Brooklyn Designs 2006 Gears Up

Held at several DUMBO locations in Brooklyn, the show will coincide with New York Design Week.

Meaghan O'Neill -- Interior Design, 3/2/2006

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's fourth annual Brooklyn Designs show, to be held in DUMBO from May 12-14, will highlight some of the burrow's best contemporary furnishings--from indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, and lighting to accessories. The jury has selected a stellar exhibitor line-up, from a record-breaking number of applications.

Kicking off in the midst of New York Design Week, the 2006 show will feature a mix of 34 returning Brooklyn-based brands and 20 new designers—the latter will introduce their products to the market for the very first time.

Friday, May 12 will be the event’s one trade-only day, which will include professional seminars and a special designer-architect high tea, hosted by sponsors Interior Design and Two Trees Management.

Programming on Saturday, May 13 will focus on green design—from materials to architecture. Signage will identify exhibitors with eco-friendly products, such as lounge chair created in Felt by newcomer Uhuru Design and sustainable side tables and shelving by veteran exhibitor Scrapile.

Events scheduled for Sunday, May 14 (Mother’s Day), will celebrate the home and family. For lecture Eating In: Design Tips from Top Brooklyn Chefs You Can Take To Go, for example, local chefs will spill their secrets in DUMBO's Bosch Thermador Gagganeu showroom. Another playful contest, Pimp Your Stroller with TONY Kids, will divvy out prizes to owners of the most creatively accessorized strollers.

Parties and gallery openings, including a Saturday night open house at Design Within Reach Studio’s Montague Street location, will be strewn throughout the weekend. Off-site events and exhibits are also in the works. Don’t miss “Blockparty: Art and Design of the New Urban House,” an installation curated by New York architect Jonathan Marvel, of Truck Product Architecture, and developer Abby Hamlin. The exhibit, located at 267A State Street in Boerum Hill, is set in one of 14 contiguous new townhouses, designed by Rogers Marvel Architects. Free shuttle buses will run between Brooklyn Design’s DUMBO location and the exhibit.

Several local restaurants, shops, and galleries will also host special promotions for the show weekend.