Style Stories from the Style Spotters

In SD Blog|December 21, 2021|By Rachel

High Point Market has long been the must-see destination to find the best of fine trade furnishings with exciting new collections debuts twice a year at the Spring and Fall events. While the market has weathered the shifting circumstances of the past years, its importance endures—especially its sensational Style Spotter program now celebrating 10 years of tastemaking excellence. Studio Designer is especially proud to continue sponsoring this extraordinary program.

Studio Designer is pleased to present the debut issue of Style Spotters Stories, a new mission for the Style Spotters team they shift from announcing trends to searching for compelling stories to tell about the styles and looks that will define the future. The team worked as reporters scouting out the narratives found in beautiful home decor maker culture, global artisans, new trends in texture and mixed materials, plus the beauty of indigenous patterns and the beauty and variety of diverse influences seen in showrooms offering products from artisans around the globe.

In this post, we present our favorite discoveries from each of the eight 2021 Style Spotters Sara Malek Barney of BANDD DESIGN, Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs, Heather French of French & French Interiors, Breegan Jane, Molly Kay Johns of MK Interiors, Steve McKenzie of McKenzie Design LLC, Keia McSwain of Kimberly Cameron Interiors, and Justin Shaulis

Get the full Style Stories here and download the PDF here.

Sara Malek Barney

Sara Malek Barney of BANDD DESIGN admires the asymmetry and curvy sphere elements of Nathan Anthony Furniture‘s new collection and the organic qualities of the new lines from McGuire Furniture. The Alias Bench seen above is an absolute stunner with high-end wool boucle and wooden ball feet.

Lauren Clement

Lauren Clement of Lauren Nicole Designs discovered the gorgeous ways that different brands are using gold accents in their homewares including at Currey and Company with their art deco Camille screen seen above. Lauren also values the strength and durability of the furniture made at Charleston Forge.

Heather French

Heather French of French and French Interiors sought to find the best of socially conscious and ethical design and found much to love in the superb products of Hubbardton Forge. And, as a proud resident of the Southwest, Heather sourced Selamat Design‘s Portale Armoire seen above, as it reminds her of the arches found in the historic sites in Santa Fe, NM.

Breegan Jane

Breegan Jane threw the spotlight on Hooker Furniture‘s new Commerce and Market collection that is influenced by international styles from places like Mexico and Vietnam. This octagonal sideboard from this collection is especially striking. Breegan also was blown away by the organic artistry of Phillips Collection.

Molly Kay Johns

Molly Kay Johns of MK Interiors considers the color white to be central to her aesthetic and naturally gravitated towards white pieces at market. But her true passion lies in outstanding light fixtures like those found at Hinkley. Molly especially loves this Skye extra large chandelier designed by Lisa McDennon.

Steve McKenzie

Steve McKenzie of McKenzie Design prides himself on finding hidden gems and truly found the extraordinary with Beacon Custom Lighting with custom glass and crystal lighting fixtures that are bench-made, with all elements made in-house like the incredible Skrit glass lamp above. Steve also praised that Norwalk Furniture was revived as an employee-owned company with fine goods being made by devoted generations of skilled artisans to benefit the local economy.

Keia McSwain

Nekeia “Keia” McSwain of Kimberly Cameron Interiors was inspired by the late Chadwick Boseman to embark on a design partnership with Ngala Trading for gorgeous lamps with artisan leather. They are handcrafted by South African artisans with layers of hand-cut leather cascading in layers with brass or nickel accents. Keia also raved about the unique pieces found at Caracole, as she loves the beauty and hidden functionality of their furniture pieces like a hidden charging station.

Justin Shaulis

Justin Shaulis has a gift for finding great antiques and finding pieces that will become timeless like this black cerused oak pedestal by Roger Thomas for Global Views, that can showcase almost any object. He also found an incredible extendable table designed by David Phoenix for Hickory Chair that is beautiful in both forms.