2024’s Best in Design: Inspiring Spaces, Innovations, and Creative Vision

John Cameron Mitchell’s “Queer Art Church”

John Cameron Mitchell, the writer, director, and performer behind Hedwig and the Angry Inch, renovated a fascinating New Orleans home, previously the headquarters of the esoteric Order Templi Orientis. The house now serves as a venue for performances and art classes, with a striking Art Nouveau renovation by Studio West Design & Architecture.

Alessandro Mendini at the Triennale

The late Alessandro Mendini’s retrospective in Milan titled Io Sono un Drago celebrated his legacy as a pioneer of Italian postmodernism. This exhibition showcased his industrial designs, artwork, and editorial contributions to Domus. Learn more about his impactful career at the official Alessandro Mendini website.

Ceramic and Glass Creations at Alcova

The 2024 Alcova fair in Milan spotlighted surrealist designs, including ceramic sconces by Seoul’s WKND Lab and unique glassware by Poland’s Szklo Studio. These objects captivated audiences with their otherworldly aesthetic.

VIPP’s Aluminum Kitchen at Salone del Mobile

Danish kitchen brand VIPP unveiled an all-aluminum kitchen island at Milan’s Salone del Mobile. Their custom work continues to redefine luxury and functionality in kitchen design.

Dimore Studio’s Chair Collaboration

The collaboration between French fashion brand Yves Salomon and furniture maker Chapo Creation produced stunning chairs featuring intricate wood joinery and vibrant textiles. These were displayed at Milan’s iconic Dimore Studio.

Rarify’s Vintage Furniture Showcase

Rarify, an online shop specializing in rare vintage furniture, exhibited stunning pieces at New York’s ICFF this year. Their unique approach to furniture curation continues to set them apart in the industry.

Quarters: A Design Gallery Styled as a Home

New York’s newest design destination, Quarters, run by lighting designers In Common With, offers a blend of furniture, lighting, and other curated objects. The gallery is situated between Tribeca and Chinatown.

The Lamp Show at Head Hi

Head Hi, a Brooklyn-based design bookstore and cafe, hosted its annual Lamp Show featuring unconventional lighting designs. Studio Atomic’s shaggy lamp was a standout piece, epitomizing the “hairy lighting” trend.

Collectable Design Fair’s New York Debut

Brussels design fair Collectable launched its first New York edition this year. The event brought fresh energy to the city with one-off and small-edition designs by emerging talents.

Colony Gallery’s Credenza and Residency

Tribeca’s design gallery Colony showcased a stunning credenza by Alara Alkan Studio. The designer participated in Colony’s residency program, which supports emerging talents in building their design businesses.

Textile Art by Maris Van Vlack at Superhouse

Superhouse featured Maris Van Vlack’s innovative textiles this fall. Her layered yarn and unconventional materials create compelling narratives in her weavings.

Regional Design at the Atlanta Art Fair

The inaugural Atlanta Art Fair celebrated Southern design with contributions from designers like Michel Smith Boyd and Monet Masters. Discussions highlighted the distinctiveness of regional aesthetics in an increasingly homogenized world.

Objects: USA 2024 at R & Company

Curators Angelik Vizcarrondo-Laboy and Kellie Riggs presented Objects: USA 2024 at R & Company, examining contemporary design trends across America.

Knoll’s Retro Office Chair Re-release

Knoll reintroduced a bold 1973 office chair design by Andrew Morrison and Bruce Hannah. This re-release, available in updated colorways, perfectly balances retro charm and modern appeal.

Dwell Open House in Los Angeles

Dwell hosted an open house tour of three architecturally unique Los Angeles homes. The event offered visitors a glimpse into innovative residential design on the city’s east side.

Christopher Baker’s Lighting at Design Miami

Christopher Baker, a Maine-based designer, showcased striking table lamps draped in yarn at Design Miami. His blend of metal, wood, and fabric constructions exemplifies thoughtful craftsmanship.

Chain Mail Creations by Panorammma

Mexico City-based designer Maika Palazuelos of Panorammma Studio exhibited her innovative chain mail designs at Alcova Miami. Her work continues to push the boundaries of material and form.

Hassan Hajjaj’s Moroccan Pop-Up

During Miami Art Week, Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj transformed a storefront on Lincoln Road into a vibrant Moroccan-inspired tea salon, complete with decor, music, and culinary experiences.

James Cherry’s Lighting at TIWA Select

Lighting designer James Cherry presented his unique resin-coated creations at TIWA Select. His use of found materials and translucent finishes offers a poetic approach to functional design.

The designs prove that creativity thrives even in challenging times. From groundbreaking exhibitions to innovative furniture and lighting, these highlights celebrate the endless possibilities of design.