While most Aspenites spent the month of May working on their tans in far-flung beach locales (which we did too, of course), it was hard for us interior designers to pry our eyes from New York, where the International Contemporary Furniture Fair was taking place at Javits Center in Manhattan. More than 530 exhibitors from around the world came for the event, with industry leaders in everything from seating, carpet, floor, lighting, outdoor furniture, wall coverings, textiles, kitchen and bath. It's a playground for those in the design world. 

Because life in the mountains is full of activity, we wanted to focus on something we don't always do a lot of, but enjoy: sitting. Chairs made a splash at the event, and in all different ways. Japanese designer Shin Azumi debuted Loku stools (pictured above) that use a plywood veneer technology to maximize style and comfort.  

Other designers opted for comfort above all else. The VIA57 chair, designed by Bjarke Ingels for furniture brand Fritz Hansen along with KiBiSi, pays homage the tetrahedron-shaped building also designed by Ingels. We aren't in New York to experience the Danish architect's headline-grabbing building on 57th, but the piece of furniture allows us to bring his touch to Aspen. That exposure to new ideas and design concepts is what travel is all about. Hopefully you enjoyed your offseason ...