We invited a panel of area designers—Elena Phillips, Karen Bow, Lis Arcos, Liz Slutsky, Meghan De Maria and William Lyon—to judge the IDAs category of product design. They selected their top 10 picks from a list of finalists, choosing the products they felt best exemplified innovative design. In addition, CTC&G readers voted on their favorite product through Cottages & Gardens website.
WINNER: WISE CHOICE
Interior designer Douglas Graneto designed a one-of-a-kind fire screen for his client. Working with Wiseman Studio, the screen features iconography relevant to the family, including a watchful owl. A brass inlaid and marble surround is made of Fior Di Pesco marble, sourced from Point Rock Surfaces. Price upon request.
OPEN-DOOR POLICY
Lunetta by Studio KC for Stamford’s Accurate Lock & Hardware combines form and function in a bespoke design which is also ADA compliant. The custom half-moon shape—in a hand-hammered finish—can stand alone or be paired to form a full, harmonious circle. Price as shown, $3,531. Available through Door Hardware and Restoration.
LESS IS MORE
The minimalist design of the Kohler Components faucet is now available in a kitchen model. Offered in a variety of finishes, the fixture flaunts an innovative sweep spray providing a forceful blade of water for cleaning. The swing spout and bar faucets include a two-function aerator that allow users to switch from an aerated stream to a soft rinse spray for delicate glassware or food prep. Pricing starts at $86, available through Kohler Signature Stores, Westport, Greenwich.
BRICK LAYER
The handformed brick profile of Dutch Quality Stone’s manufactured stone veneer is crafted with rich dimensons and intricate variations. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, each brick lends a unique, textural depth to walls in a choice of three colorways: Snowpack, Quail Grey and Coal Crest, shown here. Price upon request.
LOUNGING IN STYLE
The Amalfi hammock by Lujo Living is ideal for relaxing indoors or out. The modern simplicity of the hammock is handcrafted in New Zealand and achieved in a textural Mokum Ostuni outdoor fabric woven in Italy. Offered in 11 curated color combinations inspired by Mediterranean summers, optional extras include a head pillow and a lush padded layer base. Pricing starts at $995.
WATER COLORS
Alicia Sands Tiberio of Dorset & Pond Design has created a line of wallcoverings and fabrics based on her handpainted watercolors. The pattern, Into the Weeds, shown here was recently featured in the Darien Community Association 203 Project showhouse. $66 per seven yard roll, to the trade only.
SCULPTED STEEL
The Skye furniture collection is crafted in Tom Faulkner’s Wiltshire, UK, workshop. Stainless-steel sheets are meticulously shaped into seven distinct pieces, suitable for indoor or outdoor placement. The base of the Skye dining table, shown here, is made of a perfectly formed ellipse held safely within an amorphous outer shape. The glass top echoes the cloud-like design of the base. Price upon request.
JEWEL TONES
Outfitting the bath with jewelry-inspired luxury, Kallista’s 002 faucet and shower collection is fashioned with a natural stone cross bezel handle. Three handcrafted stones were chosen for their opulent beauty and healing properties, including Zebra Jasper, Rose Quartz (shown here) and Statuary White Carrara. Pricing starts at $1,295.
ROCK FORMATION
Cappadocia Sunset, part of Neolith’s Classtone Collection, is inspired by the rocky formations shaped by volcanic eruptions in central Turkey’s Cappadocia region. The lightweight sintered stone surface is created under intense pressure and heat which bonds the natural crushed stone for a hard, durable and versatile surface. Slabs start at $13 per square foot.
READERS’ CHOICE: WINE CELLAR
All the Details—a manufacturer and installer of custom steel, aluminum and bronze windows and doors—collaborated with the Vulcan Development Group on the concept and construction of this lower-level wine wall. The unit can accommodate and cool more than 600 bottles in a climate-controlled environment with thermally insulated glass. Goes for $30,000.
This article appears in the December 2024 issue of CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) with the headline: 10 Innovative Products.