This year’s winners of the 10th Annual National Design Awards were announced yesterday at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Among the top designers are Tsao & McKown Architects for interior design, SHoP Architects for architecture, and Boym Partners for product designer.

Other disciplines to be honored include: fashion, landscape, corporate, communication, and a new interaction design category, recognizing work using digital technology. Winners will be feted at a gala dinner on October 22 at Cipriani in New York.
Read on for a list of honorees.

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Even if you’ve had to cut down expenses and eat at home more during these shaky economic times, dining should still be a pleasure. Whether you’re eating takeout from a neighborhood restaurant, or a home-cooked meal, there is no reason you can’t make the experience delightful…

Below are a few kitchen accessories to put a stylish spin on dining at home.

Kitchen mitts & tea towel, Wrapables.com

Can opener, Norman Copenhagen

Silicone cutting boards, Wrapables.com

Bird and cloud salt & pepper shaker, MOMA Store

Crustacean platter, Violet.com

Pandora Design flatware, Barneys.com

Linen napkins, Anichini

Glassware, MOMA store

Banish your blank walls, the Affordable Art Fair is coming to town May 7-10. According to the website: “AAF NYC is the place for new and established collectors to discover and buy paintings, drawings, sculptures, video, photography and limited edition prints from distinguished galleries, all priced from $100 – $10,000.”

This year, the Fair will host more than 60 galleries from the US, Europe, Asia, Canada and South America at its new home at 7 West 34th Street.

Admission:
$20 – General Admission
$15 – Student/Senior (Valid ID required)
$10 – Group Rate (Group of 10 or more)

I wanted to share this really wonderful resource with all of you, MetroSofa.The whole idea is that the company will help you personalize or update a piece of furniture with its huge selection of styles and fabrics. 

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