This past month, I was blessed to do quite a bit of traveling, blending business with a bit of personal escape. With three incredible destinations on my itinerary, I dove deep into the world of design, discovering new ideas and trends that are already shaping the work I do with clients. I will share a few of my finds with you.
Santa Fe – Inspiration at the Interior Design Society's Annual Conference
Great friends from our IDS National Conference: from left to right: Maddie Landers, IDS Marketing Director; Juliana Ewer (J Squared Designs); Jenna Gaidusek (AI for Interior Designers); Sarah Danielle (Founder of Mydoma), Wendy Woloshchuk (Details Interiors): Debbe Daley (Debbe Daley Designs).
My first stop was Santa Fe, where I attended the Interior Design Society’s Annual Conference. It was an inspiring experience with sessions on cutting-edge topics like AI and its potential to streamline workflows, letting designers focus on what truly matters—creating unique, personalized interiors that resonate with each client’s lifestyle and personality.
One standout session was by lighting expert Jeffrey Dross, who shared fascinating insights on how lighting affects not just aesthetics, but also the health and well-being of those in the space. Learning about lighting as an integral part of holistic design has only strengthened my commitment to using technology and research to enhance not only the beauty of a space but also the comfort and quality of life for my clients.
London – Exploring Trends at Decorex International
Pooky Lighting display at Decorex London was a show stopper!
Next, I hopped across the pond to London, where I joined Decorex International, a showcase for emerging design trends. It’s always a thrill to see fresh ideas, especially when they offer a glimpse into what's on the horizon. Alabaster lighting, with its soft, glowing translucency, stole the show. This material diffuses light beautifully and is an exciting prospect for creating warm, inviting atmospheres.
Another favorite was Pooky Lighting, known for its customizable, innovative designs. Their unique concept allows designers to choose every element—from the base to the shade, and even decide whether the fixture should be hardwired or rechargeable. I’m thrilled to incorporate this versatility into future projects, making lighting as personalized as the rest of the space.
Bordeaux – A French Countryside Retreat and Antique Treasures
One of many stunning displays at Village Notre Dame in Bordeaux
While in London, our family took the opportunity to hop over to Bordeaux for a few days. Nestled in the countryside, we stayed in a charming chateau that was the perfect blend of rustic elegance and French hospitality. One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the region’s exquisite antique stores, each filled with treasures that captured the essence of French history and craftsmanship. The intricate details and timeless beauty of these pieces were inspiring, and I’m excited to bring a touch of that old-world charm into future designs.
High Point – A Vintage Market Tour and Unforgettable Finds
After returning briefly to Florida, I was off again, this time to High Point, North Carolina. Here, I had the pleasure of co-leading a Vintage Market Tour with my dear friend and fellow designer, Debbe Daley. We introduced a group of 30 designers to some of High Point’s hidden gems, featuring one-of-a-kind products from remarkable vendors.
The tour was a blend of discovery and inspiration, with unique finds that I’m eager to bring into my projects. I was especially delighted to reconnect with Pooky Lighting here as well—such a treat to see their designs making waves on both sides of the Atlantic.
Toma Clark Haines lead an engaging tour throughout the Antiques and Design Center at High Point Market
The day after the Vintage Market Tour, Debbe and I spent time exploring additional showrooms, scouting for new and exciting stops to include in future tours. We also joined a guided tour of the Antiques and Design Center led by Toma Clark Haines, widely known as the “Queen of Antiques.” Toma’s expertise was invaluable as she shared insights on refining our skills and making informed choices while antiquing. It was an inspiring experience that deepened our appreciation for the art and history of antiques—knowledge I can’t wait to bring back to my clients.
Working with Debbe Daley of Debbe Daley Designs, has been so much fun, we are looking forward to our next adventure together!
Looking Ahead
I’ll be sharing even more highlights from the High Point Market tour in my next blog post, along with some favorite finds that are perfect for adding a unique touch to any design. As I reflect on this month of travel, it’s clear that each stop has fueled my creativity and strengthened my ability to deliver meaningful, tailored design solutions for my clients.
Whether local or virtual, my goal remains to create spaces that feel as good as they look—a seamless blend of comfort, style, and personality.
Alabaster was everywhere at Decorex London.