Southern Studio Interior Design

As I was making my way through High Point Market, I was able to document some of my favorite finds. Here’s few trends that grabbed my attention (and I can’t wait to incorporate these ideas into new projects)….

One of my absolute favorite showrooms was Hickory Chair. It was one of those showrooms that had something special around every corner.  One piece was more beautiful than the next. They have done a fabulous job partnering with wonderful designers such as Alexa Hampton, Suzanne Kasler and Thomas O’Brien.

Pearson featured some bold geometric prints throughout their upholstery collection and I especially liked this one.

A beautiful display in the Barclay Butera Home showroom….elegant, simple and comfortable.

Without a doubt, the trend in lighting is pendants. These linen beauties are a new introduction by Jamie Young.

And these pendants with great texture by Regina Andrew.

So, what was the best part of walking miles of showrooms while absorbing way too much information? Without a doubt, it’s the contagious energy that stays with you for many weeks afterwards, bringing new design inspiration.

This is an exciting week in North Carolina! I spent several days visiting longtime favorite design resources and searching great new lines. I’ll be sharing my favorite finds soon….beautiful furniture, incredible lighting, and unusual accessories!

The excitement was contagious and the buzz about town was that this market was a success for many manufacturers. Could that mean good news for our economy? I think so.

I’ll leave you with this quote to ponder (I found it in a market showroom and just had to write it down)….

If you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life.

-Frank Lloyd Wright

One of my most favorite days as a designer is when we complete a project and schedule the photography. After many months of working hard to create a beautiful space, it’s time to “fluff” with the final details.  Last week, I spent the day working closing with Jennings Mitchell, an incredible photographer who can work magic with the camera. All of the equipment, lights, and camera are connected to a computer that manages the entire system…pretty impressive.

Lighting plays such a key role in the photos that it has to be perfect.  We were forced to reschedule the shoot due to rain (nothing can replace natural sunlight and blue skies), but it was worth the wait.  The day of the shoot was absolutely beautiful….how do you like this view from the deck?

This home on Lake Gaston, could not have been built for a better family.  It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be part of the project. Here’s a shot of the main lodge room with fabulous lake views.

I’ll post more photos later after Jennings works his digital magic. Of course, credit has to be given to the builder of this home, Sid Cutts with Corbitt Hills Construction.  Sid’s attention to detail and professional expertise is evident throughout the house.

As much as I try to avoid it, sometimes a piece of my heart gets left with a project and this is one of those times. I’m thrilled to see it come together so beautifully, but sad to let it go. So, my wish today is that many happy family memories are made in this home. After all, that’s what life is really all about…the beautiful home is just the cherry on top!

This past week I traveled to Wrightsville Beach for the ASID Carolinas Fall Conference.  October is the most beautiful time of the year at the beach and the SunSpree Resort was the ideal location for our conference.

It was a day filled with design inspiration and continuing education.  Katie Wakeford, co-editor of the recently published book Expanding Architecture:  Design as Activism challenged us to consider creative design in the service of the greater public and the greater good.  We often consider design as only being accessible to the wealthy.  Katie reminded us that design should be accessible to all and can improve the daily lives of entire communities.  Am I hearing a calling?

The afternoon was spent in an interactive seminar on social media.  The statistics are fascinating!  Did you know that if Facebook were a country, it would be the 4th largest in the world?  That’s right…China, India, United States, Facebook. It looks like social networks, like it or not, will be in our future. I’m slowly conforming to this new networking tool and invite you to join the brand new Southern Studio Interior Design Facebook page.  Won’t you be a fan…please?

The highlight of the day was spending time with many talented designers from throughout the Carolinas.  I guess they’re actually my competitors, but I’d rather call them friends. I have a great appreciation for the talent of many designers, including Angela Pence and Michael Steiner.

We all need inspiration in our daily lives and today, it’s my wish for each of you….Vicky