In March, Compass Ironworks participated in the prestigious and world renowned Architectural Digest Home Design Show in Manhattan. We featured an estate gate, that utilized a replicated English design, originally built in 1862. Interior Iron Main Foyer railings were another big hit, and a property security fence replicated from a project from 1927 but built in modern aircraft grade aluminum, also got a lot of attention. The 8ft high traditional design with today’s corrosion resistant metallurgy intrigued estate owners, New York architects and custom homebuilders from as far away as San Diego, California.
The show stopper was an ornamental security door, based on a design from Italy in 1742. The custom frame, recessed glass, invisible stainless hinges and Baldwin Hardware got absolute raves from passersby.
From our observation, the hottest color trending for exterior terrace railings, pool fence, and driveway gates is a dark statuary bronze. For interior appliances and hardware, silver sheens are hot and we are observing what could be a shift towards blackened metal or black with silver highlights.
The attendance was great, we met world class architects and interior designers, and trending landscape architects, all seeking quality estate fence and gates to railings for interior and exterior, looking for craftsmen that could bring their unique design ideas and dreams to reality.
Although we had to contend with some weather issues, 4 inches of snow on Friday, show management reported about 40,000 people come through the doors. At times, the crowd neared capacity for the venue. 700 members of the press were registered, and those members covered the event in pieces in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, ABC News, CBS New York, New York Daily News, New York Post, Bloomberg Business, Yahoo! Finance, Los Angeles Times, Consumer Reports, Apartment Therapy, Lonny, Design Milk and many, many others. This was the biggest press year yet with over 800 million impressions. There was also more programming in the Jenn-Air Master Class Studio. Speakers and panelists included many celebrity authorities, like Martha Stewart, Margaret Russell, Jonathan and Drew Scott (the Property Brothers), Alexa Hampton, David Rockwell, just to name a few.
The experience was phenomenal and we had a great time. Let us know how we can assist you to make your next Ironworks endeavor a great experience.
