High Point Market takes place October 14 to 18. Get a head start with these market tours and ongoing events. For more, check out BOH’s Designer’s Guide to High Point Market.
3 Top Ways to Build Your Business: The Lowdown on Fees, Team Structure and What You Want from Vendors
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | The Point
Business dynamics are evolving at a faster pace than ever before. What worked a few years ago may not be relevant today and certainly will not work tomorrow. In a conversation moderated by Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen, founder of industry recruiting firm Interior Talent Ken Roberts and Pearl Collective co-founders Gail Doby and Erin Weir bring you the data and resources to drive smart business decisions now and into the future. Along with designers Georgia Zikas and Matthew Tenzin, the panel explores what really works in a design firm today, as well as what practices to cast off and how to set yourself up for success. They also reveal a first look at the results of the just-completed 2023 Interior Design Business Survey and share how you can apply its findings on the state of the industry to your business. Complimentary lunch to follow, courtesy of MaterialWorks.
Earn More with Less Stress
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Tired of losing hours each week creating and adjusting hourly invoices? Ready to trade tracking time for earning what you deserve all the time? Business coach Melissa Galt shares how to set flat rates with defined deliverables so your profit is protected and you know your cash flow at all times, while your client has the confidence and clarity to manage their interior investment with ease.
Science in Design: Where Are We Headed?
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Designer’s Theatre at Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3
Science in Design founder Mike Peterson discusses the future of science’s impact on home furnishings and interior design with authors and architects Don Ruggles and Ann Sussman, in a conversation moderated by Peterson’s co-founder Linda Kafka.
3 Strategies to Transform Your Business for Profit and Joy
10 a.m.–11 a.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Designer and Interior Design Standard founder Sandra Funk shares three strategies to jump-start a firm’s business evolution, offering the tools to implement the systems you need to transform your business, shift to a mindset that clients gravitate toward and generate referrals. (1 CEU) RSVP here.
Mimosa Brunch to Celebrate Timeless Design
10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Sherrill Furniture, 315 Fred Alexander Pl., Floor 2
Flower founder and editor in chief Margot Shaw hosts a mimosa brunch with interior designer Lillian August to celebrate the timeless aesthetic of August’s legendary brand. RSVP here.
Call It a Book Launch
10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Loloi Rugs, IHFC, D-320
Amber Lewis celebrates her newest book, Call It Home, as well as new rug, pillow and wall art introductions to the Amber Lewis x Loloi collection. Books are given on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Beauty & Mischief Book Signing with Adam Blackman and David Cruz
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Antique & Design Center, 316 W. Commerce Ave.
Blackman Cruz founders Adam Blackman and David Cruz host a brunch and a book signing in the welcome lounge of the Antique & Design Center to celebrate their 30th anniversary and the release of their first book, Beauty & Mischief: The Design Alchemy of Blackman Cruz.
Trade Secrets: Sourcing in European and American Markets
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
Unlock the trade secrets that will elevate your design projects and shape your sourcing approach in both European and American markets with Noel Fahden Briceño of Chairish, Krissa Rossbund of Traditional Home, Toma Clark Haines of Antiques Diva & Co., and designers Tina Ramchandani and Andrew Suvalsky. Learn how to uncover hidden gems, gain insider tips and strategies, and discover how technology is revolutionizing the approach to authenticity and originality.
Meet and Greet with Suzanne Duin
11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Maison Maison, Suites at Market Square, G-6020
Meet designer and Maison Maison founder and creative director Suzanne Duin as her Houston-based home furnishings brand makes its Market debut. Explore the brand’s newest introductions over light bites and wine from Duin’s family vineyard, Stewart Cellars.
Unlock the Potential of Your Business Through Brand Photography
11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Codarus, 300 W. Broad Ave.
In a competitive market, a strong brand image is your key to standing out and attracting the right clients. Ava Vienneau and Brittany Bowen, co-founders of creative photography agency Girls at Flourish, share how to ensure that your unique vision and design philosophy are showcased in a way that captures attention and resonates with your target audience by harnessing the power of brand photography. RSVP here.
Paint and Sip Twisted Tea Party with Natalie Papier of Home Ec.
11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Mitzi, Market Square, M-90
Designer and artist Natalie Papier of Home Ec. hosts a whimsical tea party with Mitzi inspired by the bold and artistic flair of her interiors. Paint with the artist herself while sipping on creative twisted teas, enjoying brunch-style light bites and exploring the stunning lighting collaboration between Home Ec. and Mitzi Tastemakers.
Cultivating and Stewarding Diverse Market Relationships
12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Patti Carpenter, Arianne Bellizaire and Kathy Kuo share their strategies for cultivating relationships that resonate across a variety of industry segments and offer practical insights on how they have adapted their Market schedule to align with their business goals. RSVP here.
TrendWatch Live
12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Andmore at High Point Market’s biannual TrendWatch presentation returns this fall with a spotlight on leading trends shaping the home furnishings industry. This season’s theme, “Brights and White and Middle Ground,” is presented by trend forecaster and curator Julie Smith Vincenti of Nine Muses Media, who examines consumer research and creative intelligence to offer color, material and finish guidance. (1 CEU) RSVP here.
Creating and Growing Builder Relationships
1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Feizy, 309 N. Hamilton St.
Relationships with homebuilders are essential to grow your network of clients. In a conversation moderated by Feizy director of trade relations Michael Bauer, designers Lorna Gross, Christina Garcia Lysaught and Tracee Murphy explain how they have successfully fostered the strong builder relationships that have proven instrumental in their career growth and share strategies for developing productive partnerships.
Right at Home Book Signing with Bobby Berk
1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Leftbank Art, IHFC, H-304
Meet design expert and Emmy-nominated TV host Bobby Berk as he signs copies of his latest book, Right at Home. Festivities include a meet and greet with Bobby, a free signed copy of the book and the opportunity to see his latest art collection for Leftbank Art.
Diversifying Your Revenue Stream
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Designers Sara Malek Barney, Lucy Penfield and Lisa Brown discuss the ways they diversify their revenue streams—from affiliate marketing to investing in real estate—in a conversation moderated by A Well-Designed Business host LuAnn Nigara. RSVP here.
The Pros Know—and They’re Telling You
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Business consultancy Pearl Collective shares results from the 2023 Interior Design Business Survey, with data about how other firms structure their teams, handle troublesome clients and forge their path in the design community. (1 CEU) RSVP here.
The Battle of the Styles: Luxe vs. Laid-back Luxe
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Spectra Home, 200 N. Hamilton St., Suite 213
Join Tamara Day, designer and host of Magnolia Network’s hit show Bargain Mansions, as she moderates a panel with her designer friends that tackles the difference between luxe and laid-back-luxe style.
Start with Art
2 p.m.–3 p.m. | The Point
Discover how suggesting art to clients can elevate project value with Lola Sanchez, creative director of Oliver Gal Artist Co., and Courtney Porter, editor in chief of Decor News Now. They unveil trends, curation tricks and the power of customization.
Party Like It’s 1973
2 p.m.–7 p.m. | Chelsea on Green, 515 W. Green Dr., Floor 1
Wear your bell bottoms and colorful tie-dye, then step back in time to 1973—when Nixon was president, the war in Vietnam ended, the very first cell phone was invented, and Elvis performed his live Aloha from Hawaii concert. Half a century later, dance through a showroom that is full of vintage and antique treasures to on-trend tunes.
Lighting Beyond Edison Book Signing with Pavarini Design
2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Feizy, 309 N. Hamilton St.
Feizy hosts Charles Pavarini III and J. Randall Tarasuk of Pavarini Design to celebrate their debut book, Lighting Beyond Edison: Brilliant Residential Lighting Techniques in the Age of LEDs.
Design for Identity: The Importance of Cultural Competence for the Design Profession
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | High Point Theatre
Drawing from her background in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and interior design, Jessica Bantom—the author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World—addresses topics such as the incorporation of identity into design and cultural shifts affecting the industry’s customer base, and evaluates the design profession through the lens of cultural competence.
How to Price Your Interior Design Services
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Julian Chichester, 118 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Clients need to understand your pricing model in two minutes or less—if it’s vague or mysterious, you’ll lose their trust and attention; if they sense any insecurity, they either won’t work with you or they’ll try to negotiate your fees. Over cocktails in the Julian Chichester showroom, designer and business strategist Sandra Funk hosts a live broadcast of her YouTube show, Design Sips, to answer burning pricing questions. RSVP here.
The Intersection of Fashion and Interior Design
3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Odette, 100 N. Centennial St.
TV host, coach and designer Kelli Ellis moderates a discussion on the relationship between fashion and interior design, and the shared inspirations and influences that flow between the two, with fashion-forward designers Antonio DeLoatch, Catherine Schmetter and David Quarles IV. They share the secrets of translating fashion trends into interior design concepts and explore the creative crossovers between these dynamic industries.
Creative Interior Solutions Book Signing with Vicente Wolf
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Currey & Company, IHFC, M-110
Currey & Company hosts designer Vicente Wolf as he celebrates the publication of his fifth book, Creative Interior Solutions, where he shares his expertise in crafting simple, sophisticated interiors that masterfully combine furniture, fabrics, art, hand-crafted items and rare antiquities.
Afternoon Tea with India Hicks
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Antique & Design Center, 316 W. Commerce Ave.
India Hicks hosts afternoon tea at the Antique & Design Center as she shares tales from her latest book, An Entertaining Story. Book signing to follow; proceeds benefit The Prince’s Trust. Tickets here.
Meet and Greet with Egypt Sherrod
3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Jeffan, IHFC, D-536
Jeffan welcomes HGTV star Egypt Sherrod to Market for the debut of their new partnership, the Indigo Road by Egypt Sherrod x East at Main collection. The globally inspired line features artisan details and sustainable materials, all at affordable price points—and will be featured in the upcoming season of Married to Real Estate on HGTV.
The Brains Behind Cupcakes and Cashmere
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Universal Furniture, 101 S. Hamilton St.
Since launching Cupcakes and Cashmere in 2008, style blogger Emily Schuman has grown her blog into a brand with millions of followers, a robust e-commerce platform, bestselling books and licensed product lines. How did she do it? Rue editorial director Kelli Lamb sits down with Schuman and her husband, Geoffrey Fuller, to understand how they stay nimble in an ever-changing media landscape, uncovering the tricks and tips you can apply to your own business. RSVP here.
Designing for Body, Mind and Spirit
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Suites at Market Square, T-1022
Denise Gordon, Aviva Stanoff, Carolyn Kelly and Mercedes Austin explore the creation of soulful spaces that uplift your well-being in a conversation moderated by Decor News Now editor in chief Courtney Porter. (1 CEU) RSVP here.
Design for Identity Book Signing with Jessica Bantom
4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Designer’s Theatre at Hooker Furnishings, Showplace, Floor 3
Following her keynote speech at the High Point Theatre, Jessica Bantom signs her book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, in the Hooker Furnishings showroom.
Living by Design Showhouse Launch
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Gabby, 333 N. Hamilton St.
Celebrate the launch of Embello’s virtual Living by Design Showhouse with a designer meet-and-greet and a virtual tour.
Cocktails with Thom Filicia
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Kravet, 200 Steele, Suite 117
Kravet celebrates its latest collection launches at a cocktail party thrown by Thom Filicia that offers a first look at the designer’s new indoor-outdoor collection, Latitude.
Get Cozy with Kate Marker
4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Leftbank Art, IHFC, H-304
Raise a glass as designer Kate Marker showcases her new collection with Leftbank Art and signs art cards.
Feizy’s 50th Anniversary Party
4 p.m.–7 p.m. | Feizy, 309 N. Hamilton St.
Feizy marks its 50th anniversary at High Point Market with live music and a toast to the relationships in the design community the company has built along the way.
Hooker’s Courtyard Party
4 p.m.–8 p.m. | Hooker Furnishings, 220 Elm, Floor 2
Hooker Furnishings throws a party on the courtyard at 220 Elm with music, drinks, dinner and giveaways and showcases its designer-friendly brands, including Pulaski, Samuel Lawrence Furniture and Drew & Jonathan Home. Complimentary shuttles from Showplace to 220 Elm are available.
SFC Redesigned Launch Party
5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Home Trends & Design, 118 N. Wrenn St.
Home Trends & Design hosts a party for the Sustainable Furnishings Council to celebrate the organization’s new logo and the relaunch of the SFC website. Mingle with other sustainably minded furniture professionals with food, drinks and live music. RSVP here.
The Met x Eichholtz Launch Gala
5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Eichholtz, 129 S. Hamilton St.
Eichholtz and The Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrate the launch of their inaugural collaboration, showcasing the 90-piece collection for the first time in the U.S.