Boutique Design New York (BDNY), held at the Javits Center in Manhattan from November 9-10, featured products from established and fledgling brands, with an emphasis on natural elements and wellness presented in a range of immersive environments.
The show’s signature Designed Spaces invited attendees on a journey through four key areas that transformed the show floor into an interactive design gallery. The Splash Pad by DREAM Hotels and Nivek Remas was one of the most popular. In this lounge inspired by pool culture, visitors enjoyed drinks surrounded by mirrored planes, bold geometry, and sound. It was an imagined sunny locale indoors, the perfect antidote to the rain-soaked streets and gray skies outside.
Such all-enveloping moments were a special part of the show, and different from previous editions. “There’s a focus on products that have a softness and tactility while still feeling immersive, less overly ‘techy’ and with more emphasis on the sensory,” said Aoife O’Leary, partner at Taylor and Miller Architecture/TM Light, about her second visit to BDNY.
The right displays are key for specifiers who are trying to envision complete interiors, and need more than a single swatch for comparison. Designers weren’t limited to a few select items, and they were able to play with coordinating elements. “I love things that you can touch and experience, like wall finishes and textiles,” O’Leary added. “Seeing really large-scale installations is really helpful versus working with small samples.”
Mother Nature’s influence was everywhere, from color palettes to textures designed to give settings a depth that resonates. Even the BDNY Mainstage doubled as an oasis called “La Clairière” (The Glade), designed by Saguez & Dash.
Decorated with a range of emerald hues, furnishings made from recycled paper, and eco-friendly carpet tiles by Ege Carpets, this central spot helped to set a calming tone during the busy fair. “The Mainstage offered a tranquil environment for attendees to gather and collaborate, while the thoughtful use of mindful materials reflects our commitment to creating beautiful, comfortable, and sustainable spaces,” explained Alex Lerian, general manager at Ege Carpets Americas.
The UNEARTHED collection by CULP Hospitality, which takes its cues from rocks and minerals, was also on view. This new line of printed and woven fabrics captures the essence of the Earth’s natural formations with a striking interplay of color and texture.
Kristen Hilt, director of design, contract hospitality textiles for CULP, Inc. noted that biophilia continues to be a key driver for workplace and hospitality segments, which are now more aligned than ever and have similar luxurious appeal. “I now approach projects with both markets in mind simultaneously, which wasn’t the case in the past,” she noted. “Textures and constructions that once felt exclusive to boutique hotels are now appearing in office environments. Gone are the days of strictly flat, conservative fabrics.”
With more than 28,000 spas in the U.S. alone, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are also promoting health and wellness. A warmer aesthetic could be seen in every corner, with chic brown and terracotta shades replacing clinical white. Schluter Systems, a provider of installation and finishing solutions for tile, took home Boutique Design magazine’s Best of Show award for the luxe, spa-like design of their booth.
Federico Checo, CEO of Prestige Wellness, previewed Sentōra, a line of saunas inspired by Japanese bathhouse culture but made with the American lifestyle in mind. Crafted of Prima wood, they can be tailored for home or office.
East Asia influenced the team at Shaw Contract Hospitality as well, and after a trip to Kyoto, the designers produced the Reverie collection. Interpretations of winter, spring, summer, and fall, the subtle tonal variations of the carpets evoke the quiet rhythm of the seasons.
Nathan Reed, senior associate designer at Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors, came in search of some furniture and found a unique mix that caught his eye. “I appreciate that there is a combination of truly boutique products as well as commercial products, in New York, where there is also an entire city of inspiration beyond the walls of the Javits Center.”
Hilt agreed, and as someone who has been attending for more than 20 years, both as an exhibitor and as a typical trendspotter, it’s essential. “BDNY offers an incredible breadth of market segments, giving attendees a comprehensive view of what’s new and trending in hospitality design. It’s like a snapshot of the industry’s future.”
