Q: Is this your first foray into hard goods?
A: Yes – and I am simultaneously nervous and excited about the opportunity Currey and Co. has given me to share my “forest” dreams in these product categories. My nickname internally at Currey is “Wild Earth Princess.” I’m really grateful to have found a home — or maybe treehouse is a better word — at Currey.
Q: What design opportunities did your new Modern Luxe collection for Currey present?
A: I’m very comfortable with painting and dying textiles, but this was the first time I was able to design lighting, accent tables, etc. and “paint” with patinas, minerals and botanical inspirations on 3-D surfaces. This was pretty great! Suddenly, my only limitation was just adjusting to my new box of “paints.”
Q: Is Currey’s design process very different from your own?
A: The design process has been very smooth – there are boards and the exchange of material and inspirations, which is very similar to the design process we have in-house. The only difference is that I was not able to speak “lighting,” and I was embarrassed quite a bit when I called something a “hang-y doodle” or a “dangly hook.” The Currey team was quite gracious in translating for me. At first, I was worried that maybe they wouldn’t “get” what I was trying to celebrate. Instead, I find myself surrounded by genuine support and a wonderful vehicle through which to celebrate light, nature and design. How lucky is that?
Q: What’s currently included in the Modern Luxe lineup?
A: So far we’ve introduced hanging lights, sconces and accent tables. We’ll be launching the rest of the collection in October at High Point Market, and I’m hoping it will continue to grow as my relationship with Currey and Co. develops.
Q: What can you tell us about the design concept you’re calling “Elevate and Illuminate”?
A: It’s one of the lighting themes we’re exploring in Modern Luxe. I want to spotlight the gorgeous materials that come from our precious earth, the legacy of craftsmanship and quality that Currey is known for, and lastly, to showcase American design. There is beauty in two American companies working together harmoniously. Together, we elevate ourselves in the challenge of bringing new beauty to the lighting world.
Q: In addition to quartz, which has a major presence in the Modern Luxe line? What are your favorite materials to work with?
A: Hand-worked textiles, conscientious materials, silk, velvet and Belgian linen. Oh, and Swarovski crystals!
Q: Your Mermaid Sequin pillow design recently got more than 30 million views on Twitter in one week! Why do you think those sequined pillows generated such intense interest?
A: As humans, I think we’re wired to react to the organic, whispering beauty that nature provides — it’s biological!
Q: What do you feel are the most important trends in home décor?
A: Our customer sincerely responds to the handmade, the artisanal and the story behind our brand. In a sea of mass-produced products, our little boutique design studio stands apart. I think the commitment to handwork and the genuine celebration of natural materials that comes from our core resonates with our clients. There is a certain beauty in the imperfection of pure materials that has no comparison.
