The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) announced 11 category winners in the 2010 Design Excellence competition.
The competition recognizes products for their overall design, as well as their marketability, innovation, color, construction and imaginative use of materials. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. co-sponsors the awards.
From among the 11 category winners, ICFA members will select the Lillian B. Winchester “Best of Show” award through online voting taking place through Tuesday, September 21.
The category winners include:
Cast Metal: Varenne Barstool from Veneman’s Roger Thomas Collection.
Complementary Casual Products: Cushion Storage Chest by Povl Eskildsen for Gloster.
Fabric: French Twist Collection from Shuford Mills/Outdura.
Outdoor Lighting: Phatty Conversation Table Lamp by Andy Morter for Shady Lady.
Outdoor Rugs/Carpeting/Flooring: Peacock Ocean Aqua Outdoor Rug, from Sawgrass Mills/The HammockSource.
Rattan/Wicker/Woven Materials: Gigi Lounge from JANUS et Cie.
Resin/Fiberglass: Brio MPG Cushion Sectional by William Vanderminden for Telescope Casual Furniture.
Shade Products: Plantation MAX Parasol by Dougan Clarke for TUUCI.
Tubular Materials: Color Glass Dining Table from Telescope Casual Furniture.
Wood Furniture: Topaz Stackable Carver by Ciani Design for Jensen Leisure.
Wrought Iron/Wrought Aluminum: Amelie Dual Spring Rocking Loveseat by Shaun Sweeney for Woodard.
Design Excellence judges included media representatives Adam Moroschan, Chicago HOME and Garden; Janel Laban from the blog, Apartment Therapy; and Debby Donovan, The Daily Herald, Arlington Heights, Ill.; designers Grace Sielaff of M Grace Designs, Chicago, and Pamela Self, Pamela Self Landscape Design, Hawthorne Woods, Ill.; and retailers Bruce Erickson, Williams Ski and Patio, Highland Park, Ill., and Mike D’Antonio, Viking Ski and Patio, Barrington, Ill.
The Best of Show winner will be announced at a 6:30 p.m. awards reception on Wednesday, September 22, at the Ballroom of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, located at 112 South Michigan Avenue.
The awards reception is open only to ICFA members and their invited guests.