Report from Bklyn Designs 2008

Today we opened late so we could go check out Bklyn Designs, the multi-venue show taking place in DUMBO this weekend. It was our first time at the show, and we were impressed, especially with some of the furniture makers and lighting designers.

There is a broad range of styles and approaches among the 70 exhibitors, from high-end custom work to more product-oriented designs, and from well-established furniture makers like Michael Puryear to emerging talent (there are 30 first-time exhibitors) and student work from Pratt. Most all exhibitors have their studios and workshops in Brooklyn.

It may not be surprising to note that many designers are showing work made from sustainably-harvested wood, reclaimed or salvaged materials, or other "green" alternatives, with largely successful results.

Bklyn Designs is going on all weekend (and tonight until 8pm), so pop on over and get your first fix of the upcoming NY Design Week (or, more like Month)!

Below are some of our favorite highlights from the show today. To see all our pics, check out our photo set. Enjoy!

This LEED-certified Bamba chair by EcoSystems ships flat! You pop out the pieces and assemble it yourself without tools. It's made from bamboo plywood, and the metal joints are formed like dovetails. Perfect for waiting rooms... (See photo set for more details.)
[Update from the designers: "Bamba chair can contribute to LEED points and certification, but no furniture can actually be LEED certified, only buildings." Thank you for the clarification!]

I love this rectangular blown-glass lamp by Kanik Chung.

Incredibly comfortable, exquisitely built, and gorgeously upholstered, Jae and I swooned over this chair by Robert Martin Designs. We also loved the compass-like lamp, which we were told was designed and built by the workshop foreman.

This excellent table made from purpleheart and salvaged walnut departs from a familiar American studio furniture concept and cruises into total rock 'n roll territory. One of several pieces by Eric Manigian we admired. (See more in the photo set.) Major thumbs up!

These cleverly-designed teapots by Joey Roth are made like big pieces of jewelry from pyrex glass and cast stainless steel. They seem like they'd be fun to use, and they remind me of turtles. Cool.

Also super cool, this listening booth (right) and undulating room divider (left) made entirely from LPs and their covers by Nicholas Furrow. Fantastic.

Wanna see more? Click right here...

Posted and photos by Amy Shaw for Greenjeans. Top image sourced here.