NY NOW GIFT SHOW GREATS: GRAPHIC GEOMETRIC MOMENTS

As I peruse the Gift Show, now called New York Now, I am struck by how many throws and cutting boards I am seeing. As random as that sounds, I guess it is because staying cozy and entertaining at home are still very popular activities. So stay in and nest. With more snow coming, it might be just what the Dr. ordered.

Photos courtesy of Bower

Shape Boards, reversible wooden cutting boards from New York-based company Bower, have a graphic 3D pop of geometric color (painted in non-toxic paint) on one side and solid wood on the back and can be hung from the wall when not in use.

For easy hanging, they have created instant art.

I am so taken with this version in red and turquoise. These have cool museum store written all over them, so I hope the curators of cool see them.

Brooklyn-based artist Kim Tyler has created special throws with strong graphic elements as appealing as modern art. Inspired by the works of Bauhaus masters Anni and Josef Albers as well as Elsworth Kelly, the linear designs on soft goods has an artistic appeal. Squares 1 above, of a boucle wool yarn and polymide for give, features a black and blue design against a grey ground.

Rectangles B, made of a heavy weight Italian wool and cashmere blend looks as alluring as a wall hanging as it does on a sofa back.

Photo courtesy of Johanna Howard

Johanna Howard, her first time out at the gift show as new designer created these wonderfully soft woven Alpaca throws. Called Stockholm, the triangular design is bound by a thick stripe edge.

Photo courtesy of Zuzunaga

Made to resemble pixels, British company Zuzunaga takes its inspiration from the digital age. From the Bitmap Collection of cotton and nylon knit throws, Labrynth is shown in deep orange with turquoise.