Editor’s Spotlight: House Beautiful

Carisha Swanson shares her favorite looks for Winter / Spring 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Carisha Swanson moved from Hearst’s NYC office to a home office in NC, where she could be closer to family, and, fortunately, to High Point Market. Reporting onsite from the October show for House Beautiful, she shared some finds that set the style for the new year and will be must-sees at Spring Market, June 5-9!

Beth Webb for Arteriors

Who doesn’t love a three-tier bar cart? The new Brays Bar Cart from Beth Webb caught my attention because of its slightly larger than normal profile, beautiful bleached wood, and leather wrapped handle. We’ve also been seeing bar carts pop up everywhere because it’s one more way to store or display the items you love or need quick access to.

Arteriors

Becki Owens for Hudson Valley Lighting

We’ve certainly seen an uptick in natural materials this year, and the Georgia collection by Becki Owens for Hudson Valley Lighting mirrors this trend. The lattice caning of this grouping, which includes a sconce, single large pendant, and linear pendant, is updated with black metal details to outline the frame, giving extra dimension to these shapes. The best part is the enchanting glow cast from the fixtures as light comes through the caning. I would love to see one gleaming at night in the entryway of a home.

Hudson Valley Lighting

Julian Chichester

Whether you’re living in an urban or suburban environment, right now we’re all desperately looking for flex spaces to set up a proper work-at-home station. Julian Chichester’s new Silvy dressing table is the perfect bedroom piece that can serve as a Zoom-ready makeup station, and then quickly transition to a virtual conference center. Based on a 1930s French original, and covered in a polished variegate vellum, it adds just the right amount of old world flair to present day functionality.

Julian Chichester

Barclay Butera for Lexington

Barclay Butera’s latest collection for Lexington, Park City – appropriately named after a favorite vacation destination for Butera – offers a handsome selection of case goods for both the bedroom and living areas. I was immediately taken by the Empire Pass Bachelors Chest because of its open metal frame and floating Alpine marble top. While this is the perfect accompaniment to his new Sundance bed, the piece would also be gorgeous to display in any family room.

Lexington

Kara Mann for McGuire Furniture

I love a chair that looks good from every single angle and Kara Mann’s Echelon occasional chair for McGuire does just that. A natural colored Danish cord has been pulled and wrapped tightly around the shell-hued rattan frame to create an effect that feels both tailored and artisanal. The darker version, in coffee with black cording, offers a decidedly more downtown feel.

McGuire Furniture

About Carisha Swanson

Market Director for House Beautiful’s print and digital properties, Carisha began her career as Market Editor for Moffly Media, a publisher of six luxury regional and shelter magazines. After launching new titles at Moffly and leading their annual Luxury Gift Portfolio and Beauty Book, she took on the role of Market Editor with Hearst Design Group, publisher of House Beautiful, Veranda, and ELLE Decor.