Michel Smith Boyd, star of “Buying it Blind” on Bravo, also visits as an influencer and designer. “I source pieces for my show, and through strong relationships with vendors I’ve met here, I can call in favors to meet the crazy production schedules,” he said. “I expand my visibility as a host of an Insider’s Tour tours and as a Style Spotter. I also meet with partners like Left Bank Art and 1429 Manufacturing to develop my new company, MSB Bespoke. Every minute, I’m putting together the boutique in my head featuring beautiful new products that speak to my true self as a designer.”
“What you see here compels you to use all the crayons in the box,” said Kressley. “You need to go high, medium, and low to create an authentic autobiographical room. Otherwise, you’re designing beige tracksuits!”
While Filicia’s celebrity clients like Tina Fey and Jennifer Lopez, and Smith Boyd’s “all but one of Atlanta’s Desperate Housewives,” can afford the top of the line products, they concur the best designs emerge when they mix it up. “That’s the joy of Market,” said Filicia, “We find stunning products at every price. We can’t express our point of view accurately without exploring all the choices.”
In a fun, “Hot or Not?” trend review, the influencers invited three members of the audience to join them in sharing opinions on current home fashions. Hot? Cheap art? “If it speaks to you – and it’s great for humid beach houses.” Houseplants? “If they aren’t dead.” Open floor plan? “City, yes. Country, no.” Gallery walls? “Anything goes, if well curated.” Not? “Shiplap!” “Taxidermy!” “All white kitchens!”