neo-utility – DesignApplause

Neo-utility. NYIGF 2012

Aug 20, 2012

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Before Kip Kotzen started neo-utility, his Brooklyn-based design sales agency and distribution company, he worked with the Eames family in California as well as with Vitra and Areaware. Since 2009 he’s been applying his excellent taste to smaller goods for the home and office, like the To:ca Alarm Clock (which is, by now, a modern icon), the beautiful handmade wooden toys by Miller Goodman or the minimal, purpose-driven desk accessories by ANYTHING that make me want to spend my last paycheck on an office makeover.

Among neo-utility’s 2012 product line up is the clever/cute Chick-a-Dee, a bird-shaped smoke detector and the Mini-ELEFAN, a small table top fan with an elephant trunk-like duct you can use to adjust the direction of the wind and control in three settings – strong, weak and rhythmical. Since the blades aren’t exposed its ideal for children, and it can be charged with a USB cable. The filter is washable, too, and it even comes with an optional aromatherapy attachment.

We also love the Recycled Sky Planter, by Boskke. Upside down planters make it possible for apartment dwellers to maximize their interior green space without cluttering up every available surface, and Boskke’s line of planters are, as their name suggests, made from recycled plastic. A float-stick indicates the water level so you know when to refill, and starting at $18, you can easily afford to cluster them in groups.

Visit neo-utility’s at NYIGF at the Javits Center, Booth #3748.

about perrin drumm

Report from nyigf 2012: neo-utility.

Jan 31, 2012

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With almost 3,000 exhibitors, its easy to get overwhelmed at the annual NYIGF, a convention debuting new kitchen gadgets, home goods and children’s products. But neo-utility‘s booth always manages to capture my attention. Representing brands that are both playful and grown up, neo-utility brings thoughtful, well-made design to the work and play space with companies like ANYTHING, IDEA International, Miller Goodman and Very Good & Proper. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to see.

ANYTHING (pictured above) is a collaboration between UK designer Michael Sodeau and Japanese company Suikosha. Together they produce colorful, minimal desk accessories.

IDEA International is a Japanese company representing the designers that made the now famous Music Balloon, the Icon Watch and to:ca, the wooden LED clock.

Miller Goodman makes children’s toys so beautiful you wish you were a kid again. But there’s really no shame in having a set of handmade, wooden blocks on your work desk.

Very Good & Proper is on a “mission to create practical, beautiful and reasonably priced products that last a long time.” Their tables and and stackable chairs will soon be available for purchase online.