from Sashiko kimonos—originally created through a form of decorative reinforcement stitching—is etched into the Kensho sink’s stone surface using a technique originated in 15th century Europe and traditionally used on tile.
kohler.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2239Courtesy the manufacturerKohler Kensho Bathroom Sink Collection
Kensho sinks offer modern forms inspired by nature and minimalist patterns of Japanese origin.The embellishment derived from Sashiko kimonos—originally created through a form of decorative reinforcement stitching—is etched into the Kensho sink’s stone surface using a technique originated in 15th century Europe and traditionally used on tile.
kohler.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2239Courtesy the manufacturer -
Axor MyEdition
This collection, designed in collaboration with Phoenix Design, pairs sleek, low-profile faucet and tub filler bodies with six different cover plates including leather, wood, two types of marble, and a mirrored or black glass. With the AXOR FinishPlus program, an additional 13 finishes are available, offering nearly 300 extra design combinations geared towards satisfying varying personal styles.
axor-design.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #1881Courtesy the manufacturerAxor MyEdition
This collection, designed in collaboration with Phoenix Design, pairs sleek, low-profile faucet and tub filler bodies with six different cover plates including leather, wood, two types of marble, and a mirrored or black glass. With the AXOR FinishPlus program, an additional 13 finishes are available, offering nearly 300 extra design combinations geared towards satisfying varying personal styles.
axor-design.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #1881Courtesy the manufacturer -
Estiluz Circ Lamp
Just as an acrobat is in perpetual motion, the Circ outdoor collection has garnered unanimous applause of minimalism lovers. Designed by Nahtrang Studio, the translucent shade is beige satin polyethylene fixed to a metal handle or base and runs on a rechargeable LED battery complete with recharger base and cord adapter.
estiluzusa.com, see it at: Estiluz USA | 330 West 38th Street Suite 710, NYCCourtesy the manufacturerEstiluz Circ Lamp
Just as an acrobat is in perpetual motion, the Circ outdoor collection has garnered unanimous applause of minimalism lovers. Designed by Nahtrang Studio, the translucent shade is beige satin polyethylene fixed to a metal handle or base and runs on a rechargeable LED battery complete with recharger base and cord adapter.
estiluzusa.com, see it at: Estiluz USA | 330 West 38th Street Suite 710, NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Kimball Helio Chair
Blending harmoniously with its surroundings, Helio gives people unobstructed access to natural light, elevating their comfort and well-being. The back is constructed with durable, cross-woven nylon that provides ergonomic lumbar support while maintaining its crisp, clean lines.
kimball.com, see it at: Kimball Showroom | 215 Park Avenue South 3rd Floor, NYCCourtesy the manufacturerKimball Helio Chair
Blending harmoniously with its surroundings, Helio gives people unobstructed access to natural light, elevating their comfort and well-being. The back is constructed with durable, cross-woven nylon that provides ergonomic lumbar support while maintaining its crisp, clean lines.
kimball.com, see it at: Kimball Showroom | 215 Park Avenue South 3rd Floor, NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Havwoods 3D Wood Tiles Collection
Playing with light and shade, this wall cladding solution is made from natural wood and offers texture, dimensionality, and visual effects. The three different shapes have specific properties—Chione HRC3000 is resistant to changing humidity levels, for example—and can be tiled in interesting patterns.
havwoodsusa.com, see it at: Havwoods International Showroom, NYCCourtesy the manufacturerHavwoods 3D Wood Tiles Collection
Playing with light and shade, this wall cladding solution is made from natural wood and offers texture, dimensionality, and visual effects. The three different shapes have specific properties—Chione HRC3000 is resistant to changing humidity levels, for example—and can be tiled in interesting patterns.
havwoodsusa.com, see it at: Havwoods International Showroom, NYCCourtesy the manufacturer -
Foscarini Sun Light of Love Pendant
“I wanted to bring the sun inside, into the house and its spaces. Sun – Light of Love is an object that makes it hard to know where it begins and where it ends, like sunlight. It has no clear separation between inside and outside: a geometric presence, but very fluid and organic at the same time,” says designer Tord Boontje.
foscarini.com, see it at: Foscarini Spazio, SohoCourtesy the manufacturerFoscarini Sun Light of Love Pendant
“I wanted to bring the sun inside, into the house and its spaces. Sun – Light of Love is an object that makes it hard to know where it begins and where it ends, like sunlight. It has no clear separation between inside and outside: a geometric presence, but very fluid and organic at the same time,” says designer Tord Boontje.
foscarini.com, see it at: Foscarini Spazio, SohoCourtesy the manufacturer -
Everlife Design Dot
DOT is a collection of modular and multifunctional accessories: shelves, toilet roll holders, towel holders, clothes hooks, magazine hang out holders and shelf with tumblers all created out of a simple and thoughtful system.
everlifedesign.it, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2403Courtesy the manufacturerEverlife Design Dot
DOT is a collection of modular and multifunctional accessories: shelves, toilet roll holders, towel holders, clothes hooks, magazine hang out holders and shelf with tumblers all created out of a simple and thoughtful system.
everlifedesign.it, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2403Courtesy the manufacturer -
Duravit Happy D.2 Plus
Created by Seiger Design, this is a full suite of bathroom products, including clean-lined bathtubs and above-counter wash basins, stand-alone consoles and semi-tall cabinets for chic storage, and tech-forward mirrors in a playful, circular shape.
duravit.us, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2121Courtesy the manufacturerDuravit Happy D.2 Plus
Created by Seiger Design, this is a full suite of bathroom products, including clean-lined bathtubs and above-counter wash basins, stand-alone consoles and semi-tall cabinets for chic storage, and tech-forward mirrors in a playful, circular shape.
duravit.us, see it at: ICFF, Booth #2121Courtesy the manufacturer -
Bernhardt Textiles A Stitch in Time Collection
Sweden’s design duo Fredrik Färg and Emma Blanche, founders of Färg & Blanche, make their American debut with the introduction of this collection. The fabrics collection are woven from an array of yarns to achieve a variety of surface textures with a handwoven appeal while meeting all ACT requirements for contract upholstery.
Bernhardt.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #1339Courtesy the manufacturerBernhardt Textiles A Stitch in Time Collection
Sweden’s design duo Fredrik Färg and Emma Blanche, founders of Färg & Blanche, make their American debut with the introduction of this collection. The fabrics collection are woven from an array of yarns to achieve a variety of surface textures with a handwoven appeal while meeting all ACT requirements for contract upholstery.
Bernhardt.com, see it at: ICFF, Booth #1339Courtesy the manufacturer
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