While design is about SO much more than stuff, there is often a need for access to high quality customized goods and furnishings to bring aspects of a design together.  Knowing where to find those pieces and understanding aaaaallll about them is a part of a designers job.

And the values of the people behind those products and the culture of the brand is just as important as the product these days. At every level of design - customer to designer, and designer to workrooms, trades and vendors, and vendor to artisans- relationship is everything.

I had the opportunity to attend the Design Edge trade show this past week in Boston. 

Design Edge, the brainchild of Lee Hershberg, is designed to facilitate relationships, executive access, and communication between the local design community and designer furniture manufacturers. 

The Design Edge Company describes it this way:

“Design Edge is a highly curated, trade-only event featuring the best home furnishing brands in North America.  The first event of its kind, Design Edge brings leading designer-centric manufacturers to premium markets throughout the country to connect with the region’s designers and tastemakers.”

In many ways, it was a miniature version of Highpoint Market - the renowned biannual furniture trade show in North Carolina. And not only did I see great stuff, I finally got to meet some of my colleagues from online IRL! 

Held in the SoWa Power Station building, the venue featured abundant light, high ceilings, and upstairs seminar rooms.  Designer events are always fabulous as they cater to a discerning industry that cares very much about detail, service, and presentation!

We were treated to a variety of drinks and refreshments throughout the day, a cocktail party (which I couldn’t stay for) on the first evening, and boxed lunches during the noontime seminar on the second day….and did I mention free parking? in Boston?.  The parking attendant even chased me down to be sure I got the paid pass because he wasn’t at the booth to give it to me when I drove in!

Much more intimate than High Point Market, the show featured 23 booths showing wares from 28 curated companies.  The executives and local sales reps were on hand to meet the designers and answer questions and show off the greatest hits in their products lines.

Customization was the order of the day, as it is the essence of luxury and more and more consumers want a bespoke design uniquely suited to them. Nearly every manufacturer I spoke with offered at least some level of customization. And most of the products represented are hand crafted by skilled artisans.

I finally got to meet the incredible Gary Pettitt, CEO/Founder of Seasonal Living, Publisher of Seasonal Living Magazine, and Producer of the worlds first entirely virtual, tourable and shoppable Designer Showhouse, a brilliant solution that brought together consumers, designers, and products during a pandemic quarantine (and can still be toured at any time!)

Seasonal Living produces spectacular high quality modern indoor/outdoor furnishings sourced from artisans around the world. The interlocking meditation tables below from the Provenance Signature Collection by Laura Muller are just one of many versatile, beautiful, and hard working pieces in the collection.

A lush teal velvet down sofa from Theodore Alexander is the epitome of luxurious lounging.

Luxury pillows and bed linens from Eastern Accents are completely customizable to any size and any fill.

Charleston Forge is best known for their gorgeous solid forged metal furniture pieces. Each piece is built by hand and completely custom pieces can be created. Some of the most popular pieces are these thick glass topped tables. Four layers of glass are fused in a kiln producing a material harder than granite. Various textures can be added to the bottom layer for different looks, and frames are available in a variety of configurations and finishes.

Couture Lamps has some unique pieces in gilding, mother of pearl and lacquered finishes, and fanciful shapes from arabesque to quatrefoil, and even the errant peacock pair!

Wesley Hall, a family owned custom upholstery company, offers impeccable, high quality seating pieces made by skilled artisans in North Carolina. A commitment to excellence in comfort, quality, and customer service sets them apart from many companies during these challenging times in the industry.

Left Bank Art had some exciting mixed media and 3D pieces on display. The one shown in the video below is reminiscent of water! All of their pieces from their artists can be customized with regard to frame, size, and even colors.

Details are what make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary. Here are some below that caught our attention!

Ngala Trading served up the wow factor with products from artisans across Africa using sustainably sourced exotic ingredients in unique and exciting ways. These fringed leather and ostrich feather trimmed chairs are probably not for cat owners…I can only imagine, but the porcupine quill accessories would make a striking statement in any home!

This Ambella Chinoiserie marble topped sink vanity can be finished in ANY color for an unforgettable statement in a bath or powder room! I love the gilded bamboo -style trim and hardware.

And sharing space with Wesley Hall, I was introduced to Bostan Carpets, producers of handmade rugs from the selection of only the finest quality raw wool and silk, through carding, spinning, and dying, to the beautiful finished designs. And, of course, customization is possible as well.

There is no question that this event was a huge success for both the attendees and the exhibitors - and I hope the beginning of a new trend toward more of these types of shows as it was a wonderful chance to reconnect with reps and meet the owners of some of our favorite brands as well as learn about new ones from the people most invested in the products!

I hope you enjoyed this peek at the Design Edge Boston show. I’m looking forward to meeting more colleagues IRL and reporting on what’s new for 2022 from Highpoint Market in a few weeks!