WestEdge Design Fair.
WestEdge
Today is the last day of the WestEdge Design Fair at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. With more than 175 participants ranging from larger companies such as Lamps Plus and Signature Kitchen Suite to designers mostly known to the trade and emerging brands on the edge of innovation, there is an incredible amount to see. Here are seven of the most noteworthy exhibitors, products and trends.
Modern Christmas Trees
Modern Christmas Trees is a gift from Santa to design fanatics. These acrylic Christmas trees are the epitome of sophisticated holiday décor. They can be put on a display or even hung from the ceiling.
Another reason to like this product? It disassembles down to the size of a box. So there is no need to worry about storage, disposal or tying a heavy, cumbersome, tree to the top of a moving vehicle. It’s safe for pets and kids. Better yet—it doesn’t pose a fire hazard the way a live tree can.
There are several different size trees available for purchase either decorated or undecorated. And you can keep old traditions alive because the openings hold standard ornaments.
Graff
Graff didn’t invent faucets, but they have re-invented them. While the brand showed many beautiful items at West Edge, the Mod+ collection was a truly unique offering. These bathroom faucets offer unique customization options for the body, clip and covers for the fixtures. There are eighteen different finish choices to mix and match from including 24K gold, Polished Chrome, and Architectural Black. There are three different additional options for the clip covers including black, white and green marble. The result is a striking and sophisticated look. Copycats are sure to follow.
Pietta Donovan X Walker Zanger
If tiles could be a visual representation of happiness, this would be it. The collaboration between interior designer Pietta Donovan and one of the leading luxury tile brands shows that mid-century modern doesn’t have to be cold. Every tile is handmade of cement or ceramic in the brand’s factory in San Miguel De Allende.
Inspired by psychedelic wallpapers of the 1970’s, these tiles are available in bright pink as well as shades of blue and green, with a few neutrals thrown in. There are so many uses for these tiles from bathrooms, to floors, backsplashes, or even a dining room wall. In untraditional shapes and patterns, these tiles just pop.
Tidelli Outdoor Living
Who says that outdoor furniture can’t be colorful? It’s nearly impossible to miss this bright, colorful Brazilian furniture line. Handmade of nautical rope, Tidelli’s Amado line is really like nothing else out there. Chairs, barstools, chaises, ottomans, rugs and more are available in vibrant blues, pinks, etc.
Another great thing about Tidelli is its emphasis on social responsibility, employing approximately 300 people with a manufacturing facility that was established in an underdeveloped community, providing opportunities that would not otherwise exist.
Tiny Badger Ceramics
Tiny Badger Ceramics had their booth all the way in the back, but it was hard to miss their beautiful bowls, bud vases, planters and other accessories. Handmade in small batches, this affordable line feels like the décor equivalent of ice cream.
Everything is made of porcelain through a process called ceramic slip casting. The exterior of the surfaces have a smooth matte finish, while the interiors are glossy. Dishwasher safe, food-safe, and microwave safe, they’re practical for everyday use or to stock up and give out as hostess gifts.
Forbes & Lomax
Light switch plates can only be so decorative, unless they’re designed by Forbes & Lomax. It’s almost impossible not to see how chic this brand’s Invisible Light switches are. Inspired by 1930s glass switches, these 3mm transparent acrylic plates are secured to the wall without screws. Choose from brass, nickel, stainless steel or antique bronze switches, pushbuttons and dimmer knobs. Outlets are also available. The unlacquered brass, bronze, and stainless steel lines are just as jaw-dropping.
The Shade Store
While the event mostly featured smaller brands or vendors that mostly sell to the trade, there were a few larger retailers. One that stood out was The Shade Store. Seeing the window treatments in person and feeling the swatches in person was an entirely different experience than viewing everything online. A great example of this was the new Jonathan Adler’s Peking Greek Key shade in Raven. The colors are so rich. I was also surprised to see how easy all the products were to clean.