The design industry has taken over New York City this month (May 3-17) and I love it! It's the fourth annual NYC x Design which celebrates all forms of creativity from the arts, architecture and interior design to urban planning and fashion. The events include trade shows, pop up shops, installations, and work shops taking place at different venues throughout the five boroughs. Everyone from the trade to the general public are welcome to join, learn and enjoy the festivities. I wish I could have attended all of the events but since that's impossible, I'll share a few of my favorites.

First stop, Brooklyn. I always feel a sense of nostalgia when in Brooklyn because even though I grew up in California, I have family in Brooklyn and often visited them during my summer vacations when I was in junior high school. That's when I first fell in love with New York. I've also lived in different areas of Brooklyn throughout the years so I know the borough. Now I live in Harlem which I love but I'll always have great memories and a soft spot for Brooklyn. Over the years most areas in NYC have developed, grown and changed (aka gentrification) but for better or worse none has changed more than Brooklyn. Here are some pics I took in Greenpoint on my way to the Brooklyn Expo Center for Bklyn Designs. I figured I might as well enjoy the exterior parts on my way to see the interior designs and products at the show.

Awww, the things that should always stay the same in NYC no matter what... 1) Graffiti, and not just random writing on walls but true works of art. Graffiti is authentic NYC, the wall is the canvas. 2) Using the fire escape as a balcony. 3) The ice cream truck on a warm day. 4) Hanging out in the neighborhood park.

Now for the sights that made me roll my eyes... The local movie theater turned into a Starbucks and the corner bodega is now Duane Reade. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Starbucks and Duane Reade as much as the next guy but does it have to be at the expense of the things that make the neighborhood authentic?

Anyway, now let's go inside for the main events. The following pics are from two separate exhibits, Wanted Design and Bklyn Designs. I decided to focus on lighting for this blog post mainly because there were so many beautiful and unique lighting options being showcased at every event and secondly because when people think of New York City they think of the bright lights and energy literally charging us up. It's electric...

Wanted Design and Bklyn Designs

(Click on company name under each photo to link to their website)

Top:  This sitting area in Wanted Designs Brooklyn was super cozy.  That sofa is beautiful at every angle and those chrome floor lamps are so cool.  Bottom: Love that lamp!  It reminds me of a praying mantis.  Find out … — **Top:** This sitting area in Wanted Designs Brooklyn was super cozy. That sofa is beautiful at every angle and those chrome floor lamps are so cool. **Bottom:** Love that lamp! It reminds me of a praying mantis. Find out more at www.sergemouvilleusa.com

Top Left:  Modern and versatile desk lamp by Juniper    Top Right: Feather pendant lights by LAAF     Bottom Left: Who doesn't love emojis?  Sconce by Alice Taranto     Bottom Right:  Large pend… — **Top Left:** Modern and versatile desk lamp by Juniper **Top Right:** Feather pendant lights by LAAF **Bottom Left:** Who doesn't love emojis? Sconce by Alice Taranto **Bottom Right:** Large pendant light. Not sure who this is by but it's perfect for defining an area in a large loft space.

ICFF

Now let's head over to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. This huge event showcases the latest and greatest items to make your interior space amazing. Everything there was spectacular! Like I said before I'm focusing on lighting for now but my next blog post will show all of the other furniture and decor items I came across.

Pendant Lights

Top Left:  Fade Pendant in chrome, gold or copper by Tom Dixon   Top Right:  These wooden pendants by Seppo Koho are hand crafted from Finnish birch.   Bottom Left: Hand crafted pendant lights made from recycled cardboard by… — **Top Left:** Fade Pendant in chrome, gold or copper by Tom Dixon **Top Right:** These wooden pendants by Seppo Koho are hand crafted from Finnish birch. **Bottom Left:** Hand crafted pendant lights made from recycled cardboard by Graypants, Inc. **Bottom Right:** Incorporating geometric shapes and angles is designer James Dieter based in Brooklyn, NY

Left:  Handmade using natural materials found in the Philippines by LIJA    Right:  Laurent by Lambert & Fils Studio — **Left:** Handmade using natural materials found in the Philippines by LIJA **Right:** Laurent by Lambert & Fils Studio

Floor Lamps

Top Left:  Spar Floor Light by Jamie McLellan of  Resident Co.   Top Right:  Circa by Pablo Designs   Bottom Left: Custom lighting made in Brooklyn, NY by Ludwig & Larsen  Bottom Right:  Indoor/Outdoor lighting… — **Top Left:** Spar Floor Light by Jamie McLellan of Resident Co. **Top Right:** Circa by Pablo Designs **Bottom Left:** Custom lighting made in Brooklyn, NY by Ludwig & Larsen **Bottom Right:** Indoor/Outdoor lighting, Giant Collections by Angle Poise

Mobile Style Lighting

Top:  The lighting and walls you see in the photo above is made of recycled paper.  The honeycomb structure of the design gives the material enough strength to even use as furniture which I'll show more of in my next blog post.  For n… — **Top:** The lighting and walls you see in the photo above is made of recycled paper. The honeycomb structure of the design gives the material enough strength to even use as furniture which I'll show more of in my next blog post. For now, check out that large floor lamp with the lighting hanging like a giant mobile. Design by Molo **Bottom Left:** Custom made chandelier by Dunn **Bottom Right:** Boomerang by lightexture

So like the city itself, our homes are powered by light. Having the correct lighting in a space is essential, whether it's hanging from above or part of a floor or table lamp, light gives us energy. Plus we need to see what we're doing and where we're going so we don't stump our toe every two feet. That energy source might as well come from a beautifully designed piece like the ones I've shared with you today. These lights are all truly pieces of art.