Last Saturday I dashed into the city to meet up with a select few chosen to be #designhounds to "sniff out" the latest (and perhaps greatest) finds to grace New York's design scene. I was a part of a group of 15 all of whom are incredibly talented designers, and then there was me, the lone writer. The first venue we attended was the ICFF, North America’s premier platform for global design. 

The ICFF annually lures those in demand of the best in design as well as the latest trends. The four day event covered over 165,000 square feet and greeted more than 33,000 interior designers, architects, retailers, representatives, distributors, facility managers, developers, manufacturers, store designers, and visual merchandisers. Over 750 exhibitors from all points of the globe displayed contemporary furniture, seating, carpet and flooring, lighting, outdoor furniture, materials, wall coverings, accessories, textiles, and kitchen and bath for residential and commercial interiors allowing exhibitors to create an unparalleled opportunity to display a broad yet highly focused selection of the world’s finest, most innovative, and original avant-garde home and contract products. 

Following ICFF we headed to WantedDesign. With its marquee events during NYCxDESIGN in May, WantedDesign is a platform dedicated to promoting design and fostering the international creative community at large throughout the year. Founded in New York City in 2011 by Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, WantedDesign has established itself as a constant and staunch supporter of U.S. and international design via events, conversations, and partners and its yearly programming aims to nurture New York City’s design dialogue. WantedDesign’s original event location, the landmark Terminal Stores building on 11th Avenue in West Chelsea’s Historic District, has become a creative destination for the international design community.

Our day of design and divine inspiration would not have been possible without the folks of Luxe Magazine who helped us to kick off our day with a glass of bubbly and a few encouraging words, and the wonderful people at TOTO USA and WilsonArt who sponsored the events and our wonderful dinner at Bouley Botanical... Much more on all of this to follow...  Below are some of the fun finds from both events.

Below the wonderful watercolor and collage images by Japanese artist Nao Morigo take you on a journey to the familiar and the non-familiar. http://www.addfuns.com/works/illustration.html

It seemed to me, this year, that lighting was everywhere at the ICCF. Below are just a few of my favorite images. Lights that made a bold statement. It almost seems unfair to single out a few - there were so many wonderful pieces of all shapes and styles. The simple and bold designs of Francesco Della Femina captivated my attention. Do peruse the website. There are so many wonderful things to be found! I'm a huge fan!

The bespoke and beautiful tile light fixtures below come to use from Dome Milano. I wish my camera had better caught the vibrancy of the tiles. They are truly magnificent. There are many styles and tiles from which to choose. Visit their website for more details. 

When I saw these I stopped dead in my tracks. Instantly recognizable Juliska pendant lighting is as elegant as it is versatile. For more information hop on over to their website. 

I seem to have an affinity for glass lighting this year - The two lighting pieces below take my breath away every time I see them. Actually everything in Vanessa Mitrani's collection does. 

Fun and whimsical at once familiar Anglepoise lamp becomes unfamiliar and whimsical when seen in a life sized version! For more on the design and the history on the lamp read here.  

I just love it when there's a product that's beautiful, fun or whimsical that actually serves to better us or our environment. Nanoleaf bulbs are not only incredibly efficient, but they're "smart" too. Learn more on their website.

It couldn't exactly be a contemporary furniture fair without some furniture, could it? The stunning couch, elegant coffee table (and familiar light fixtures) are once again from Francesco Della Femina. 

Wallpapers, coverings and fabrics were a great presence at ICFF. Below some of the beautiful prints of Audrey Sterk. For more on her wall-coverings, murals, etc do visit her website. 

And while we are still in the textile arena, my friend Mally Skok, made her first ICFF appearance with her South African inspired prints. Do yourselves a favor and hop on over to her website to see all the wonderful products available. 

Loving the stylish tile work of Musaico. (I couldn't find any website information.)

I am mad about Handle the Art, a collection of intimately scaled sculpture, pulls, knobs and door handles to touch everyday. These elegant pieces of art become useful household objects to be enjoyed every day. For more on Gail Folwell's art and hardware, do stop by her website. 

I'm not sure if it was her custom made mosaics or the wonderful Keith Haring dress that caught my attention! But her magnificent creations take on a flirty modern approach to traditional stained glass. To see all the various murals created with tile, agate, glass and more you must hop on over to her website.  

Now that summer is approaching we mustn't forget about the outside! These elegant yet simple, and comfortable, pieces by Kettal will perfectly accessorize your outside seating area whether by beach, pool or in the mountains. Streamlined. Stylish. Sublime. 

Over at Wanted I fell in love with Kinder MODERN. Aren't these positively charming? I'd love a larger one to acommodate my larger "seat"!

It's like Elsie the cow meets Eames. What's not to love? For more visit Jace Will Design. 

I'm in the middle of a love affair with blue and white ceramic!

This wonderful porcelain coffee service by Kristoff would certainly make my morning coffee a bit sweeter. For this and other beautiful porcelain pieces visit their website. 

Oh my word! Isn't this Aligator wine bottle holder charming?! Look closely! For more visit Eric Wilmot's website. 

Lastly, it would behoove me to mention and thank the wonderful folks over at iittala/Issey Miyake for the wonderful tea and cookies at Wanted Design! We all went gaga over THIS bag.