I've been going through my photos and brochures from the NYIGF that I attended a few weeks ago, trying to decide what to order for the store. Thought you might enjoy seeing some of the many great selections from the show!
If you have never been, it's really fun and incredibly inspiring, but it can be overwhelming too - especially without a strategy. Maybe telling how I do it, will be of some help to those thinking about attending the August show...
The main building - The Javits Center - is a three story Convention Center with aisle, upon aisle of vendors. In a separate location that requires taking a shuttle bus, is the Piers which is where the majority of the Home Furnishings vendors are located. I have found that focusing on only those areas that are relevant to home decor, is the only way I can get through the show in two days.
My routine has been to visit the Javits Center on the first day, and if I have energy and time after that, make a stab at a few aisles of the Piers. Then get an early start on the second day and tackle the rest of the Piers. If you have only one day, and really want to take in the most home furnishings as possible, then just go to the Piers.
Once you veer off and visit, say the fashion accessories section for example, telling yourself that it will refresh your perspective and give you more ability to focus on what you came 3,000 miles to find, you will be sucked in, get completely confused, probably say the hell with it and leave early, then go have a drink with your friend who you've convinced to leave work early.
Anyway, there were so many gorgeous things, that I thought you might like to see what caught my eye. Here are some of the things I'm ordering for the store and website or am considering for client projects. What makes your heart skip a beat?
This was one of the first booths that I fell in love with. These gorgeous towels from Japan are made of terry cloth on one side and soft cotton on the other. I've never met a stripe I didn't like, so I was in heaven with their selection.
Moving on, these absolutely gorgeous bottles, grouped by color combinations to work with your decor are a great way to fill an open shelf, coffee table or mix into your barware.
These beautiful natural sea fans have been on my mind since the show... I can picture them in so many spaces and remind me that summer is not too far away!
These John Derian trays are always a draw for me. They are sold at a few home decor stores near me, so I probably won't get them for the store. Their booth is always filled with fantastic inspiration.
The Oly booth is one of my favorites. I have a client I was shopping for and saw several things here that she will love. I'm thinking of the daybed mattress in the blue and white fabric with the natural burlap on the base.
This past holiday season, I got my daughter one of these old school Pop Phones to plug into her cell phone. She loved it and I like it so much better than her talking directly into her phone. I took these pictures for her...
She loves anything with an animal print - clearly did not get that from me!
Another booth for the teen in your life is this one. These puffy frames (they're not inflated, but stuffed) are kind of fun and silly.
Please share your favorites! I'd love to know what you like and what you don't!
To all designers/decorators, retailers and design bloggers - I would love to hear about your experiences with this trade show.
What are your strategies for tackling NYIGF?
Do you have a regular routine?
How many days do you spend at the show?
Do you order at the show or wait for it all to sink in and order after you get home like me?
Do you go twice a year?
Where do you eat lunch?
I'll have more photos from the show in my next post, but i'm running out the door now! Have a great day.
