The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) 2025, held from May 18 to 20 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, showcased a dynamic convergence of design, innovation, and craftsmanship. This year’s theme, “Designing in Harmony,” emphasized human-centered design, sustainability, and the celebration of global talent.
Here are some new designs that caught our eye:
Morpho: A Dreamlike Fusion of Art Nouveau and Contemporary Design
One of the most anticipated debuts at ICFF 2025 was Morpho, a collaboration between the renowned music festival Tomorrowland, Belgian furniture brand Ethnicraft, and architect Dieter Vander Velpen. This collection marks Tomorrowland’s evolution into high-end lifestyle products, translating the festival’s dreamlike aesthetic into tangible design .The Morpho collection blends contemporary Art Nouveau influences with Belgian craftsmanship, featuring sculptural, nature-inspired ceramics by Atelier Vierkant and organic forms reimagined through premium faucets and fixtures by RVB. This fusion creates a harmonious balance between artistic expression and functional design, offering pieces that are both visually captivating and practically innovative.
Juniper Recharge Lounge: A Sanctuary for Connection and Innovation
Introducing a new addition to ICFF, the Juniper Recharge Lounge provided attendees with a space to pause, work, and connect. Furnished in partnership with HBF and HBF Textiles, the lounge featured Juniper’s Ground Control power systems, allowing visitors to recharge their devices while surrounded by the ambiance of the Multiverse lighting collection. This initiative highlighted the importance of integrating technology and design to create environments that foster productivity and well-being .
Aqua Atelier by Grohe: Reimagining Water in Design
Grohe’s Aqua Atelier presented an immersive experience that showcased the future of water innovation. The installation featured the upcoming Listra collection and an interactive display of the Grohe Bluewater system, inviting visitors to explore the brand’s design-driven, sustainable approach to reimagining water within the built environment. Throughout the show, Grohe also hosted a series of panels featuring leading voices across architecture, design, and fashion, including renowned fashion designer Christian Siriano and architect Koray Duman .
Bespoke: The Art of Making Salon
In collaboration with Architectural Digest, ICFF 2025 introduced the Bespoke: The Art of Making Salon, a specialized showcase spotlighting artisanal craftsmanship in furnishings and finishes. Designed by the acclaimed interiors firm March and White Design, the space resembled a luxury hotel lobby, promoting immersive sensory engagement .The salon hosted curated exhibitors such as Mercoeur Edition, Caroline Besse, Michiko Sakano Studio, and historic French artisan Ateliers Allot, offering tactile, auditory, and olfactory experiences through handmade rugs, musical performances, and curated scents. This initiative celebrated and preserved traditional artisanal techniques while integrating contemporary design sensibilities.
Wanted: Nurturing Emerging Design Talent
The WANTED program continued to serve as a platform for emerging design talent, featuring initiatives like Launch Pad, Look Book, and the Schools Showcase. These programs spotlighted 87 international pre-selected design studios and independent designers, providing them with opportunities to present their work to a global audience .This year’s WANTED program emphasized the importance of fostering creativity and innovation among the next generation of designers, ensuring the continued evolution of the design industry.
International Presence: A Global Celebration of Design
ICFF 2025 continued to amplify global voices, connecting North American buyers and designers with trailblazers from around the world. Noteworthy exhibitors from countries including Argentina, Belgium, Japan, South Africa, the UK, and more showcased cutting-edge pieces that relied on sustainable materials and inclusive concepts .This international presence underscored ICFF’s commitment to fostering design commerce worldwide and celebrating the diverse cultural influences that shape contemporary furniture design.
Reishi: A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Leather
Ligne Roset’s introduction of Reishi, a mycelium-based material developed by MycoWorks, marked a significant step towards sustainable design. Reishi offers the strength and feel of premium leather while being entirely plant-based .Available in three textures—Natural, Doux, and Pebble—Reishi is fire-resistant, anti-bacterial, and can be made water-repellent. This innovative material represents a revolutionary approach to upholstery, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives in the design industry.
Ornare and Fallen Industry: Masters of Sustainable Craftsmanship
Brazilian brand Ornare showcased its commitment to sustainability through a collection crafted with environmentally friendly practices and materials. From sourcing renewable woods to using non-toxic finishes, Ornare demonstrated that luxury and sustainability can coexist without compromise .Similarly, Brooklyn-based Fallen Industry exhibited live-edge tables and desks made from reclaimed wood, highlighting the beauty of natural materials and the importance of reducing waste in furniture production. Their use of traditional methods and eco-friendly practices resonated with design enthusiasts seeking authentic and sustainable pieces.
ICFF 2025 served as a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary furniture design, where innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship converge to create meaningful and functional art. From the dreamlike aesthetics of Morpho to the sustainable innovations showcased by Reishi and Ornare, this year’s fair highlighted the industry’s commitment to shaping a harmonious future.As design continues to play a pivotal role in shaping our environments and experiences, events like ICFF provide a platform for celebrating the creativity and vision that drive the industry forward.
