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.
Joann: What is your favorite item from your collection and why?
Julia: My newest fave is the Cantilever Table Lamp which was just introduced at High Point Market! I’m obviously obsessed with the polished brass “Hermes" links. The geometric links remind me one of my favorite bracelets. The marble block is hand carved from a solid piece of stone, each then individual carved and polished. I love the ability of this lamp to fit both modern and traditional environments.
Joann: Had you always wanted to produce a line of products? How did the collaboration come to be?
Julia:
Yes,
it has always been my dream! I’ve been so inspired by some of my favorite antique and vintage pieces I've collected over the years. The opportunity arose from my close relationship with Global Views based on being a long time customer of theirs. I love using their products within my design projects. I just knew they would be the company to create anything I could dream up.
Joann: Did you see something lacking in the market that you wanted to put out there?
Julia: I
felt the need for some more fun, feminine, and flirty furnishings and accessories. My goal was to fulfill that void I was encountering while shopping for my showroom and my clients.
Joann: What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing this avenue?
Julia:
It
is a realization of a dream and dreams don’t come easy! It is an exhilarating experience fought with a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, a huge dose of adrenaline, and a fabulous sense of accomplishment when it all comes to life. Being in the Global Views Showroom during Market and hearing peoples enthusiasm and excitement for the product was the absolute best. I love hearing where designers plan to place the pieces. I had so much fun helping a designer who brought all her fabric samples to match to the Rain Drop Rug! We had a ball with our impromptu design session and she walked away with four different fabric combo scenarios!
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.?
Julia:
It is all about having the understanding and support of my family, my team, and also my clients. It's all those pieces and parts that make me be successful. It is also very much timing--the right time in your life that you have the ability to take on multiple opportunities. I built my business after my 3 children were grown, so it is never too late to follow your dreams. The support of the design community and all my friends that I’ve been fortunate to make over the years is overwhelming and means the world to me!
Next up, Tobi Fairley:
Tobi Fairley partnered with 3 separate companies this market. An upholstery line with
CR Laine, case goods for
Woodbridge Furniture and an art collection for
Soicher Marin. Wow!
Check these out:
The "Olivia" chair for CR Laine with Tobi's exclusive logo on the back.
I love the greek key pattern on the "Denise" table for Woodbridge.
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?
Tobi :
For this market, it was really hard to decide between the Pierce brushed brass center table and the London drop-leaf table, both from my Woodbridge Furniture collection. And I also loved the new Olivia chair and the Marguerite slipper chair from my CR Laine line. For all of those pieces, it was the detail work that I loved the most. That gorgeous logo motif in the center of the brass table base was so chic, and it was also on the back of the Olivia chair where it allowed the upholstery to show through. And I'm crazy for the brass claw and acrylic ball on the legs of the London table, just as I am for the brass nailhead starburst pattern and acrylic leg on the Marguerite chair. It's too hard to decide!
Joann: Had you always wanted to produce a line of products? How did the collaboration come to be?
Tobi:
I had already produced my own fabrics, pillows, and lanterns, which I really started producing because I couldn't find the items that I wanted to use in my interior design projects. With CR Laine, which was my first product launch, I had been talking with them for years. We are a good fit for each other, in both our aesthetics and also as family-owned companies. And really, that's also why I wanted to work with Soicher-Marin and with Woodbridge Furniture. I am happy to have partners that not only create gorgeous high-quality product, but that really have the same goals and ideals that I do in my company. That's important to me. And I'll continue that with Duralee, which will be my next collection launch at Showtime in December.
Joann: Did you see something lacking in the market that you wanted to put out there?
Tobi:
Yes, there are quite a few products that I just couldn't find as a designer that I wanted to create for myself, and for others who I know want those products too. Like the Sheridan daybed and the Hampton chaise from CR Laine. I bring a fashion-forward and consumer-centric design sensibility to each of my partnerships, to produce products that not only look great, but will function well in people's homes.
Joann: What advice would you give someone who is interested in pursuing this avenue?
Tobi:
Too often, people will say "yes" to the first partnership that comes along, without asking themselves if the company is a good match for their own brand. That is so critical. And you really have to be prepared to bring something to the table for the partnership - you can't just approach with your hand out and say you have some great design ideas. There are a lot of people out there with great design ideas, so what else can you offer of value to the potential partner company--like do you bring customers to them through your social media following? You also need to be very realistic about the money that you will make in licensing - it isn't a "get rich quick" idea and it's a lot of hard work. Many, many hours go into the process.
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!
As you can see, these girls knocked it out of the park!! Stay tuned for more High Point trends and updates!!
Have a great week!
Joann