The Color Bar by CUR8 offers a new 3-D pendant customization counter. [Photo: CUR8]

There’s a petting zoo coming to Dallas, but don’t expect any goats, bunnies, or ponies in this display. 

Instead, Dallas Market Center’s “Innovation Petting Zoo” June 20-26 will feature unique, cutting-edge furniture and decor products that show form doesn’t have to be compromised for advanced function.

It’s all part of the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. Dallas Market Center and Austin-based wholesale company CUR8 are teaming up to present 10 companies from around the world at a “first-of-its-kind” marketplace on the first floor of the World Trade Center. Retailers and interior designers can discover innovative new products that are exclusive to Dallas, from designs using recycled plastic textiles to zero-waste 3D printing to biofabrication. Buyers will be encouraged to experience the products through interactive demonstrations including augmented and virtual realities.

“Tomorrow’s design is all about smarter, healthier living; about innovative products that make our lives better.” 
Jasmine Jaco

“This is a unique opportunity for buyers to come touch, feel, play with, and purchase our exciting new offerings,” Jasmine Jaco, co-founder of CUR8, said in a release. “Tomorrow’s design is all about smarter, healthier living; about innovative products that make our lives better.”

Dallas-based Kanju’s new bracelets and cuffs leverage remnants from ethical and sustainable crocodile farming in Zimbabwe. [Photo: Kanju]

The Innovation Petting Zoo will feature two collections: Smart is Sexy, including connected home goods where technology and design come together, and Infinite Luxury, featuring innovations in sustainable design.

In the realm of smart home technology, there will be digital art canvases by Meural Canvas, which store an app-controlled library of art and Nanoleaf Aurora’s modular light panels that can morph into any shape. Then, Color Bar by CUR8 will show off customized 3D printed designs with zero waste. 

Belgium-based ecoBirdy will make its American debut at the event with its furniture made from recycled plastic toys. Other products include textiles created from recycled plastic bottles from In2Green and Thread and sustainable jewelry from Kelly Lane and Dallas-based Kanju.

“Only in Dallas this summer will buyers discover leading-edge designs for the home that balance beauty, function, and innovation,” Cindy Morris, Dallas Market Center president and CEO, said in a release.

GALLERY

FIBandCO’s new Green Blade wood-like veneer is made from byproducts of banana plant harvesting. [Photo: Fibandco]

Nanoleaf Aurora modular light panels are configurable into any shape on a wall and can be controlled with an app on your phone, a remote, or by your favorite voice assistant. [Photo: Nanoleaf]

In2Green will present textiles with an “exceptionally soft hand that you’d never guess were made from recycled plastic bottles.” [Photo: In2Green]

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