High Point 2017 Highlights

We had a whirlwind trip to spring market in High Point, NC.  It is always a whirlwind, because no matter the number of days we stay, one cannot see it all.  It is both exhilarating and exhausting.  The inspiration is plentiful, and we have so much fun meeting up with our design friends from around the country.  

The highlights of this years market are almost too numerous to summarize.  One of the most pronounced occurrences was the used of mixed metals in everything from accessories to furniture. This doesn't evoke an industrial vibe like it has in years past, but a focus on a marriage of old and new materials.  I loved the mix of metals and raw woods, and natural stones like quartz and even semi precious minerals.

• Mixed metals, in all finishes, less shiny, more antiqued
• Clean sleek furniture lines: simplicity and elegance
• Mixed wood tones, in many raw and natural finishes
• Geometric shapes in wall paper patterns and textiles
• Oversized 'statement' hardware on furnishings
• Bold color, grays are warmer, neutrals have hints of warm color in them
• Earthy tones, tawny browns- not your 70's earth tones
• Lucite and glass 

• Texture in everything including artwork, lighting, rugs-all across the board
• Natural fibers; raffia, wicker, rattan, leather
• Mid century modern style
• 1970's shapes and forms- a bit retro
• Global influences from India, Africa, Spain, Morocco, Cuba, etc.- gathering cultural vibes
• Hand block printed textiles and small authentically crafted prints
• Artisanal creations in all lines
• Large art and textiles framed as art
• Found objects and antique finds for accessorizing

This is just a small hint of all that was going on at market. 

                                                                                                                                  

We came back with tons of inspiration and fuel for client projects!

Check out #highpointmarket and #hpmarket2107 on Instagram for more fun snapshots. 

Next post I'll describe the process of the art by the amazing Tracy Hiner of Black Crow Studios. 

Happy Spring!

Happy Anniversary DC HOUZZ

Last night Houzz had a wonderful event in Sterling, VA at Dulles Electric, the Washington metro areas largest lighting showroom,  to celebrate their 5 year anniversary in the DC area.  When they first came to DC (from the west coast) in 2010, they had about 800,000 followers.  Today Houzz has over 35 million followers.  Bethany and I attended their DC event in 2012 where we learned to build our professional online profile as you can see here.  This time, I was interested to network with design professionals and hear how we can optimize our online presence on HOUZZ.

 Lindsey Theisen gave a summary of a recent survey of followers and professionals on Houzz and these findings were very interesting!  Here are some key points:

• the average HOUZZ follower is 45 years old
• 21% hire professionals from HOUZZ
• the #1 inquiry searched (45%) is Interior and Exterior paint!
• the biggest trend is Kitchen and Bathrooms.
• 45% surveyed said the last time they remodeled their kitchen was 16-30 years ago
• 75% of those favor neutral kitchens
• 61% kept the same size kitchen in a remodel, 25 % created a somewhat larger one and 13% created significantly larger kitchens.
• Features most wanted are: charging stations, islands and open floor plans.

The no. 1 most searched photographs are on 'storage solutions'.

As far as bathroom trends on HOUZZ, those surveyed said 68% are searching bathroom renovations;

• 40% are going tub-less
• 60% want frameless glass enclosures
• Under age 45 want rain shower heads
• Over 55 want handrails and adjustable hand held shower fixtures.

The food and drink was fabulous, thanks to Dulles Electric, as was the abundance of beautiful lighting. We are currently looking for sconces for a client and these caught my eye.

Due to the recent copper craze, we are seeing so much more copper in lighting and there's alot to choose from at Dulles Electric.

 I was thrilled to see the work of Hubbarton Forge, from Vermont.  Their designs were very unique.

One thing I learned tonight, which I could have used earlier this summer, is that LED lights do not attract bugs, so if you switch your outdoor lights to LED, you will tame those beasts.  Mosquitoes are really bad here, so I am definitely doing that next summer!

As far a for Design professionals like ourselves, to optimize the use of our profile on HOUZZ they gave these recommendations:

• 80% of followers check the reviews and recommendations of a professional 
• Make sure your photos accurately reflect your aesthetic and your business
• Show photos that tell the complete story and all angles so the prospective client isn't left to guess the rest of the space
• Use a massive amount of KEYWORDS to describe every single thing in the photo.  These are the words people search and you never know if some small item in a photo will lead someone to you.
• as far as listing your services, take notes on any given week of all the tasks you do in your profession and list them as part of the service you offer to widen your scope and get people to your profile.

Do you use HOUZZ.com?  It is like Pinterest for all things home, including architecture, tradesmen, and the like.  It is not a DIY site but a definite resource, with legitimate reviews from customers, to help you find the professional you need.

Come see us on HOUZZ!

High Point Recap I

A weekend at High Point Market is not enough!  We were there with the masses trying to see as much as possible, and it is IMPOSSIBLE to see it all.  I loved seeing our designer friends from around the country and seeing what's new in the design world first hand and I especially loved going with Bethany for her first time to market!  It's a huge difference seeing everything in real time versus viewing products via swatches and online- that is an understatement.

Our weekend started with a fun evening at the Jr. League High Point Showhouse gala where Lisa Mende's kitchen, breakfast room and rear entry designs topped the charts!  The black, white and blue colors were spectacular.  Lots to look at from floor to ceiling, and beautifully balanced.  Other great designs were the entry by our friend Traci Zeller, a fantastic carriage house with designed rooms by Parker Kennedy Living and The English Room.

Lisa Mende Design

Lisa Mende

Parker Kennedy

The English Room

Art Studio by Leslie Moore  (Bethany's booties not optional)

 Among our favorite finds were the amazing lighting displays.  This is just a hint of the thousands here.

Cyan Design

Jeffan

Regina Andrews

Alhambra Antiques

Visual Comfort

Some other things that caught our eye:

Made Goods

Gold Leaf Design

Gold Leaf Design

Momeni

Of course we had to slip in some fun in between the cocktail parties and showrooms with a rickshaw ride!  That was a blast and gave our feet a breather!

More peeks of market in HP Recap II next time!

PBI Design Lab

I was not liking the drum shade in my foyer anymore and thought I'd play with 'statement lighting' ideas I've been toying with.

I've had this idea for months and finally initiated it late one night.  I was inspired by the idea of pressing leaves between wax paper as a kid thinking that cloudy translucent material might work with my idea.

I cut out leaf shapes out of strips of pressed wax paper, doing several strips at a time.

Opening up the seams I had shapes like this (excuse the late night poor iphotos, but that's the only progress shot I got.)

I have no idea is this is something I will keep for long, but it is a fun change from the ordinary. 

We love to use our own homes, aka Powell Brower Interiors Design Lab, for spontaneity and experimentation!  

Stylespotting at Ikea

Ikea has great Christmas decor, but hurry, they are selling out fast! 

 As I was looking around the store I noticed a new collection of lighting.

Such a great source for inspiration and a few key accent pieces! 

Happy Holidays all!

Lighting crush

 One name synonymous with cutting edge lighting:

Christopher Boots

/christine francis/

/christine francis/

This Melbourne, Australia Industrial Artist uses all the media I love: glass blowing, sculpture, ceramics, copper smithing, and bronze casting and takes lighting to great heights. (lots of puns intended)
Check out Christopher Boots and his fabulous creations. 

Light Rain

This lighting installation is unbelievable.