Editor’s Spotlight: Florida Design

Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos reviews trending design themes

At Spring Market 2021, attendance and spirits were high, and the emerging design themes reflected the collective mood. I’m already looking forward to seeing the evolution of spring’s trends at Fall Market — and to see exhibitors sharpening their focus on sculptural pieces and mixed metals.

In outdoor furniture, we saw bold statement pieces perfect for entertaining. Rattan is being mixed with unexpected materials or sculpted in innovative ways. Also emerging are glamorous bar cabinets and carts, innovative work-from-home concepts, brass, and sustainable materials in elevated designs.

Down to Business and Open for Business desks from Caracole

Blending efficiency and high design, Caracole pairs its Down to Business and Open for Business desks, both crafted of figured sycamore veneers, creating opportunities to co-work, hold meetings, and work sitting or standing, for an all-in-one, innovative home office.

Caracole

Hug Pavillion by COUTURE Jardin

This multi-functional outdoor piece by COUTURE Jardin is a dream for gathering and entertaining. It's a modular seating system, constructed of outdoor Max Rope over a welded aluminum frame, that can be configured for conversation, lounging, dining, or all of the above.

COUTURE Jardin

Gin’s Drink Cabinet by Julian Chichester

Composed of Indian rosewood with black vellum doors, and blackened brass discs, this is a stylish solution to cocktail hour by Julian Chichester . Open the sycamore veneer–lined doors to reveal a stocked bar reflected in verre églomisé mirroring, and lit with LED strips.

Julian Chichester

Selita Chandelier by Palecek

This lovely oval chandelier by Palecek is proof positive that humble materials can be elevated to haute status. An intricate assemblage of hand-sewn coco bead swags dripping from a powder-coated metal frame, this showpiece is the model of sustainability.

Palecek

Sea Cliff Chair by Selamat

Rattan is not new, but pairing it with acrylic feels fresh and sophisticated. The Sea Cliff slipper chair by Selamat balances the earthiness of skin-on rattan with the jewel-like quality of acrylic for a modern take on the classic.

Selamat

About Daphne Nikolopoulos

As editorial director of Florida Design, Daphne leads a team of talented editors, designers, and contributors to produce Florida’s most authoritative design publication. A career journalist who’s covered design and architecture for more than 25 years, she has led the reimagining of this venerable title by bringing diverse and compelling content, seeking out and celebrating new talent, and enriching the media brand with new storytelling platforms.