Adapted from the show
Six designers and DecoNY share their favorite sources for unique products
Canvassing the showrooms at High Point Market twice a year, Wanda Suitt-Horton is among the multitude of designers in search of unique sources. “Finding an exclusive resource, not only with great design, but also with customer service and support, is the holy grail,” says the owner of Wanda S. Horton Interiors.
Because not only are uncommon furnishings aesthetically appealing, they’re also a business strategy. “Given the amount of product that can be found online, unique items are one way a designer brings value to the table,” says Jeanne K. Chung, interior designer and editor of Cozy Stylish Chic. “One-of-a-kind pieces and customizable options are the wave of the future.”
To our delight, Chung, Horton and four other design cognoscenti from across North America agreed to divulge where they prospect for these elusive gems, along with some of DecoNY’s picks.
Currey & Co.
Currey & Co. is a longtime designer favorite for bringing flavor to interiors and designer Jason Oliver Nixon of MadCap Cottage is definitely a fan. “I hightail it to Currey for their incredible lighting, paired with exceptional case goods, furnishings and rugs.”
Suites at Market Square
Although he swears by select vendors, Nixon also lets serendipity play a role. “I fill in the blanks with the delightful array of finds conjured up by the up-and-comers who fill the Suites at Market Square.”
Boca do Lobo
Boca do Lobo‘s furniture is an exclusive emotional experience, a sense of belonging and a state of mind. “Our vision is to understand the past and interpret it through technology and contemporary design. We use this knowledge to transfer our entire artisan’s wisdom into our design.”
Theodore Alexander
Horton likes Theodore Alexander for upholstery. “They are able to customize pieces, not only for size, but with different arms, backs, legs and seat cushions. This is important for fitting a special client’s stature.”
John Strauss Furniture Design
“John Strauss Furniture Design is another company I’ve explored over the last few years, and I’m collaborating with them on some custom pieces for a new-build project,” says Horton. “We currently have an eleven foot dining table in the works. It’s going to be a masterpiece!”
Brabbu
Brabbu is a design brand that reflects an intense way of living, bringing fierceness, strength and power into an urban lifestyle. “We design and produce a diverse range of furniture, casegoods, upholstery, lighting, rugs, art and accessories that tells stories from the nature and the world.”
214 Modern Vintage
Horton includes 214 Modern Vintage in her showroom mix, as a great side trip to make while attending Market. “A retro, vibrant mix awaits!”
Serge de Troyer and B. Pila
Chung searches out several upscale furnishings sources. “Serge de Troyer and B. Pila are both a higher-end price point, but they both offer unique product that sets them apart from your average manufacturer.”
DelightFULL
Delightfull is a mid-century modern lighting brand – everything is designed and handcrafted in Porto, Portugal. “DelightFULL’s vision is focused in the best combination of high quality design and high quality handwork. With these unique pieces we fulfill spaces not only with illumination but with a strong presence through a design piece.”
Wesley Hall
Chung looks to Wesley Hall for custom upholstery. “I can customize each piece of furniture for my clients by designing a custom nailhead pattern or adding a unique accent. I can tailor the design to the client’s color palette and design aesthetic.”
SkLO Studio
“SkLO Studio is a manufacturer I always turn to for that finishing touch,” says Chung. “Their hand-blown glass lighting and accessories come in a variety of vibrant colors and are always conversation starters because of their bright, saturated hues.”
Made Goods and Phillips Collection
Made Goods and Phillips Collection are on Chung’s list for their consistent selection of furnishings employing a variety of natural materials such as agate, shell, jute and wood mixed with resin. “These materials are manipulated and the results are unlike other products found in the market.”
Antique and Design Center
Denise McGaha, of Denise McGaha Interiors isn’t shy about her favorite treasure trove. “I love the Antique and Design Center. I always stop there first to see who is showing and snag the best vintage pieces for my projects. I buy carpets, vintage lighting, art and sculpture. I even have purchased antique tableware and glassware.”
Alexis Walter Art and Tritter Feefer
Lisa Mende, owner of Lisa Mende Design, visits Alexis Walter Art for beautiful one-of-a-kind paintings and Tritter Feefer for organic elements such as selenite and agate, which she notes are available for cash and carry on the last day of Market.
Koket
Koket brings empowering style to a highly edited collection of furniture & soft goods while exuding a feeling of entitlement, exclusivity and prestige. “Our innate desire to seduce and entice Koket devotees is perfectly illustrated in the collections, Guilty Pleasures & Exotic Opulence, composed of uncompromisingly unique statement pieces & luscious soft goods.”
Market Square and IHFC InterHall
“I always like to check out the temporary vendors in Market Square and IHFC InterHall,” says Jonathan Legate, principal of Jonathan Legate Interior Consultation and Design. “These are the new and up-and-coming vendors with a real focus on design.”
Natural Curiosities, Worlds Away, and Codarus
Legate has a few tried and trusted shops that he favors as well. “Vendors such as Natural Curiosities, Worlds Away, and Codarus always have on-trend and unique items.”
Successful designers know that High Point Market is the world’s most comprehensive and dynamic collection of old and new, large-scale and individually manufactured home furnishings. And each April and October, the Market weaves a different tale. “The world of design is always evolving,” says Legate. “I like vendors who understand this; whose constant is change.”
See also: BDNY | What you need to know
