DesignEx 2009 : Finally!!

This post is running a little [OK maybe a lot late -seeing as DesignEx was back in the end of April -without going into too much detail lets just say I am experiencing technical difficulties with post layouts and being a horrible perfectionist I have been reluctant to post if it doesn't look right...] but here it is at last - i spy DesignEX 2009 highlights.

Those unfamiliar with DesignEx need to know its Australia's Design trade show that alternates annually between Melbourne and Sydney. Melbourne was host to 2009's show.

This year DesignEx featured Kaleidoscope a new area to highlight the latest trends in soft furnishings & textiles. Within this was Observatory, an inspiring installation featuring products from exhibitors in Kaleidoscope. The installation took us to 3 view points - One Small Step - looking up, Guerrillas In The Mist - looking through [above top] and Just Like Little Ants - looking down [above bottom]. It was great to see textiles displayed in a unique fashion and within the context of 3 trends to inspire designers. More images below.

As part of Kaleidoscope Panorama gave exhibitors the opportunity to provide designers with a snapshot of their latest textiles in a 1 x 1m space.

Popping pink from Zepel fabrics

Publisher textiles displays some of their amazing patterns. They also have fabulous wallpaper.Some of the best stands utilised natural timber finishes or referred to nature in design, form or display elements.

Gunnersens created texture with simple raw timber pieces creating a matchstick effect

I loved the detail created by these little origami birds on the Big River stand

Kif & Katast make these gorgeous screens and benches that can be used both inside and out. The image above is their new custom designed glass splashback range which looks great and would work well as many other design features [backlit bar front? shower screen?...] Check out their website for other great products.

Kif & Katast Gingko Bench

Kif & Katast Corten Screens

The simple tree shapes on the Abet Laminati stand displayed their new laminates - forbidden fruit - lovely & eco friendly reproductions of endangered timbers & Serigrafia silkscreen surfaces - including sixteen designs by Paola Navone.

Meizai had a visually stunning stand with natural timber and nature providing a theme for the sculptural type displays.

One of the unique stands at DesignEx was by The Laminex Group. Their concept was an evolving sculpture created by simple blocks [or 'product bars' in their words] finished in various Laminex surfaces. With no fixed elements the stand was constantly changing with the help of performance artists. Its was a really easy way to view each surface as well as the products weren't lost in a complicated stand concept.

I loved the way these two children were completely captivated by the android like performance artists, they had no idea what to make of them!!

What a great way to display wall tiles, this eye catching display was from Bespoke Tile & Stone. I especially love the leather tiles [above bottom]

This uber chic stand was for Cascade Coil. It was quite a luxe look [a bit D&G Gold] for a company that is quite industrial, a good way to bring designers attention to their interesting product.

The Fisher & Paykel Izona Cool Drawer is such a innovative product [click on link to see other great Izona product]. I love it when designers strip away all preconceptions of an everyday item and address functionality and aesthetics as if they are designing a product that has never existed. The Cool Drawer can be a freezer, fridge, pantry or wine store with its different temp settings and as you can see from the images it can be fully integrated. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of this product in hotel rooms, so much better that the traditional mini bar, or maybe in bedside drawers as was also seen on this stand, you can use your imagination to think about what advantage this may be...

One of the small stands at DesignEx was also one of the best. Marc Pascal's beautiful lights spoke for themselves in this installation. I have long been a fan of the Eyoi yoi pendant light.

I loved the wall art [stickers] by Interior Instyle that appeared randomly throughout the show. Interior Instyle have amazing designs and quite a big collection. I am a big fan of wall stickers especially when I am renting as they are removable, there are a few walls in this house that could do with a bit of interest...

Love to know what you think, please leave us a comment...

[all images are property of i spy, please credit and link back if you use them]

Next post - the Australian International Design Awards.