The best in design-focused gift, home and lifestyle products in Accent on Design were recognized by bloggers from noted design and trend-watching sites last week at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).

Each blogger selected one product from 200-plus companies participating in the juried Accent on Design, which, in their estimation, was most representative of the "next big thing." Urgent, odd and delightful designs were among key criteria considered by the judges.

"Design bloggers are the first to herald emerging design trends," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. "We're delighted to tap into their trend-savvy and design expertise to identify products that will resonate with consumers."

The winter 2010 "Bloggers Choice Award" winners are:

Apartment Therapy's Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan:
Umbrellas by BRELLI®
"Totally functional, environmentally responsible and delightfully beautiful. This umbrella turns heads and I was glad to find the source. I believe it will be very popular in 2010."

Cool Hunting's Ami Kealoha:
Miller Goodman Playshapes by neo-utility
"An inspiring marriage of art and science for a gorgeously designed plaything that appeals to children and nostalgic adults alike."

Design-Calendar's Danielle DeVita:
Baskets, bags and jewelry by neó
"They took a material that was typically used in scuba diving -- neoprene -- and transformed it into a product that can be used every day. After talking to the designers, I learned that each piece is handmade in Italy (it's the first time they are showing in the U.S.) and the company is led by three women -- bonus points!"

The Design Vote's Michael Cannell:
Table Manners Set by Funfam
"This children's cutlery set made of laminated bamboo struck me as both a handsome concept piece and eminently practical on a daily basis."

Unbeige's Stephanie Murg:
Umbrellas by BRELLI®
"Introducing the world's first biodegradable umbrella! Designed by Pam Zonsius, the Brelli covers a bamboo parasol frame with a sleek canopy of transparent biofilm. The result: a sturdy reimagining of a delicate design classic that also happens to be 100 percent green. Available in three sizes, the Brelli comes tucked inside an organic cotton carrying case and can be decorated with permanent paint markers (nontoxic, of course). Finally, a way to protect oneself from the environment without contributing to its destruction."


Habitually Chic's Heather Clawson:
Style de Vie
"Style de Vie's booth at the NYIGF made me stop in my tracks! The table was piled high with vintage blueprints and French school posters while the back wall was filled with framed vintage art. The maritime blueprints and nautical charts were my favorites. I'd love to be able to spend time trolling flea markets and tag sales for unique art for my clients, but when I can't, I'm going to turn to Style de Vie to do it for me!"

Stylebeat.blogspot.com's Marisa Marcantonio:
Children's Chair by Oly
"Children love to feel grown-up. This mini version of an adult-size Louis XV chair is girly, sophisticated and charming. It moves away from disposable-chic kids stuff and fuses good design with function. An original concept well executed."

The Accent on Design Bloggers Choice Awards judges were: Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, ApartmentTherapy.com; Ami Kealoha, Coolhunting.com; Danielle De Vita, Design-Calendar.com; Michael Cannell, the design vote; Stephanie Murg, Unbeige; Heather Clawson, Habitually Chic; and Marisa Marcantonio, Stylebeat.blogspot.com.

For more than 25 years, Accent on Design has been the industry's leading resource for design-led merchandise, presenting a dynamic juried collection of contemporary and innovative product lines from 200-plus exhibitors across all categories.

The summer 2010 NYIGF will take place Aug. 15-19, 2010, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. For information and registration, visit www.nyigf.com.