I met a number of design stars at Market, but it is my connections with local Richmond, Virginia designers for their collaboration and support that I really treasure. (@hollykidwellinteriors , @stchildress , @adamelliottdesign )

Design Stars Meet-up

High Point Market’s Fall 2023 trade show is happening now and I’m headed down south to North Carolina to shop until I drop! I thought I’d prepare by sharing a look back at Spring 2023 High Point Market!

For those new blog readers (which, hello and welcome, by the way!) or anyone needing a refresher, High Point Market is a biannual home furnishing trade show and boasts the lofty title of being the largest in the world: it’s held in High Point, North Carolina over a 10-million-square-foot exhibition space! It’s colossal, but it has to be to accommodate the over two thousand exhibitors! Interior designers and industry faithful (such as me) flock to see the latest and future trends while also using it as a networking event to meet and strengthen ties with craftspeople and designers.

“Networking” can sound so stuffy and corporate, but it’s an essential component of the interior designer gig. Finding “just the thing” can be like finding the metaphorical needle in a haystack unless I’ve done my job and networked with the right people to make it happen!

A few years ago, in the Before Times (or in other words: pre-pandemic), I devoted a post to the makers of High Point Market, and I thought it was time we did that again but now with a little twist: we’re focusing on designers! I was lucky enough to meet some of my favorite designers and makers–the folks whom I rely on to make “just the thing” or to create goods that spark my aesthetic imagination.

I met three designers in one shot at the Coffee For Creatives panel discussion that was hosted by Woodbridge Furniture.

First Up: Celerie Kemble (@kemble_interiors and @celerie)

Celerie Kemble is the crown princess of interior design royalty; her mother, Mimi McMakin, founded Kemble Interiors in Palm Beach Florida back in 1982. She’s been in the business of creating dreamy spaces ever since and, eighteen years ago, she was joined by Celerie in creating rooms that spark memories and “hopes for the future” (as Celerie says) with their vibrant colors, pinches of pattern, and wistful vintage touches. I’m not the only one to take notice of these ladies; they’ve designed the homes of multiple A-listers and have been named Elle Decor’s A-List, and featured in the Architectural Digest’s AD100.

Celerie-Kemble-Foyer-Design — This stunning foyer was featured in *Architectural Digest’s* recent article about Kemble Interiors, “Tour a Sea Island, Georgia, Beach Treat That Features the Perfect Shade of Green.” Photo by Eric Piasecki.

If you’re starstruck by that (abridged!) resume, imagine my nervousness when I got to meet Celerie and have my copy of her new book signed. That nervous feeling didn’t last long, though: the book signing tables were blocked off on the sides, so to get to her seat, she didn’t hesitate to shortcut it and crawl under the table! Celerie graciously spent some time talking to me before the official book signing. It gave me the opportunity to show her photos of a current project where we are using her “Ripple” sisal wallpaper for a client’s library and library nook.

I know people say ‘don’t meet your heroes,’ but if your hero is Celerie Kemble, then I highly encourage it!

A bed and linen set designed by Celerie Kemble in the Woodbridge Furniture showroom at High Point Market.

Next Up: Corey Damen Jenkins (@coreydamenjenkins)

Also, at the Coffee with Creatives panel discussion, I had the chance to meet Corey Damen Jenkins. Not to be outdone by Celerie, Corey has a long resume of accomplishments and celebrity clientele of his own, and also was named on the Elle Decor’s A-List and Architectural Digest’s AD100. His success didn’t happen overnight, though; during the panel, he told an anecdote illustrating both his perseverance and willingness to “grind.”

Corey was so lovely to chat with while he signed my copy of his book, *Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms.*

After being laid off from an automotive company he’d worked for for ten years because of the 2007 Recession, Corey decided to return to his long-held, long-cherished dream: working as an interior designer. However, he needed someone to give him a chance, and he went around his hometown of Detroit, knocking on doors and toting his color boards, CAD floor plans and elevations, and conceptual renderings. It took knocking on the doors of 779 homes until finally one of them opened and invited Corey in to redesign it. Things happened fast after that; his online portfolio was discovered by HGTV producers and Corey was invited to compete on a design show. He used his signature determination (and natural charm!) to win the show, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Corey’s firm, Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, now creates luxury, vibrant spaces for clients across the United States and around the world.

Say it with me: “I am obsessed!” The elegance of Corey’s designs beautifully balances warmth and comfort. Though refined, his spaces have energy and feel like they’re moments away from hosting friends and family for a party. This living room was featured recently in an article about Corey’s work in *House Beautiful*. Photos by Andrew Frasz.

Corey has expanded into product design, too, including furniture and textile designs. He brings his trademark panache to all his collaborations, from furniture with Hancock & Moore, fabrics with Kravet Couture for a collection called, “Trad Nouveau,” and furniture with Maitland-Smith.

I love how Corey’s contribution to the New York City Kipps Bay 2019 design house is a beautiful mix of delicate femininity and English country home.

Last But Not Least: Mabley Handler (@mableyhandleR)

Next up, we have Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler, the powerhouse couple behind Mabley Handler Interior Designs! They rounded out the Coffee with Creatives panel.

I caught the couple at Mr. Brown London’s showroom later in the day. They are delightful to talk with, and also–may I say–impeccably dressed!

Kips Bay Palm Beach Decorator’s Show House celebrated its sixth annual year of top designers being assigned one room in a house and given the task of transforming it. This is Mabley Handler’s 2023 contribution. I love the blush tropical patterns and, of course, the trellis ceiling!

Austin Handler, London born and raised, began his career as a graphic designer and photographer, but when he met Jennifer Mabley, already an accomplished interior designer and furniture store owner, something magical happened. The two established their first atelier in the Hamptons and have been reimagining and redefining coastal cool ever since! Speaking of coastal cool, you can have your own ocean breeze in your home: Mabley Handler collaborated with Kravet to create two collections that are the essence of refined, easy breezy living!

In the two decades since Mabley Handler began to dream up elegant resort luxury, they’ve been featured in *Traditional Home*, *Coastal Living*, *The New York Times*, (to name a few) in addition to participating in scores of designer showhouses.

High Point Highlights

Outside of the panel, I also met designers “in the wilds” of High Point Market, including THE Jamie Young.

Jamie Young Co. - “Globally-inspired home decor and lighting”

Meeting Jamie happened entirely by chance. Ernie and I were strolling through our hotel's parking lot when we noticed the prom crowd arriving for their dance in the hotel's grand ballroom. You can picture it: a group of vibrant, well-dressed youngsters all ready for their big night, in stark contrast to us, exhausted after a long day at the Market. Another woman happened to be walking in at the same time as us, and we commented on our practical walking shoes compared to the high school girls' elegant pumps. We struck up a conversation, and I asked her if she was also here for the Market, to which she casually replied that not only was she here for Market, but that she had her own showroom! Once again, I was taken aback by how down-to-earth and approachable these well-known designers and makers are. They seem to recognize that we are all in the same boat and all are exceptionally generous with their time for an awe-struck designer.

After hours with THE Jamie Young @jamieyoungco

Jamie is one half of the husband-and-wife team behind Jamie Young Co., a company who promises “eclectic yet elegant, unique yet relatable, non-traditional yet easy” designs (and I think they totally deliver on that promise!). Jamie and her husband David have been in the game for two decades, and their backgrounds as designers and artists as well as their love of travel informs how they bring aesthetic harmony to their handmade goods. Needless to say, I totally resonate with their design philosophy!

Ann Yancy Rogers (@roshambeauxdecor)

Ro Sham Beaux is a brand to watch; the company started as solely focused on gorgeous lighting fixtures but, since they launched in 2010, they’ve expanded to bring their “high design meets natural beauty” approach to furniture and other unique room accents. I particularly love their sustainable luxury mindset, and that Ann Yancy Rogers, principal designer and founder, curates and crafts pieces that are intentionally meant to appreciate with age to someday become antiques.

I got to meet Ann herself in the Ro Sham Beaux showroom. There was a total “designer moment” when she paused to adjust one of the lighting fixtures before we took a photo!

Don’t be fooled: the jaw-dropping quality of Ro Sham Beaux’s pieces are no “sham!” I absolutely adore their beaded chandeliers and beautifully detailed cabinetry–my photos below don’t do them justice. Ann and her designers are masters at reimagining traditional room accents with playful and undeniably cool touches.

David Farris (@tedscottdesigns)

Ted Scott Designs is a brand designed for designers; since 1974, they’ve operated as a custom upholstery firm that sells exclusively to interior designers (perks of being in the business!). They make a promise to us designers: they’re partners, not competitors, and that partnership means quality furniture made in America by highly-trained artisans. The craftspeople behind Ted Scott Designs are dedicated to making furniture “the right way,” and it’s always a treat to visit their showroom–they’re also hometown heroes of High Point Market since they’re based in North Carolina and carry on the state’s tradition of fine furniture crafting.

Want to kick back in style? Ted Scott Designs has you covered! Custom size and choose your own fabric for your unique banquette.

I got to meet David Farris (above), the owner of Ted Scott Designs. He was incredibly personable, spending time talking shop with us. I loved the excuse to hang out: the room’s mixture of jewel tones and calming blues made it a welcome break from all the walking about the Market!

Steven and Lieve Sonneville (@asianloft)

In my Fall 2022 High Point Market, I featured some pieces from Asian Loft, who is among my absolute go-to stops at Market. As the Traveling Designer, I’m entranced by their beautiful furniture and accessories from countries around Asia (as you’d expect) as well as Africa and Europe. The company offers a mix of modern, reproduction, and antique styles, most of which are discovered in small, rural towns and villages.

I love the range of products Asian Loft sources from around the Asian continent!

Whenever I visit their showroom, I am astonished by the thoughtful curation of their pieces, which celebrate the history, culture, and natural resources of the various countries they buy from. Be warned: when browsing their collection, you’ll be bit by the travel bug!

I appreciate the fact that Asian Loft is a family business. Lieve Sonneville and her son Steven always remember us when we come to Market.

One of my favorite parts of Market is seeing designers biannually, and the mother-son duo who own Asian Loft are kind enough to remember me! I love catching up and getting a download of everything Steven and Lieve Sonneville have been up to in the six months since I saw them last.

These necklaces made from shells and feathers would add interest and texture to any styled table top vignette.

Palmer Linwood Smither (@southandenglish)

I was flattered to be remembered by another designer who is half of the South + English design team, Palmer Linwood Smither. Or, for those hip to the art world, just Linwood. He’s a painter and former gallerist who brings his art philosophy into his interior and furniture designs. He’s all about creating kinetic pieces, and his designs pay homage to his Atlanta roots while daring to experiment. It’s that innovative mindset that makes South + English so distinct!

Just standing next to Linwood, I felt more chic!

Linwood and his partner, David Ebbets, launched the South + English brand in 2019, so you could say they’re new kids on the block. However, there’s nothing amateur and everything fresh and inspiring about their designs. They describe their style aesthetic as “a counter intuitive mix of provenance and personality” and I have to agree–it seems like fate that they’re in the business of bringing stunning pieces into homes to liven them up with big personalities!

I know I’d be having sweet dreams every night if I was snoozing in these dreamy bedsets by South + English!

Katrina Blauvelt (@prosealplus)

Last but certainly not least is Katrina Blauvelt of Pro Seal Plus. I am a BIG fan of Katrina’s work, and I often use her fabric in projects with my clients! I was so flattered when she posted a picture of us on her Instagram!

Pro Seal Plus is committed to providing designers with top-of-the-line, premier fabric finishings and has been doing so for more than forty years. Katrina’s parents, Bill and Milissa Byrd, built their company based on their expertise in textiles, and they went on to garner quite a star-studded clientele list, including Lucile Ball and Dinah Shore! These days, Katrina carries on her parents’ legacy of top-notch fabric and wallpaper care to swath, trim, and finish any room!

ProSeal’s ProSeal 2 finish is used for protecting wallpaper against water and water-based stains- great when using wallpaper in a bathroom. If you’re in love with this wallpaper as much as I am, it’s called “Good Fortune” from Ferrick Mason.

one market down, Another in the works

And just like that, another High Point Market came to a close. It was a star-studded line-up this Spring, and each of the designers I got a chance to meet inspired me in their own way. Of course, Market’s primary purpose is to give trade professionals “sneak peaks” and networking connections on all the latest and greatest in interior design trends. However, I also love meeting other artists who share my commitment to creating beautiful homes and perfecting the art of living.

Stay tuned for all the connections we make at this year’s Fall High Point Market! I’ll see you back here to discuss the latest trends and inspiration I spot at HPMKT!

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High Point Market: Famous Faces in Designer Spaces

Design Stars Meet-up

First Up: Celerie Kemble (@kemble_interiors and @celerie)

Next Up: Corey Damen Jenkins (@coreydamenjenkins)

Last But Not Least: Mabley Handler (@mableyhandleR)

High Point Highlights