By definition, contemporary design means style that is “of the moment,” representing the kind of trends that end up being used as a shorthand for conjuring flashbacks to a certain time period, think: wood-paneled rec rooms and avocado appliances. Last weekend, modern day lifestyle themes that one day will be studied by set designers looking to tell a story about the late teens of the 21st century were on display at the WestEdge Design Fair held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Showcasing more than 175 companies, WestEdge may have looked like a colorful collection of luxury design, but it served up cultural cues to our relationships with technology, the world, social justice and environmental concerns. And you thought you were just looking at a rug.
In an era when we are simultaneously embracing technology in all forms for smart home design and appliances — while doing everything we can to create soothing sanctuaries that buffer and shield us from the fray — contemporary design is a study in contrasts. Yes, we want to preheat the oven from our smartphone, but we also want to eat dinner on a table made of sustainable wood. Both were at WestEdge.
The show celebrated the craftsmanship and handmade appeal of artists and artisans like designer Kelly Lamb, ceramicist Lynne Meade and artists Lisa Donohoe and Brynn Gelbard of Los Angeles-based Londubh, while at the same time reveling in dramatically conceived booths like the one from JennAir that was as much a contemporary art installation as a product showcase.
The Shade Store, one of the larger companies there, introduced its latest Roman shade and drapery collaboration with designer Nate Berkus. Among the emerging companies on hand was Del Mar, Calif.-based Ibbq, showing off its outdoor dining table with gas grill inset, and the Personal Space to-the-trade showroom in Manhattan Beach, which debuted the latest additions to its lines.
Here are 12 designs that captured the style zeitgeist.
Studio 7
YOU’RE SOAKING IN IT Custom, wooden soaking tub from former boat builder and award-winning staircase designer Nathie Katzoff of Seattle-based, NK Woodworking. Price upon request. nkwoodworking.com
Maple Jude & Co
PRINTS CHARMING Los Angeles-based interior designers Jen Dallas and Perry Helderman debuted Maple Jude & Co., a charming new line of printed organic textiles and matching ceramic tiles. Prices available upon request at maplejude.com.
Ashley Randall Photography
CASE WORKERS Lloyd Drinks Cabinet inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright in oiled walnut and handpolished brass from Los Angeles-based Foreman Brothers. $5,200. foremanbrothersdesign.com
Brizo
NOW THAT’S SMART! Luxury faucet manufacturer Brizo demonstrated its Litze Smart Touch articulated faucet in Brilliance Luxe Gold finish at a fully plumbed sink: once the water handle is engaged, the faucet can be turned off and on with a simple to touch to any of the metal parts. $1,282. brizo.com
Franz Viegener
LIFE IN 2-D Premier faucet company Franz Viegener showcased the Edge faucet ($1,350), an ultra-modern, visual equivalent of a die-cut piece of steel, which was one of several products at the WestEdge show to earn a Best of Category commendation from CA Home + Design. franzviegener.us
JennAir
BLACK MAGIC Inspired by black volcanic glass, JennAir’s new column refrigerators are designed with obsidian interiors dramatically lighted from within that boast triple-sensor climate controls and smarthome integration, the 24-inch starts at $6,199. At WestEdge, consumers also got a glimpse of Cuts by JennAir, an industry exclusive collection of custom leather panels designed to adorn refrigerator doors. Want a fridge that dresses as well as you do? Reserve panels, starting at $4,000 online at boundbynothing.jennair.com.
Fanae Aaron
THEY SAID THERE WOULDN’T BE MATH Los Angeles-based Parts + Assembly sells a collection of modular geometric pieces in natural wood or mirrored or metallic finishes that clip together to create a customized design or can be purchased in combinations like the Cody ($1,000) styled by designer-owner Fanae Aaron. partsandassembly.com
Les Jardins Solar Lighting
NIGHT LIGHTS The WestEdge outdoor lounge area was lighted at night courtesy of French company Les Jardins’ new solar lighting division, which will launch retail Nov. 1. Blade Solar Lantern in teak with Duratek finish. $500. lesjardins.solar
William Boice
WASH YOUR HANDS Botanically scented, hand-poured soaps called Erode Summits by Umé Studio (from $55) are designed to be swiped with a wet hand or cloth and beg to be touched. Available at ume-studio.com.
Imaginary Lamp Empire
FLIP ON THE LIGHT One-of-a-kind lamps designed with industrial hardware, handmade ceramics and patchwork shades debuted from Mokelumne Hill, Calif.-based Imaginary Lamp Empire, starting at $625. imaginarylampem pire.com
Heather McCalla
NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S POTTERY Powdery pastel pottery with a vintage-inspired vibe ($18-$65) designed by Heather McCalla at San Diego-based tinybadger.com.