By Julie A. Palm
If you’re heading to High Point Market April 25-29 — or like many people, arriving ahead of opening day — you’ve been making plans for how to maximize your time and have some fun along the way.
I asked this year’s Style Spotters —chosen by the High Point Market Authority to spread out across the market to spot home trends and standout products — about their High Point plans.
These interior designers and market veterans, including Rhobin DelaCruz, Juliana Ewer, Amber Guyton, Isabel Ladd and Kathy Kuo, have honed their show routines and this year, they will add Style Spotter duties on top of their typical High Point plans. They are experts on getting the most out of their time at market!
The Style Spotters shared their can’t-miss showrooms, first stops and best tips for getting the most out of market. There’s sure to be a gem among their advice that you can use, too.
Design News Now: What will be your first stop when you arrive in High Point?
“First, the luggage check-in. Then the IHFC: There’s so much to see in this building alone!” – Rhobin DelaCruz, a New York-based interior designer of residential, commercial and short-term rental properties
“My first stop is always the Antique & Design Center in Historic Market Square. The best time to go is on the opening day on Thursday (April 23) to be able to see everything first and before some of the best items are sold. I’m always looking for incredible antiques to use in either current or upcoming projects.” – Juliana Ewer, owner and lead designer of J Squared Interior Designs based in Houston.
“My first stop is my hotel. I unpack, get comfortable and organize my outfits according to my calendar. The days are long and tiring, so I like to ensure my home base is a place of peace and clarity — an atmosphere to recharge. My first showroom stop is usually the main floor or InterHall in IHFC. Regina Andrew and Noir are my favorites.” – Amber Guyton, founder of Atlanta-based Blessed Little Bungalow
“My first stop is always to meet up with my team. We are a completely remote-work company and, consequently, spread out all over the globe. High Point Market is one of the few times each year that our interior designers, trade team, buyers, logistics (team) and more meet in person. It’s special to see many of the Kathy Kuo Home family in one place, and the in-person moments are incredibly meaningful, especially when we are surrounded by such amazing product. From there, I’m heading straight into my first panel (hosted by brand collaborator Unique Kitchens & Baths), which feels like the perfect way to kick things off.” (See below for info on all the Style Spotters’ panels and other market appearances.) – Kathy Kuo, designer, founder and CEO of New York-based Kathy Kuo Home.
“The Proximity Hotel. It’s the best place to center myself before the busyness unfolds over five days!” – Isabel Ladd, founder of Isabel Ladd Interiors in Lexington, Kentucky
DNN: What are the life-saving items you take with you to every market?
“Save your badge QR code on your phone. Wear comfortable tennis shoes; you are on your feet for hours with lots of walking and standing. Bring a phone charger, business cards, have your business licenses saved on your phone to assist in opening new accounts. Check the weather: Pack light layers and a travel umbrella.” – Juliana Ewer
“My High Point Market essentials include comfortable sneakers, a book bag or rolling bag (my shoulders can’t handle all of the totes the vendors give away), a phone charger and charge bank.” – Amber Guyton
“A beautiful, functional bag; a reliable phone charger; and comfortable shoes are absolutely essential. Your phone becomes your everything at market — capturing photos, taking notes, navigating and creating content. And the comfortable shoes? Truly non-negotiable. They’re the unsung hero of a successful market experience.” – Kathy Kuo
DNN: What are some of the can’t-miss showrooms on your itinerary?
“Classic Home, 313 Space, Design Theory and Sunpan.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“I never miss stopping into Currey & Co., Hooker Furnishings, Thibaut, Hudson Valley Lighting, Vanguard, 313 Space, Worlds Away and John Richard.” – Juliana Ewer
“I love to explore new lighting — Regina Andrew, Crystorama, Visual Comfort, Hinkley, Hudson Valley Lighting. I always make these stops to find new and jaw-dropping lighting options for my client projects.” – Amber Guyton
“There are so many! IHFC is always a good place to start — it’s enormous and spans every style, category and price point. Just don’t get lost; it’s literally huge! I always make a point to visit the ground floor, InterHall, which consistently showcases fresh, forward-thinking design. And the Schwung building — 313 Space — is a must. Its level of craftsmanship and artisanal detail never fails to stop me in my tracks. I also have found the antiques dealers at the back of Market Suites to be very interesting, as well.” – Kathy Kuo
“The Design Social is making their first appearance at High Point Market, showcasing my favorite boutique brands of independent makers. This will be a first-of-its-kind, textile-forward showplace devoted entirely to independent makers, including several international brands, some of whom have never been to market. It will be an absolute delight for buyers to explore new, well-crafted brands and connect with new sources they may not have discovered before. … I’m also excited for my friend’s cabinet line debut — Guild Cabinetry (located at Market Square). Another lovely boutique, woman-owned, new line!” – Isabel Ladd
DNN: What’s on your shopping list for the April market?
“Case goods, desks and artwork.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“I am shopping for living room furnishings, vanities, bedroom furniture, lighting, mirrors, accessories, antiques and artwork — literally all the things!! If you can’t find it at High Point Market, it doesn’t exist.” – Juliana Ewer
“I have a few new construction projects that I’m excited to shop for. New sofas and chairs, beds, case goods, lighting and rugs are at the top of my list — and discovering new places to meet those needs versus the staple showrooms I always venture to.” – Amber Guyton
“I always go to market excited to experience the craftsmanship firsthand and to source pieces that bring exceptional quality and thoughtful design to our design clients and retail customers. Discovering unique materials is a big part of the fun, too — it’s what keeps our product mix feeling fresh and inspired. I’ll be on the lookout for distinctive case goods, heirloom quality upholstery and artisanal finds that really tell a story. There are always a few surprises along the way. At the last market, I came home with an incredible albino taxidermy peacock, now lovingly named Arabella. So naturally, I’ll be keeping an eye out. She might just need a friend!” – Kathy Kuo
DNN: What are you most looking forward to during this upcoming market?
“The reunion of friends! It’s the best ‘summer camp’ experience — and it includes furniture.” – Rhobin DelaCruz
“I look forward to seeing my design friends and meeting all the fabulous designers I will be taking on tours, seeing all the gorgeous showrooms and finding hidden gems to share.” – Juliana Ewer
“High Point Market always feels like a celebration and reunion with my fellow designers and those in the industry. I’m always excited to catch up with them, support others’ panels and events, and celebrate our wins together.” – Amber Guyton
“I’m so excited to be leading my Style Spotters Tour on Saturday morning! I can’t think of anything more fun than connecting with designers who are equally as enthusiastic about participating in a tour of my favorite places!” – Isabel Ladd
Where to see the Style Spotters in High Point
The Style Spotters Trend Panel, featuring the Style Spotters and moderated by interior designer Gary Inman, will be at 2 p.m. Monday, April 27 at The Point on Commerce Avenue, one block from the Transportation Terminal.
Here’s a schedule of some other Style Spotters’ speaking engagements and appearances:
Juliana Ewer
HPMKT Insiders Tour – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, April 24. For new attendees to market. Registration required
Hot Spot Tour 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, April 26. Open to all designers. Registration is required.
“Fit to Fashion” Show 1 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Chelsea on Green, 515 W. Green Drive
“Soul First: The Pro’s Guide to Sourcing Antiques, Art & Vintage for Any Aesthetic” 11 a.m. Monday, April 27. 313 Space, 313 S. Centennial St.
Amber Guyton
“Design Biz Survival Guide” Podcast 1 p.m. Saturday, April 24. Feizy Rugs, 309 N. Hamilton St.
Kathy Kuo
“Signature Moves: Preserving POV in Product Partnerships” 10 a.m.-noon Friday, April 24. 313 Space, 313 S. Centennial St.
“Basement to Brand: An Entrepreneurial Journey” 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Regina Andrew showroom, IHFC InterHall IH006
Isabel Ladd
The Design Social Panel Noon Sunday, April 26. Amadi Collective showroom, 501 S. Centennial St.
