Yesterday the 8th annual Architectural Digest Home Show began under misty cold skies at Pier 94 here in NYC. This year, the show was combined with the Green East expo, which made for an eclectic mix of style and substance. This could’ve been a cohesive marriage, but unfortunately ended up looking more like Rural Maine meets Milan. In our never-ending quest to mix style and sustainability, we scoured the floors to find the best of the rest.

We maintain that one of the easiest ways to design green is to use antiques, giving a second life to pre-loved items. The online antique mega-site 1stDibs.com had a massive spread this year at the show, showcasing some of the different vendors they feature on the site.

1st Dibs

Right around the corner in the MADE pavilion, we spoke to Corey Springer, Principal of WUD Furniture Design and based in our own Brooklyn, NY. We love Corey not only because he absolutely adorable, but because he creates amazingly original and beautiful pieces, which are also responsible!

Wud works with red-gum – typically a waste product from manufacturing plywood, and artfully tailors it to create beautiful, passionately crafted furniture. Definitely sustainable and sexy!

Wud Console

Some interesting sculpture and art pieces are mingled in with this part of the show.

San Francisco based artist Beth Weintraub showed us an amazing composition we snatched up for a client on Central Park West.

One of the great highlights of the show this year is the George Nakashima: Philosophy and Design exhibit. A nicely edited and displayed tribute to his work, one can truly understand why his pieces are fetching upwards of $100,000 at auction.

George Nakashima: Philosophy and Design

Another Brooklyn based wood furniture genius, City Joinery exhibits their collections at the AD Show for the first time.

City Joinery

Turning the corner, Natuzzi showcases their sumptuous leather pieces.

Natuzzi

Our Soho faves BDDW:

Modern standards Ligne Roset reminded me of a Duran Duran album cover from the ’80′s this year.

Ligne Roset

Then, in the midst of all of the lacquer and high style we found this:

Sustainable Furniture Council

The Sustainable Furniture Council had a presence with their tiny, low-tech booth – but some big ideas. We signed up right away! My alma mater SCAD, Edward Ferrell-Lewis Mittman, ABC Carpet and Home, and other companies and organizations we love and respect are all pledging to take ACTION and walk the green walk rather then just talk it.

Pure Kitchen is another great example of style and sustainability.  From their wind powered showroom, to their exclusive use of local manufacturers and renewable materials, they truly  take every step to lessen their impact on the environment. All woods are formaldehyde free, and their modern design is versatile and cost competitive. And as you can see below, their product would certainly be appropriate for any modern environment!

Pure Kitchen

We said hello to our friends at Tucker Robbins.

Tucker Robbins

Rayon Black at Hulsta showed us some “softer priced” offerings for ’09.

Hulsta Rolf Benz

Restoration Timber showcased some incredible reclaimed woods, versatile enough for any interior.

For tackling the interiors of those NYC glass boxes,  we go to SunDecor Fabrics. Combining high design with practicality, we can handle walls of windows in a way that provides glare control, but doesn’t detract from the views, or the modern, crisp look.

and we did manage to stop by and speak with the Carpet and Rug Institute who told us that they’re close to having labeling complete for residential goods.

While you’re there, don’t foget to check out DIFFA’s Digning By Design, you can preview the tables free with your admission to the AD Home Show!