Need ideas on how to turn your drab digs into a Architechtural Digest-worthy palace? New York Design Week kicks off today – and we’ve got the scoop on the three best events in town.
The Most Accessible: Target Open House
Trinity Lot on Grand Street between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street
Open to the public: today, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; May 15-17, 10a.m.-8p.m.
The crowd: Young couples, Brooklynites, and Target-philes with their children in tow.
What to expect: Five modular 500-square-foot “dwellings” – furnished in classic, casual contemporary, global and modern themes. Kiosks scattered around the venue allow visitors to order their favorite items straight away.
Look out for: Thomas O’Brien’s “modern” dwelling – a sneak peek at Target’s newest designer collaboration, due in stores this fall.
We love: Michael Graves’ baby blue and yellow dog house ($99.99 at Target.com).
The Coolest: Downtown
Drive-In Studios, 443 West 18th St., between Ninth and 10th avenues
Open to the public: today through Monday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: $5
For more info: http://www.designdowntown.com
The crowd: The who’s-who of cool art-house design (we spotted Li Edelkoort last year), European hipsters and Scandinavian fashion and design students.
What to expect: Cutting-edge design by top international design firms and up-and-coming young talent. Visitors can place on-the-spot custom orders from the designers, all on hand to answer questions and discuss their work.
Look out for: The Target-sponsored Savannah College of Art and Design human-size house of playing cards – furnished entirely with Target home accessories.
We love: The “Maxelle” chair by Harald Belker, designer of the Batmobile.
The Mother of all shows: International Contemporary Furniture Fair
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th St., at 11th Avenue
Open to the public: May 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $30
For more info: http://www.icff.com
The crowd: Organizers expect about 18,000 attendees, including established interior designers, architects, retailer, editors and students.
What to expect: 592 exhibitors representing 29 countries (about half of the exhibitors are American), showcasing all aspects of home and interior design in a massive 145,000-square-foot space. Wear comfortable shoes.
Look out for: The Designboom ICFF Mart, where exhibiting designers show their work and sell design souvenirs. The market consists of 30 stalls where everything for sale is a limited edition of 100 pieces or less.
We love: Yves Behar’s “Voyage” – a modernist interpretation of a crystal chandelier designed for Terminal 4 at JFK. It’s a 4.5-meter double-loop structure weighing 1.1 tons and adorned with 52,000 Swarovski crystals. A built-in motion sensor triggers 200 LEDs.
