A Room For Family

As I traveled through the High Point Market, this past week, I marveled at how many pieces of furniture had been gathered into literally millions of square feet of showroom space.  It also gave me pause to reflect on a project I’m creating for a family.

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In this particular case, I have no budget, because there is no budget.  That’ right - nadda, zilch, zippo!  Why on earth, then, would I agree to take on this project?  I mean, didn’t I just attend several luncheons where the value of an interior designer and their services were acknowledged, many times over?  And of course, we all reminded ourselves, as much as we love our work, it has to be more than a hobby.  There are times; however, when our gifts must be shared with others and without the expectation of monetary reward.  Of course, we all know, we usually receive more than we give. 

Yes, I’m creating a room for a family, as temporary as it might be for them.  The family is comprised of folks who are still finding their way, are on their way, or have just arrived.  I hope it inspires them to want to make a home for themselves, when the time and resources are available. 

With the upcoming holiday season, I hope to partner with some furniture manufacturers, vendors, or retail outlets who can help me make this space come together. 

 

My goal is to find sturdy, comfortable, and new or close-to-new pieces for this space.  There will be a lot of activity in the area so it needs to last a while.  The layout is just a suggestion for the pieces and can be tweaked as offerings come through.  There does need to be ample seating and I would love to have a cohesive look.  I know I’m asking for a lot for those who ask for so little. 

Feel free to contact me for more information and thank you for keeping this project in mind!

“The family you come from isn't as important as the family you're going to have.”  Ring Lardner

A Sweet Time At The High Point Market

While I’m taking a minute to rub down some sore feet, download photos, and remember all of the showrooms I visited, I can’t help but to reflect on the wonderful people I’ve met and the relationships that have been forged by sharing the experience of a love of design and the creative process.  Everyone has a story to be shared and I’ve so enjoyed the moments, albeit brief ones, to learn more about their sources for inspiration, their history, and their lives.

The market is about to wrap up and the showrooms will soon be empty.  I’ll be sharing posts of market finds, along with a few of the conversations I’ve shared along the way. 

Thanks to everyone who made this visit an extra sweet and special one!

(C.R. Laine’s showroom offered more than eye candy!  They had cupcakes, too!)

PS – I would be so honored if you would check out my High Point Market Pinterest page and either like or re-pin any of the trend shots.  They are counted as a vote for me to win a return visit to the High Point Market, in the spring! 

1981 Rocked My World

In 1981, I attended my very first High Point Furniture Market with my interior design class from East Carolina University.  I almost remember it like it was yesterday . . . notice I said “almost”.  Sigh!  Has it really been 30 years?  I would love to say I began college when I was 12, just to shave off a few years, but I wouldn’t give up the knowledge gained for all of the world.  It was a giddy, grown-up experience to be touring the market!  I’m sure the vendors received us with the most open arms they could extend, given it was the last day and they were more than exhausted.  I wonder how many of them looked at us as future buyers . . . designers or movers and shakers in the world of interiors?

(Can you guess what was the hot color story when I was in design school?  Oh how I wish my desk area had remotely resembled this space from Martha Stewart!)

At that time, the market was no where the size that it currently covers.  We spent most of our time in the “big building” – aka – IHFC.  (At 3,500,000 square feet, it’s now 14 times more than it’s original size when it was built in 1921 as the Southern Furniture Exposition Building.  That’s a lot of walking!)  I remember being in awe of the fantastic showroom design and the massive amount of time and energy it must have taken to pull the show together.  I was also enthralled how this tiny NC town attracted buyers from across the globe.  It’s now the largest home furnishings trade show in the world, with over 11 million square feet of showroom space!

Thirty years later, I still have that giddy feeling when I crack open my market book . . .  well, I actually now go online to do the preview.  (Considering computers took up an entire room . . . how far we have come!)

 

In 1981, one of my favorite artists, Pat Benatar catapulted up the charts.  She was a formidable female in what was a male-dominated music world.  She paved the way for the future Pinks and Gwen Stefani’s.  She’s still rocking us with her music and style.  Come on, Pat, hit us with your best shot!

Love the House Beautiful October 2011Issue.  I can close my eyes and picture this room a few decades earlier.  (By the way, this issue is a must read!  Join Editor-In-Chief, Newell Turner, for a great video review of this issue.  The stories go beyond the surface of design.  Real life accounts, with open recaps of downsizing, getting past home tragedies, and well, real world design.  Click for - VIDEO)

Did you know Hancock & Moore was started in 1981 by master craftsman, Jimmy Moore?  They’re well-known for bringing some of the finest leather and fabric upholstery goods to market.  Happy Anniversary to a fine company!

The Police – 1981.  Who could forget their hit, “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da”? 

Thank goodness age improves many things.  Just add in some wisdom and a little yoga.

If it’s true that history repeats itself, I’ll be in style, again!  :)

Need a little trend wisdom from an experienced designer?  I’m a phone call or email away!

Keeping An Eye On Design

About a month ago I was contacted to participate, along with a group of fantastic interior designers and design bloggers, in an effort to help spot some of our favorite products and trends at the upcoming Fall 2011 High Point Furniture Market.  What an honor to be included with this illustrious group of women!  Not that I think this was meant to be an “all girl’s club”, but I do believe the market will be host to a huge, feminine influence in shapes, color palettes, and well, “womanly wiles”.  Of course, I’m keeping an open mind for everyone!

The picture is a little fuzzy so here’s the link to read more about our task at hand and to see my fellow Style Spotters:  http://www.highpointmarket.org/stylespotters/

Now, I know trends can come and go as well as outstay their welcome.  We all love something new and fresh so we jump on the “fan-wagon” and apply every trend or love them literally “til death do us part”.  It’s kind of like elevating them to teenage idol status and then we’re on to the next dreamy contender. 

I hope to share my selections, with a discerning eye, as well as to share designs that have stood the test of time.  After all, in the times we’re living, we have to make wise design decisions.  That’s why I think/hope the folks in High Point asked me to do this . . .  to be the best design guide I can be while honoring you, the consumer!

I’ll keep you posted on my blog and on Pinterest.  If you haven’t joined Pinterest, you’re missing a wonderful source for inspiration!  Hmmm . . . I think it’s time for me to get back to pinning! 

PS – Be sure to also follow my Twitter feed – http://twitter.com/#!/WandaSHorton/ and watch for the hashtag - #HPMkt.  I’ll be sharing the market with you!

A Case Of The Warm Fuzzies – As In Peach

As autumn settles in, I always find myself drawn towards russet/orange tones.  They’re a cozy and comforting addition to any decor and allows your interior to beckon the visitor to stay for awhile.  There’s another translation to this palette, which offers some of the same gregarious intention while being just a few lighter steps above the color strip.  You might call it ‘clay’, ‘blush’, ‘peche’, ‘wheat’, or ‘terra’ but it’s definitely somewhere in the peach family. 

When I was in design school, in the 80’s, this color was used in great abundance, being coupled with blue and teal.  Yes, I even did a design board for a project showing this major trend!  While I may have shivered at the notion of a return to that design decade, I’m rethinking how beautiful some of the various tints of this hue can be!

Martin Senour Paints - Walls -1017-C Cloudy Peach, Floor - Country Brown (Package Color) and MSW-2 White

Royal Design Studio - 3035 Kimono Allover Stencil

Sferra Fine Linens – Ophelia Pillow

 

Miu Miu

Anna French – Wild Flora Pattern for Thibaut 

Martha Stewart calls this ‘wheat’. 

Oh, and an added bonus:  Martha Stewart provides an excellent suggestion for organizing paint swatches!

Peach . . . Does it give you the warm fuzzies?