BKLYN DESIGNS™, the annual three-day furnishings design event presented by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, received recognition from leading design web sites, Inhabitat.com and Design*Sponge, for the work produced by several exhibitors showcased at the 2009 show.  Six winners were chosen from this year’s 45 exhibitors.  Held over Mother’s Day weekend, May 8 to 10, BKLYN DESIGNS™ 2009 highlighted some of the freshest and most innovative contemporary furniture, lighting, carpet, flooring, and wall covering designs being produced in Brooklyn.

The 2009 BKLYN DESIGNS™ exhibitors receiving industry recognition for their cutting-edge designs were:

Inhabitat.com Editor's Choice Awards:

• Most Innovative Use of Materials: Funature by Hugh Hayden
• Best Lighting Design: Paper Lamps by Levent & Romme
• Best Student Design: Buoy Chair by Evan Dewhirst
• Best Kid's Design: Bamboo Kid's Furniture by Argington
• Best in Show: Transforming Table Bench by EcoSystems

DesignSponge's Grace Bonney "Best in Show" Award:

• Palo Samko Woodworker

“BKLYN DESIGNS has been responsible for launching many designers' careers and as presenters of the show, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is proud of that fact. We've found a way to promote these growing businesses, and connect them with potential buyers and business partners in a fun and creative atmosphere,” notes Carl Hum, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Grace Bonney, founder and editor of Design*Sponge said, "This year's BKLYN DESIGNS™ was the strongest showing I've seen yet. The exhibitors accurately represented the sort of cutting-edge, forward-thinking design that's taking place in Brooklyn right now.  I really enjoyed the sense of camaraderie among the designers and felt much more at home at BKLYN DESIGNS™ this year than I've felt at any other show over the past 6 years."

Well-known professionals from the design industry converged on the main exhibition hall located at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO, Brooklyn, several of whom commented that the quality and variety of design featured this year by participating exhibitors was heightened.  Jayne Michael, partner at 2Michaels, a New York based interior design firm specifically noted, “The show was smaller than last year but the caliber was higher and well edited.”

In addition, many of the designers who exhibited at this year’s show expressed satisfaction with their BKLYN DESIGNS™ experience. Palo Samko, in his third year exhibiting at the show said, "BKLYN DESIGNS™ is my favorite show.  I participate in several others, but BKLYN DESIGNS™ is the best for our business”.  First time exhibitor Matthew Fairbank also recognized the benefit of his participation in BKLYN DESIGNS™ stating, “BKLYN DESIGNS™ is an amazing way for a young designer to get legitimate footing in the professional design industry. My career has been on fast forward since I became involved with this wonderful program.”

BKLYN DESIGNS™ was launched in 2003 to support businesses in the borough’s growing creative industry providing them the platform to make contacts to expand their business and client base.  Trade professionals such as David Alhadeff, owner of The Future Perfect, attends BKLYN DESIGNS™ annually because he considers it to be, “a valuable asset to my business, as the show consistently introduces me to new design talent that essentially makes up the heart of my business.”

As the show has done every year since its launch, the 7th annual BKLYN DESIGNS™ hosted enormous crowds from across the tri-state area and beyond, with attendees flying in from as far away as Japan, Italy and the Netherlands. Attendees packed the three venues, interacted with exhibitors, and attended multiple special weekend events, including a “sold out” panel discussion.

BKLYN DESIGNS™ receives support from Speaker Sheldon Silver and the New York State Assembly Brooklyn Delegation, Speaker Christine Quinn and the New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation, and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.  Sponsors of the 2009 event were 93 Nevins, Pratt Institute, Two Trees Management, Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center, Con Edison, Benjamin Moore, Thermador, Interior Design, New York Magazine, Dwell, The American Institute of Architectures New York & Brooklyn, The American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association.

Please direct all press inquires call auster*events 718-243-1414.  For all public inquiries, please call the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at 718-875-1000.  Visit http://www.bklyndesigns.com/ for more information about the 2009 BKLYN DESIGNS exhibitors and show.