At a recent client presentation, I explained the importance of furniture construction and my client turned to me and said “You know, that’s what no one talks about anymore…..quality.” It’s true. We’re bombarded with low prices in the race to the bottom with Wayfair, Overstock, and Ikea. People think Restoration Hardware is high quality because […]
Perfectly imperfect
I first heard of the term ‘wabi sabi’ while visiting Taiwan. Wabi-sabi was explained to me as a deep appreciation of things that are imperfect and impermanent. In a world seemingly filled with Instagram influencers hawking ‘perfection,’ I embrace things that are perfect in their imperfection. Clients have heard me say: “Mother Nature does what […]
Decorating for clients with asthma or allergies
Spring allergies are here! Since we spend a third of our lives in bed, it’s best to create a sleeping environment that supports our health and wellness. This includes minimizing pollen and allergens that, unfortunately, accompany the flowers that have started to bloom in my lovely corner of Vermont. Because I have bedrooms on my […]
Design Trends from High Point Market 2019
Earlier this month I attended what those of us in the industry call “market.” It’s the largest furniture trade show in the United States and it’s open for 10 days a year. If you have worked with me, you know that I fully embrace our motto of “MODERN LIVING. TIMELESS DESIGN.” We believe in the […]
Trends from High Point furniture market
When designers, decorators or furniture retailers talk about ‘market,’ they aren’t talking about their local farmer’s market or grocery store. They’re referring to High Point Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina. Earlier this month, when I journeyed to High Point, I had a shopping list for current projects, and I wanted to find new vendors […]
You’ve got problems and we’ve got solutions
I just booked my flight for High Point, North Carolina. For those of you unfamiliar with High Point (often referred to as ‘Market’ by those of us in the industry), the town that hosts the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the WORLD. It is over 10 million square feet and has roughly 2000 vendors. […]
Why ‘European’ is synonymous with good-quality
People frequently ask me what HGTV show(s) I watch for inspiration. I don’t. WHY not, you ask? HGTV has only one job: to entertain. My design colleagues and I are frustrated by the propagation of unrealistic budgets, free labor, bad design, absurdly short timelines and the proliferation of the belief that ‘cheap is good.’ So, what […]
Creating a bedroom retreat
There are two aspects of creating a bedroom retreat. Did you know that we spend over a third of our lives in our beds? The bedroom is where we greet the day and where we return for refuge at night. Our bedrooms should provide respite and these tips will help you create a cozy little […]