I recently returned from a Trend Lecture tour in Florida, where I spoke at influential design resources to some extraordinary designers and leaders on the Florida design scene.
Beyond its welcome blast of winter sun, Sarasota is percolating with a variety of interesting offerings – from the Ringling Museum of Art to the Florida Studio Theatre. The downtown area has many wonderful restaurants, including Selva, which is known for their delicious Nuevo Latino ceviches.
It is clear from the amount of construction, that Sarasota is hot. Designers are in high demand and busier than ever. The key to-the-trade showroom is IDS (International Design Resource). I was fortunate to be asked to speak at IDS in Sarasota and Naples. Among the trends I discussed are “Mid-Century This Century” and “Ethnic Fusion.”
Below are some highlights of the IDS events:
THE INVITATION
THE EVENTS
Event Photos: 1. Barry Goralnick watches as Harry Trachtenberg warms up the crowd; 2. Nibbles in Naples; 3. Lora Brady, Linda Fenton, and Shirley Seidman serve up custom cocktails mixed by Emilio Sadez; 4. Trend Lecture Audience at IDS Naples; 5. Pear tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil skewers; 6. Barry Goralnick; 7. Trend Lecture Audience at IDS Sarasota; 8. IDS Sarasota featuring Barry Goralnick’s Veronica Sofa, Leda Chair & Ottoman, and various Martini Tables; 9. Emily Nelson, Jordan Sewell, Barry Goralnick, and Grace Wise. 10. The Norma Martini Table; 11. The Barry Goralnick bible; 12. Not an empty seat IDS Naples; 13. Designer Barbara Hyman of Barbara Hyman Interiors luxuriating on the Veronica Sofa by Barry Goralnick.
FEATURED DESIGN TREND: “Mid-Century This Century”
Mid-Century design has become a permanent part of the design vocabulary. This century, its scale is reinterpreted for more comfort, without losing its clean ease and distinctive shapes. A few of my pieces for Vanguard Furniture personify this approach/trend:
One of my pieces that evokes the Mid-Century vibe is the Veronica sofa. The channel-back with single button is a nod to the Sixties. But the scale, proportion are all very comfortable and modern. The low arm is great for resting an elbow while you are using your iPad or for resting your head for a quick nap – intentional or not.
I took at similar approach with the Leda chair and ottoman, which are featured at IDS. It’s a modern take on the venerable wing chair. The ottoman can also be used as a stand-alone piece for extra seating or in a pair at the foot of the bed.
FEATURED DESIGN TREND: “Ethnic Fusion”
As the US becomes more ethnically diverse, design elements and motifs from around the globe are fusing together for fresh, new expressions in design. US Census data shows that American Millennials are 49% non-Caucasian. Plus, according the Secretary of Aviation and Internal Affairs, over 196 million passengers flew from the US to other parts of the world in one year (this is up 5% from the year before).
Below is the Norma Cocktail Table, honored with the Best of Year Award by Interior Design Magazine. It has the influence of brass, stone, and mosaics from Morocco.
THE NORMA COCKTAIL TABLE FROM VANGUARD
ABOUT IDS
The love of furniture and design is both a family affair and a personal passion for Emilio Sadez. Born into the family business of furniture retailing, it was only natural that he launch International Design Source in 1997.
International Design Source (IDS) is a to-the-trade showroom exclusively for interior design professionals with showrooms in Naples and Sarasota, Florida. With over 48,000 square foot of floor space, IDS houses an extremely large collection of ready-to-go items from fine furniture to accessories.
Emilio and Linda Sadez introduced us to one of our favorite spots in this trip, CK American Bistro. But you’ll have to read more about Naples in my next post.