High Point with Julia Buckingham and Tobi Fairley
Year after year, Kelly and I spend several days in High Point, North Carolina at the International Furniture Market to stay on top of trends, source new products, do "sit tests" and see new products that will come into the marketplace in about 6 months.
It's also so fun to see the many friends we've made over the years by attending industry events such as The Design Blogger's Conference, Tobi Fairley's Mastermind Group, Design Camp, Brizo 19 Blog Tour, ADAC Events and Modenus Blog Tour.
We were very impressed by so many product collaborations that designers have been involved in. I love Barry Dixon for Arteriors, Barclay Butera for Eastern Accents, and Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture.
A couple of designers really stood out this market. Chicago based Julia Buckingham of Buckingham Interior Design and Tobi Fairley Interior Design out of Little Rock.
Julia rolled out a large number of pieces for Global Views.
Here are a few of my favorites!
Tea light chandelier in smoke - 3 other colors available
The wiggle chair in Merlot
Treasure trunks in peacock blue
Raindrop rug - 5x8. 6x9, 8x10 and 9x12
Trinket table in clear - also comes in purple and aqua!! - Love those chains.
Decorative glass crown block
You can see the rest of the collection at Global Views.
Even though she is extremely busy, she took the time to answer some questions for me.
This "pink wash" art for Soicher Marin was one of my favorites. I love these too:
This is one of my favorite photos from the CR Laine showroom:
Tobi has a very full plate but was gracious enough to take the time to answer some questions.
Joann: What is your favorite item from your collection and why?
Joann: Had you always wanted to produce a line of products? How did the collaboration come to be?
Joann: Did you see something lacking in the market that you wanted to put out there?
Joann: What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing this avenue?
Joann: I would ask you where you find your inspiration from but most of the answers are generally travel, nature, architecture, etc. My question is, how do you find balance and the sanity to create a product line, run a successful design business, travel, etc.?
Tobi: First of all, I have a great team that works with me to help me balance everything and get things done. But we are also very strict with our time management. I carve out blocks of time to focus on each part of the business so that each avenue gets my full attention. And I always make sure I include my vacation time on our company calendar - otherwise I'd never take it! It is a juggling act, but if you love what you do, you just keep juggling! And I am constantly pushing to put my own health and my family time on the calendar first. Because success isn't worth anything without my family to share it with and if I don't have my health and stamina, I can't make any of this happen!