Five Style Spotters from High Point Market Authority unpack what style really means — from storytelling and soul to craftsmanship and heart-stopping color.
By Julie Palm
In the home furnishings business, we talk a lot about style — from the style of a chair leg to what’s in style.
But what does “style” mean?
We posed that question and others to people who know more than a little about style: this year’s Style Spotters team. These design experts were chosen by the High Point Market Authority to spread out across the market to spot home trends and standout products, highlighting their finds on social media and in special market features. They’ll hit the ground running —some say literally — during the spring market, which is officially open April 25-29.
Read on to see how the Style Spotters define style, what they think makes a product stylish, how they help their clients define their own sense of style and much more.
But first let’s meet them. As usual, it’s a great group:
* Amber Guyton is founder of Atlanta-based Blessed Little Bungalow, who is known for her “soulful maximalism,” blending bold color, layered textures and cultural storytelling. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, HGTV Magazine and other media.
* Isabel Ladd, founder of Isabel Ladd Interiors, is a native of Brazil now based in Lexington, Kentucky, who is known for her signature “curated maximalism.” With mantras like “Beige is not a color” and “Mix, don’t match,” Ladd has earned accolades from Luxe, House Beautiful, Traditional Home and other media.
* Juliana Ewer, an award-winning designer and speaker, is owner and lead designer of J Squared Interior Designs based in the Houston metro area. Her firm is known for creating elevated yet livable interiors, earning Ewer multiple IDS Designer of the Year Awards.
* Kathy Kuo, a New York-based award-winning designer, entrepreneur and TV personality, is founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home. Kuo has built her brand into a destination for high-end home furnishings and interior design, and her enterprise now includes a Tribeca showroom, national trade program and in-house logistics company.
* Rhobin DelaCruz, a self-proclaimed “vibe curator,” is a New York-based interior designer of residential, commercial and short-term rental properties. With roots in advertising and real estate, DelaCruz has designed for brands including GQ, TED and MTV.
Design News Now: What does the word “style” mean to you?
“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” – Isabel Ladd
“Style means ‘fashionable, remarkable and timeless,’ all wrapped up in one. When you see it, you know it — and it has an impact. People can be stylish, cars can be stylish and definitely furnishings and decor implemented properly absolutely make a home stylish. Style registers uniquely person to person, but that is why the High Point Market Style Spotters program is so all-encompassing. Each designer has their own perception, aesthetic and style, and it is always great to see what amazing things they are spotlighting — and there will be something for everyone.” – Juliana Ewer
“Style is not about trends. It is about storytelling. It is the ability to visually express a narrative that reflects a client’s lifestyle, values and aspirations. True style evokes emotion. It feels intentional, personal and timeless. When a space resonates on a deeper level and feels aligned with who someone is, that is style,” – Kathy Kuo
“Style can mean many things. It’s fashion, it’s taste, it’s furniture. It’s even a person’s swag. Style is energy in the best possible way,” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“Style is one’s unique and authentic way of self expression. This applies to interior design, fashion, art, hair and beauty, and anything that makes one special.” – Amber Guyton
DNN: As a High Point Market Style Spotter, you’ll be looking at thousands of products. What do you think makes a product stand out as a paragon of style?
“Standing out is not about being different for the sake of it. It is about craftsmanship, material integrity and thoughtful design. I always ask whether the piece is well-made and whether it will stand the test of time. Does it feel unique without being gimmicky? I also think about versatility. Can I envision this piece working across multiple projects while still feeling distinct in each one. A truly stylish product has depth. It elevates a space and adapts beautifully to different stories.” – Kathy Kuo
“It is the product that stands out from the masses. It is the ‘wow’ factor that I haven’t seen before, creativity in the design or the product that fills a void. Sometimes a new product fills a gap and can be something practical that is finally filling in the “where have you been” category. For me, it’s something I can’t live without.” – Juliana Ewer
“Standout products have the clear ability to catch a person’s eye. Sometimes it’s with color. Sometimes it’s with a silhouette. Or it’s material, scale, texture or any combination of these elements. Whatever it is, it will reflect a unique design decision that sets it apart from other similar products.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“A product stands out because it’s a new thing or a new approach to said thing. Sometimes it can feel like you’ve seen one sofa, you’ve seen them all, but design is ever evolving, and in interior design, we have the luxury of creating and customizing things from scratch. It’s exciting to explore such things at High Point Market.” – Amber Guyton
“In an attempt to see as much as I can, I walk very quickly throughout market, and I make decisions even quicker. If a product stops me in my tracks, then it’s usually because it has a dashing color or vivacious print. To me, it’s not about what’s classic, timeless, new or trendy. Something stands out to me as a paragon of style if it simply makes my heart sing; it’s that easy.” – Isabel Ladd
DNN: How do you help your clients discern and manifest their own style?
“I ask them for inspiration photos. So many times, the vocabulary doesn’t match what their preference really is. I have had clients say they prefer traditional design and send me very contemporary inspiration photos. Many clients know what they like when they see it, and I love to see what inspires them. It is always a fun challenge when a couple has differing preferences and then finding a wonderful way to marry the two styles. That’s the case in my own marriage” – Juliana Ewer
“Lots and lots of communication. We all know interior designers take on the role of ‘therapist’ when it comes to understanding our clients. We do a deep dive and get into the nitty gritty with probing questions and visual cues. Once we’ve uncovered enough information, the next challenge begins, which is convincing your client the options presented are (right) for them. You have to help them get out of their own way. When you work to build it early on, your client’s trust is a powerful tool that will take the relationship far.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“In the first parts of my design process — the design questionnaire and consultation — I learn as much about the clients as possible: where they are from, what they enjoy doing, their favorite colors, what type of art they’re drawn to, their personal style and what they’re passionate about. Knowing what they value, their needs and desires helps me build their design style and create solutions for the space I’m designing for them.” – Amber Guyton
“It always starts with imagery and conversation. Inspiration photos are helpful, but the real insight comes through dialogue. I want to understand how my clients live, what they love and what truly fills their soul. Often, clients arrive with a mix of styles, which is completely natural. Through conversation, we identify the common threads in their inspiration and refine the direction until it feels cohesive and authentic. It is less about imposing a look and more about distilling their story into a layered, livable design.” – Kathy Kuo
“Because my design style is so niche, clients don’t generally hire meto help them discern their own style. They hire me to manifest my style in their own homes. I think it would be the other way around if I weren’t so niche. Of course, I talk to them at great length prior to a project about what their end goal is and how they want to feel in their space. My clients and I end up being a perfect match because they desire the ‘Isabel Ladd Interiors’ vibe in their own homes, and I love nothing more than color drenching, pattern mixing and letting my creativity soar.” – Isabel Ladd
DNN: How do you define your own personal style?
“My personal style depends on the day and depends on my mood. I will dress to the nines when the occasion calls for it. I normally prefer to be comfortable, like wearing a plain white T paired with a dressy, flowy pant. If we’re talking about homes, just like fashion, my style will vary. It’s usually reflective of the character of the home and how I want to enhance its uniqueness.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“I define my style as soulful maximalism. This design style is rooted in joy, culture, layers, and intention, creating spaces that celebrate who you are and what you love. In an upcoming book, I will break down these principles to help readers design and decorate their home in a bold and curated way.” – Amber Guyton
“I’m a maximalist. I love pattern play, color, wallpaper, incredibly unique lighting, but I also adore antiques and all things ‘historic European estate home.’ … I actually purchased a vintage peacock from the High Point Market Gabby showroom and built an entire design plan around it. I have lacquered vintage furniture in a fun color, instead of disposing of it. I respect the craftsmanship of older furnishings and love to tuck it in among beautiful new upholstered seating for a tailored look. I love layered design, local artists and having a story behind the curated pieces in the home.” – Juliana Ewer
“Gracious. Layered. Classically inspired, with personality. I’m drawn to pieces that feel storied, whether through craftsmanship, materiality or artistic resonance. I believe a home should feel collected and considered, imbued with meaning, warmth and a sense of history, even if it is newly created.” – Kathy Kuo
“I am experimental and ever evolving. I love experimenting with style — using the same article of clothing or signature patterns multiple times but pairing them with fresh elements in creative ways. Often, the things I use on repeat are the things that bring me joy, so there’s no reason to classify them as one and done. The more open I am to absorbing inspiration from what I expose myself to, the more I can expect my personal style to keep evolving. But the things that will forever be in my style DNA will be my penchant for color, pattern and accessorizing.” – Isabel Ladd
DNN: Is there a product style you think has run its course?
“As a maximalist, I’ve always been bored with minimalist white and beige furniture and seating. Though beautiful and calming for some, the all-white spaces lack character and interest to me. To each their own, but the style can go.” – Amber Guyton
“Cheap and tacky, especially things that feel generic and mass produced. Some things may be mass produced, and that certainly does not stop me from sourcing them. I just don’t want them to feel mass produced.” – Isabel Ladd
“Personally, I am not a huge fan of minimalist trends, but I think it’s always fun to tuck simple pieces into a more maximalist design plan in an unexpected way. I think styles come and go, so I focus more on the unique qualities of the product rather than the overall aesthetic.” – Juliana Ewer
“Like fashion, design evolves in cycles. Trends come and go — and often return in new interpretations. While there are aesthetics that may not personally resonate with me, I do not believe anything needs to disappear entirely. There is a client and a context for almost everything. Great design is about knowing when and how to use something thoughtfully.” – Kathy Kuo
“This question always makes me laugh. On one hand, I get how things can be overdone. And I don’t really want to hate on something just because it has trended out. I’m of the mindset if it makes you happy then do it! Based on that alone, I hope it puts a huge smile on your face every time you see that ‘style’ you picked for yourself. Be confident in your decision because, ultimately, you’re the one living with it.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
