ICFA Announces Design Excellence Category Winners

Furniture World News Desk on 9/10/2014

The International Casual Furnishings Association announced that eleven manufacturers of outdoor home furnishings and accessories have been recognized for their outstanding product designs.

From among the 11 category winners in ICFA’s Design Excellence competition, one product will be honored with the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” Award. This award will be announced at the Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, September 18, at the Field Museum in Chicago.

The Design Excellence category winners announced this week include:

• Chaise Lounge: Mamagreen Natun Sun Lounger
• Complementary Casual Products: JANUS et Cie Vino Cocktail Table
• Dining Bar Chair: Barlow Tyrie Monterey Teak and Rope Chair
• Dining Bar Table: Barlow Tyrie Equinox Ceramic Top Extending Table
• Fabric: Glen Raven Inc. for Sunbrella, Glitz Silver
• Heating/Firepit: Pride Family Brands 40-inch Fire Pit and Coffee Table
• Lounge Seating with Cushion: Mamagreen TWZT Upholstery Accent Armchair
• Lounge Seating without Cushion: Koverton Farfalla Lounge Chair
• Rugs and Flooring: Couristan Ariatta/ Navy (Covington Collection)
• Outdoor Lighting: Patio Living Concepts Versailies Floor Lamp
• Shade: TUCCI Vineyard Shade Pod

Entrants for the Design Excellence competition must be exhibitors at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in Chicago. Eligible designs have been introduced in the marketplace within the previous year and must represent exceptional design innovation and technical product innovation in the category.

The Design Excellence judging took place on August 28, in Chicago. The 11 category awards will be presented in company showrooms on Tuesday, September 16, the opening day of the 2014 Chicago market.

The 2014 Design Excellence judges included:

• Lynn Boutross, partner in the interior design firm of Blutter/Shiff Design Associates, Chicago;
• Terri Crittenden, architect/senior designer at Susan Fredman Design Group, Chicago;
• Bruce Erickson, vice president of Williams All Seasons in Highland Park, Ill., and winner of Apollo Awards for retail excellence in 1959, 1969, 2003 and 2009; 
• Diane Kitchell, studio leader for interior design at Harrington College of Design, Chicago;
• Janel Laban, executive editor of Apartment Therapy, the DIY website designed to help people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to resources and ideas within an online community;
• Jessica Salisbury, general manager of Village Green in Rockford, Ill., and a first-time Apollo Awards finalist in 2013; and 
• Julie Smith Vicenti, owner of Chicago-based Nine Muses Media LLC, a custom-content boutique specializing in trend reporting and product pictorials for home furnishings brands.in Chicago.

View the Design Excellence category winners by downloading this pdf file