Last week, I attended the Las Vegas Market, one of my favorite markets of the entire year! No one can deny the positive energy Las Vegas exudes. It’s always packed, even in winter. Everyone is smiling, drinking, eating, gambling, enjoying, and rushing from place to place. It’s so many things at once. I like to think of the Strip as “glamorous, but approachable” and that’s exactly how I would describe Market.
The World Market Center is condensed to 3 tall buildings, so unlike High Point, Las Vegas Market is easier to navigate quickly. I sourced for a couple of new projects, but my main goal was to participate in The Best of the West, a panel featuring several West Coast designers (and one photog!).
Introducing the Best of the West
I may not be a West Coast designer by studio location, but I certainly am by project location. We are actually there right now and many of you may remember our Encinco project, which was featured in Rue Magazine last fall.
And speaking of Rue, I met Managing Editor and Best of the West moderator, Kelli Lamb on the night I got in. ReStyle Source sponsored a fantastic dinner at Eataly where all of the panelists were able to meet and greet, which really took the pressure off of meeting everyone right as the panel started. I think that strangers always become immediate friends over heaping bowls of pasta and ever-flowing glasses of red wine. Great move, ReStyle Source!
Something magical happens when a group of powerhouse, creative women gather. A big shout out to the other panelists (follow the links below for their thoughts on West Coast Style):
My Approach to Las Vegas Market
My preference for Market is to go in open-minded and take everything in as I go. Since the buildings are close together, it is absolutely possible to source and shop in just one day, which is exactly what I did! But given the opportunity, I would be more than happy to stay for the entire week.
My Favorite Las Vegas Market Showrooms
While I like to source freely, there are a few showrooms that I always hit. Luckily ReStyle Source was more than happy to meet me at Noir, which was my first stop of the market. Here’s a look at my Market favorites:
Noir Furniture
Noir’s unique take on classic design is always interesting to look at. Their well-made pieces are hand-crafted and wholly original. I’m never disappointed. Since I was doing a little style-spotting for the market, I decided to plant my flag on this dramatic cantilivered etagere. Both functional and beautiful, this piece would make a great room divider.
Currey and Company
Every dining room and high-ceilinged entryway needs a statement chandelier. That’s where Currey and Company comes in. This Atlanta-based company carries a lot of home items, but it’s their lighting that draws me in every time. Particularly, this Ibiza Chandelier from their new collection might be making an appearance in a new project. Stay tuned!
Moss Studio
I have been hearing a lot of good things about Moss Studio. Made in the USA and family-owned, their collection is quintessentially West Coast: relaxed, comfortable, and elevated.
Selamat
Rattan and 70s chic have been trending for years, and they really come together in the Selamat showroom. While I don’t often design in an exclusively bohemian style, the easygoing look of Selamat’s pieces transcends the Cali-cool vibe. I was particularly drawn to this backless stool. Breakfast area, pool house, outdoor cabana…I could see this in so many places. Here’s what I’m imagining: classic black and white checkered tiles, an airy lanai, these stools, and the sound of the ocean. Can you picture it too?
Vanguard
This is Classically Current at its finest, as you can tell by the photos. Vanguard Furniture received my seal of approval on this side table, which, if you can believe it, can be completely customized. I took their Make it Yours tool for a spin and I’m telling you, it won’t be my last.
Global Views
If you can’t find something to like at Global Views, then there may be something wrong with your vision…their showroom is large, their product line is diverse, and I especially love that they tend to group by color. So it’s easy to go completely monochromatic or find that statement piece for an otherwise neutral space.
Christopher Guy
Moody and striking, the Christopher Guy showroom represents that other part of West Coast style: Hollywood glamour. Chandeliers drip from the ceiling, the lighting is dim, and the contrast is bold. For me, this curved red chair just says power!
Four Hands
Austin-based Four Hands is always a favorite. I noticed that my fellow Best of the West panelists felt the same. The showroom is modern and the products have mass appeal, especially right now with mid-century pieces trending. Be on the lookout for more filament bulbs, as I saw them in nearly every light fixture here.
Norwalk
I had to take a double take in this showroom because my previous thoughts on Norwalk were blown away. This is a brand that is really changing my thoughts on leather. I guess I like leather now! Moving into the Kim Semala showroom, I was again drawn to the blush hues of a chair, which received my Style Spotting alert. I truly enjoyed the fresh, young pieces that would look fabulous in a casual sitting room or a design-savvy girl’s room.
Their performance fabrics selection was unmatched. I spotted some Revolution High Performance Fabrics that would be a perfect fit for a playroom or otherwise highly used area.
Dovetail
Stopped into Dovetail as the last showroom before my jaunt on the Best of the West panel. If I’m looking for something unique and eclectic, I am sure they’ll have it. This crystal and rope-knotted pendant light is just the thing for a coastal project.
Best of the West Panel
Hosted by the Editor-in-Chief of Rue Magazine, Kelli Lamb, and really well-attended, the Best of the West panel covered everything from where we get inspired to the importance of great photography to how we deal with tricky clients.
Las Vegas Market graciously covered my thoughts on West Coast style very succinctly here. But here are the highlights from our panel discussion:
- Our collective take on West Coast style is: relaxed, casual, and elevated.
- It’s important to gather inspiration from your passions, whether that’s travel, architecture, or even a good book.
- Photography is huge! And working with the right photographer is key.
- We’re all ready for boho to be over. It’s time for a new trend to take over!
Check out the panel’s style picks here to get an idea of how we each approach West Coast design. You’ll see a running trend of bright white, brushed brass, and natural elements like wood and glass. Relaxed, elevated, and effortlessly cool. That’s the West Coast!
Afterwards, I attended the lovely wine tasting. Nothing beats an Oregon Pinot Noir shared with a great group of like-minded ladies. I was honored to be a part of this panel with my fellow designers and photographer, Amy Bartlam. Kelli was a fabulous moderator too.
Las Vegas Market Trend Spotting
Similar to what was revealed at High Point Market in the fall, certain trends are starting to take shape for 2019.
- Blush
- Green
- 70s Chic
If you’re a fan of rattan, you’re in for a design treat because it is back and bigger than ever. I saw it on chairs and lamps in all the modern showrooms. Blush was another big trend. Pretty sure I saw a touch of the rosy hue on chairs in Norwalk, Selamat, and Dovetail. Deeper greens that are bold and contrasting against cream and white were everywhere! From the dramatic walls at Christopher Guy to the jewel-toned accessories at Currey, green is here to stay.
Next up, High Point Market!
