A Glimpse into ICFF 2025: Timeless Beauty and Innovation at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair
- Olga Nesterova
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) is the annual design event held in New York City that celebrates the latest trends in furniture and industrial design. Since its inception in 1989, the fair has grown into one of the most influential platforms for global design, bringing together established brands and emerging talent. Since 1993, ICFF has also recognized innovative exhibitors with its prestigious Editors Awards.
Held each May at the Javits Center, ICFF 2025 welcomed over 600 exhibitors, each showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, visionary designs, and groundbreaking products. As much as the sheer scale of the fair was awe-inspiring, it also maintained an intimate atmosphere that encouraged meaningful conversations and learning opportunities.
This year, our mission was to choose a handful of exhibitors to spotlight without overwhelming our readers. After engaging with numerous brands on the first day, we decided to focus on four distinct names, each representing different cultures and design philosophies. These brands—Grohe from Germany, Ulgador from France, Balmuda from Japan, and Natural Curiosities from the United States—have one thing in common: their dedication to creating timeless beauty and lasting joy for their customers. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
Grohe: Innovation Meets Luxury in Water Design
As soon as you stepped into ICFF 2025, you were drawn to a striking booth in royal blue. The layout was grand yet intimate, offering a sense of a luxurious home. The moment you saw the Grohe logo, you knew you were in the presence of a legendary German brand.
Grohe, founded in 1901 and headquartered in Düsseldorf, is a global leader in innovative water products, offering comprehensive solutions for bathrooms and kitchen fittings. In 2014, the brand became part of the Japanese Lixil Group, and by 2017, Grohe had generated consolidated sales of €1.35 billion. Today, the company employs around 6,000 people worldwide.
At ICFF 2025, Grohe introduced the Aqua Atelier, an immersive installation showcasing the future of water innovation.
Visitors were treated to a preview of the upcoming Listra collection, interactive displays of the Grohe Bluewater system, and panels featuring renowned figures such as fashion designer Christian Siriano and architect Koray Duman.
One of the standout features was the Grohe Bluewater system, which delivers customized water experiences directly from your tap. With the push of a button, you can select chilled water, sparkling water, or still water, and each option is illuminated with a corresponding LED light—blue for chilled, turquoise for medium sparkling, and green for fully sparkling water.
The Listra Collection was an exclusive first look, while the Bluewater Display impressed with its innovative functionality. Grohe’s pull-out faucets, for example, allow for effortless sink cleaning and easy pitcher filling. And with their advanced filtration systems, Grohe ensures that every drop of water is pure and fresh.
What stood out most, however, was the dedication of the Grohe team, who exemplified the brand’s commitment to quality, excellence, and consumer well-being. As they say at Grohe: “Everything comes with a seal of exceptional quality.” It’s clear this philosophy permeates every aspect of their design and products.
Watch the video below for a detailed tour with Grohe Marketing Director, Irina Briller:
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Ulgador: Bringing Versailles to Your Home
Have you ever dreamed of taking a piece of Versailles with you? For many, that dream is now a reality, thanks to Ulgador—a Parisian brand founded by the visionary artist Gabor Ulveczki.
Ulgador’s story dates back to 1996, when Gabor began creating wallpaper, mural panels, eglomisé glass, and various decorative objects. His unique techniques of oxidizing and corroding metal leaf—such as gold, copper, silver, and aluminum—produce stunning colors and effects, giving each piece an artistic quality that elevates any space.
Gabor’s daughter, Rahel Ulveczki, an artist in her own right, joined the family business in 2012. Together, they’ve created luxury decorative pieces that have been adopted by some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Chanel, Dior, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Ulgador’s creations transcend the label of “products”—they are handcrafted works of art that can transform any space into a sanctuary of beauty. During ICFF 2025, Rahel shared her passion for the brand’s artistic mission, emphasizing that Ulgador is about more than just luxury; it’s about crafting experiences and bringing magic to life.
Watch the video below to see Rahel Ulveczki discuss her work and see a product demo:
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Balmuda: Japanese Innovation with Heart
Balmuda, the innovative Japanese brand founded in 2003, brought a sense of wonder to ICFF 2025. Known for its sleek, minimalist designs and commitment to sustainability, Balmuda has earned a cult following in Japan and Asia. As a newcomer to the US market, the company has garnered significant attention for its ability to combine cutting-edge technology with user-centered design.
Founded by Gen Terao, who started the company in his room with just a single prototype, Balmuda has grown into an internationally recognized brand. The company is driven by the philosophy of creating not just functional products, but experiences that bring joy and wonder to daily life.
At ICFF, Balmuda's booth was constantly buzzing with visitors eager to learn more about the brand’s signature products, including the iconic toaster, Moon Kettle, and various other household items. What truly made the experience stand out was the warmth and passion of the Balmuda team, who embodied the brand's values of curiosity, precision, and creativity.
Watch the video below for an interview with Kan Terao, the US Marketing and PR Manager, and a product demo featuring the toaster, Moon Kettle, and the fan:
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Natural Curiosities: Eclectic Art Inspired by Nature
Finally, let’s turn our attention to Natural Curiosities, a Los Angeles-based art house that has been designing luxurious, nature-inspired wall decor for over 20 years. The brand’s booth at ICFF 2025 was a testament to its eclectic and imaginative approach to art and design.
Natural Curiosities offers a curated collection of framed art prints and wall decor that goes beyond mere decoration—it enhances the ambiance of any space. The brand’s creators, Christopher and Sera Wilcox, have cultivated a rich sense of style that shines through in their art. The pieces are not just products; they are immersive experiences that transform both public and private spaces.
At ICFF, I had the pleasure of interviewing the founders about their journey and vision for the brand. Natural Curiosities continues to delight interior designers and clients worldwide, offering curated collections that speak to the soul.
Watch the video below for an interview with the founders, Christopher and Sera Wilcox, and learn more about the brand’s vision:
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A Personal Glimpse into the Future of Design
This year’s ICFF was a truly special experience. The brands we featured—Grohe, Ulgador, Balmuda, and Natural Curiosities—represent the future of contemporary design: a future that celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and beauty. Each of these companies not only creates products but crafts experiences that bring joy, comfort, and meaning to their customers' lives.
As we sign off from the Javits Center in New York, we hope this glimpse into the world of ICFF 2025 has inspired you to explore the stories and visions of these remarkable brands. For more information about the fair and the exhibitors, be sure to visit the ICFF website.
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