Cutting Edge Dutch Design Takes Spotlight at International Furniture Fair in New York

ICFF, or the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, which opens this week in New York City, is devoting 2,500 square feet to Dutch design. The exhibition space is organized by Ventura Projects, which curates exhibition areas focusing on the latest developments at the forefront of contemporary design. Ventura — the Dutch edition features designs that look nothing like the classic mid-20th century creations we recognize from the region.

Instead, look for collaborations between emerging designers and established companies producing futuristic furniture and fabrics made from experimental materials and unconventional approaches.

Here are some of my favorites:

Lilian van Daal‘s 3D printed chair made out of a single material that is flexible, firm and stable. Her Radiolaria chair takes inspiration from skeletal spines found in unicellular organisms living throughout the world’s oceans. Van Daal’s printed designs use recyclable materials.

Wool Amsterdam‘s three dimensional wall objects, panels, and room dividers are handmade from wool felt. Designed by Ingrid Heijne, Wool Amsterdam’s work has been used by such envelope-pushing companies as Vitra, Moooi, and Lensvelt. The company also produces hand-knotted felt sculptures based on the Japanese kumihimo techniques.

Cascando designs and manufactures seating and accessories that blur the lines between work and home with furnishings that fit seamlessly into both. Robert Bronwasser’s Pully pouf has a leather handle that can travel anywhere, stylishly.

Studio Klaff‘s newGlassware series uses vintage glassware as the basis to create new lighting and table pieces. All the glassware is handmade and unique, composed of individually selected vintage elements. There’s nothing austere or minimalist about these designs, yet wouldn’t they fit right into a contemporary space?