They pack comfortable shoes and have a list of must-visit showrooms. But that’s just the start of their strategies. We asked a half-dozen interior designers and design-focused retailers about their plans for this fall’s High Point Market, their must-see showrooms and more.
John Stivale & Steven Graffam
Founders, Stivale Graffam Home
New York City
How long do you plan to be in High Point?
“We’ll be in High Point from Thursday through Sunday. We love arriving on Thursday, just before the official opening, to meet with our clients. It’s always great to connect before the weekend rush, which tends to be the busiest time.” — John Stivale
What will be your first stop?
“OK, let’s be real—the very first stop is always our hotel to drop off our luggage. We tend to overpack for High Point, so arriving without our bags is a must! Once we’re all settled, we love kicking off our first full day at the IHFC building. It’s the perfect starting point to explore multiple showrooms before we spread out and dive into the rest of town.” — Steven Graffam
What’s on your shopping list?
“We’re currently working on several exciting interior design projects and are on the lookout for unique case pieces and stunning large-scale chandeliers and lighting. High Point is the ultimate spot to source fresh, innovative products right when they’re introduced, and we love being part of that buzz. While we do have specific items on our shopping list for clients, we often stumble upon the most fascinating pieces when we least expect it. It’s all part of the thrill of the hunt.” — Stivale
What are a few can’t-miss showrooms on your schedule?
“We always make it a point to swing by Villa & House, FlowDecor, Arteriors, Wildwood Home, Gabby Home and Hudson Valley Lighting. Plus, we can’t resist checking out the antique center to hunt for unique treasures for our clients. It’s all part of the fun.” — Graffam
What are you most looking forward to?
“We always look forward to connecting with both our existing and new clients at each market. Attending High Point Market has been a game-changer for our business growth over the years. It’s the ultimate venue for reconnecting with current clients and building new relationships all in one spot. High Point Market brings together a fantastic mix of industry professionals, from international suppliers and vendors to iconic American brands and retailers. It really is the central hub where the entire design community converges, making it an essential event for anyone wanting to stay connected and ahead in our field.” — Stivale
What must-have items do you bring with you?
“Our top tip? Wear comfortable shoes! While fashion is important, comfort is key — your feet will definitely thank you after a full day of exploring High Point.” — Graffam
“We always make the most of the market’s mobile app during our visit. It offers comprehensive info on exhibitors and events, helping us map out our daily route. It’s truly been an invaluable tool and a lifesaver during those busy market days.” — Stivale
Brittany Wurzak Hakimar
Founder and lead designer, Far Studio
Philadelphia
How long do you plan to be in High Point?
“We are quick! We get there, do what we need to do and see what we need to see and then we are out. This year, we have a collaboration, so we are going to be there for three days.”
What will be your first stop?
“I had the pleasure of doing a collaboration with Rowe Furniture this year and cannot wait to see the space that I designed in-person and all set up. That will be my first stop right off the plane. I will do some styling and finishing touches before they open to everyone. I have loved working with their team and their beautiful custom pieces.”
What’s on your shopping list?
“I need inspiration! I always love to come to HPMKT for inspiration and it always comes at the perfect time. Right now, I am sourcing for so many projects and I just need some new pieces and inspo. I will be looking at everything but specifically, I love to find new lighting vendors and always love the vintage markets — they are super fun and one-of-a-kind.”
What are a few can’t-miss showrooms on your schedule?
“I love the main buildings, as I think they are necessary and important to see various vendors. In addition, I do love hitting up Schwung, Verellen, Baker, Eicholtz and Cohab Space.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“Being inspired and trying out a lot of amazing furniture pieces. My clients trust me to find pieces that are both beautiful and comfortable, so it is really important for me to really see and sit on everything.”
What must-have items do you bring with you?
“I always have a backpack with my laptop, phone charger, water, snacks and sometimes a change of shoes. It is a long day with a lot of walking and because we are only there for a short trip, we do not waste a second.”
Tracy Gould, Alexa Evans and Lynn Berney
Principals, LTA Interiors
Boca Raton, Florida, and New York City
How long do you plan to be in High Point?
“We are three working moms (eight kids and seven dogs combined) so we were only able to sneak away for three days. We’ll take what we can get!” — Tracy Gould answered for the team
What will be your first stop?
“So hard to pick but likely Bradley furniture. We love working with them.”
What’s on your shopping list?
“New vendors for rugs and lighting. We love our go-tos but looking to mix it up a bit.”
What are a few can’t-miss showrooms on your schedule?
“Mr. Brown London, Visual Comfort and the antiques.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“Seeing all the new trends. We love forward-thinking interiors with classical elements and bringing our clients unique designs.”
What must-have items do you bring with you? “Comfy shoes! It’s a must-have item. Also can’t go anywhere without my partners Lynn Berney and Alexa Evans!”
Maria Mendoza
Vice president, Designer Resource Center
Boca Raton, Florida, and Palm Beach, Florida
How long do you plan to be in High Point?
“Our team plans to be at the event from Thursday until Tuesday. We prefer starting early to get ahead of the crowds so we can really take our time and enjoy the pieces.”
What will be your first stop?
“We plan to kick off with a visit to the Century showroom and the 200 Steele building.”
What’s on your shopping list?
“We’re always on the hunt for the latest accessories and statement pieces to place in our showrooms that will represent the new trends. For this specific market, we are actively looking for a new coffee table and unique accent pieces.”
What are a few can’t-miss showrooms on your schedule?
“There are quite a few! My favorite stops are the Hickory Chair showroom, Vanguard, Century, Highland House, American Leather, Old Biscayne Designs, Lexington and The Antonia Collection.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“For this market, we decided to invite select designers who we work closely with to join us and be part of the experience. I’m really looking forward to getting their creative takes on the different showrooms.”
What must-have items do you bring with you?
“Without a doubt, my colleague and husband, Lope Mendoza. High Point Market is massive, so it is impossible for us to see everything. I must admit I get carried away in each showroom and could spend hours in just one. Lope schedules all the walk-throughs and makes sure we stay on schedule. He also makes dinner reservations at my favorite restaurants, which I really appreciate.”
Ryann Swan Hackett
Founder and principal designer, Ryann Swan Design
Old Greenwich, Connecticut
How long do you plan to be in High Point?
“We’re in the middle of installs so it will be a quick trip for us — just two days this time but Fall market is a can’t miss.”
What’s on your shopping list?
“New lighting and upholstery vendors suitable for hospitality to fit some exciting upcoming projects!”
What are a few can’t-miss showrooms on your schedule?
“Verellen is a perennial favorite — it’s such a respite away from the madness. Visual Comfort always has fabulous new introductions. Mitzi (is) the same — always has a fantastic new brand collaboration.”
What must-have items do you bring with you?
“My iPhone for the 9 million photos I’ll surely take of new products and a few of my most favorite colleagues. I absolutely love experiencing showrooms with other designers and talking through what is catching everyone’s eye. Also cute but comfy footwear!”
Danielle Chiprut
Founder and principal designer, Danielle Rose Design Co.
Rockville Centre, New York
How long do you plan to be in High Point this fall?
“I’ll be there for four days, from Friday to Monday.”
What will be your first stop?
“Four Hands — love their showroom, and they’re one of our most trusted vendors.”
What’s on your shopping list?
“I’m on the lookout for upholstery sources that can accommodate COM (customer’s own material) orders. We are also diving into new rug and case good sources.”
What are a few can’t-miss showrooms on your schedule?
“Rowe, Loloi, Arteriors, Made Goods and Julian Chichester.”
What are you most looking forward to?
“Spending time with our interior design besties, bringing home fresh inspiration, discovering new sources for our clients and getting face time with the showrooms we love.”
What must-have items do you bring with you?
“We’ll be rocking our Adidas Gazelles in vibrant blue—comfort but make it fashion!”
