On the eve of High Point Market, we asked home décor company executives, including those from the lighting world, about their favorite raw material to work with right now.
“Colored glass. I’m drawn to the way color, light, and transparency interact — it’s almost a science. The same piece of glass can shift throughout the day as light passes through it, creating depth, reflection, and unexpected tones. From a design perspective, that makes colored glass incredibly expressive; it allows us to create lighting that doesn’t just illuminate a space, but changes how you experience it.”— Nancy Lonoff, Principal, Designer, Crystorama
“Wood. As a designer, wood offers a canvas of versatility that is difficult to match. It’s structural for building all types of furniture and lamps, but it’s also sculptural for decor and accessories. I also love that you don’t have to invest a lot to work with wood. You can cut it, lathe it or hand work it with basic shop tools. Then there’s the finishing. Between the variety of species and the amount of stains and sealants available, you can create almost any look, from very refined and elegant to rustic and raw. It’s also a great material for sustainability. If you’re buying FSC-certified wood and using biodegradable sealants, you can feel confident your work is making the lightest footprint possible.” — David Patton, Director of Design, Quorum International
“Brass has been on the upswing for some time, but I have been fascinated with finishes that emulate aged and patinated brass: whether it is naturally aged or finished to look aged, I just adore the results from verdigris to copper-toned. We’ve really worked intently to introduce some new and interesting finishes over the past few markets.” — Pam Bailey, VP of Product Development & Design, Currey & Company
“I’m especially drawn to natural stone, from honed travertine to boldly veined marble. These materials bring warmth, texture and authenticity to a space while adding timeless style and lasting value to the overall design.” — Whitney Ridgeway, VP of product development and merchandising, furniture, Bassett Mirror Company
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