Wanderlust

“Even more important than learning what is different about others, is learning what we have in common,” says Barry Dixon, founder, Barry Dixon, Inc. “In the best of instances, universal truths and sensibilities are reflected in our homes, in the way we live.” I have always found that I am fascinated by the differences in the cultures I visit but also reminded that we all share a common desire for community, family, nurture, and love.

For most of us, wanderlust begins as childhood fantasies fueled by books and films that extol the adventures of Sinbad, Perseus, or Galahad, filling our heads with images of castles, knights in shining armor, magical flying carpets, mythological creatures, and everywhere dazzling beauty. What child has not dreamed of becoming a great adventurer? My friend Robin Baron tells me, “When I travel, I’m influenced by everything that surrounds me; the sights; the smells; the culture, and, of course, the architecture – and absolutely the food! All of this stimulates my senses, inspires my creativity and changes how I see the world.”

Vicente Wolf, whose work is inextricably bound with his global travels shares, “Discovering the beauty and culture of other societies and lands nourishes my spirit and creative process. Traveling brings a full perspective to my work.”

After he returns from the road, Australian designer Greg Natale translates the new perspectives gained from other cultures into his work. “New places can do more than just introduce us to a new color, or pattern, or method of making something. They give us a feeling. I love to draw on that feeling – and draw it into my designs.”

Moving beyond his own experiences, David Santiago likes to bring influences from his clients’ travels into their homes. Crafting a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and travel for a young family, Santiago drew upon their travels to Italy and Asia, as well as their affection for English and Italian menswear. Composing these elements into “an inviting dining room to be used for everyday life,” he says, “I used furnishings from Bassett and Pulaski. Fabrics were sourced from Kravet and Robert Allen. Lighting came from Crystorama, and the rugs were imports from Safavieh.”

For Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke of Madcap Cottage, all encounters are opportunities for inspiration. “We keep our eyes open at all times,” says Jason, “whether we’re on a far-flung trip to the English countryside, the remotest parts of Rajasthan in India, or a visit to the local mall. You never know where you might spot great design inspiration. John and I recently designed a fabric that was based on a garden we toured on the coast of Maine. Then, over the floral pattern, we layered in a graphic motif from a fretwork gate that we spotted in Marrakech.”

“Wherever I go,” says AD Top 100 designer Timothy Corrigan, “I make a point of visiting museums and galleries, or just walking the streets. A simple or elaborate detail will eventually find its way into one of my projects.” In his wallpaper line for Fromental you can see details taken from the gardens and tapestries of France.

Of course, the working designer needs to find reliable sources, close to home, to bring the inspirations of far off places to life within the time and budget constraints of their projects. For this, High Point Market is a veritable grand bazaar, where exhibitors gather items of exceptional craftsmanship from around the world, and place them at our fingertips.

You can explore furniture and lighting crafted in Europe at CONARTE; rugs hand-knotted in Nepal at Tamarian, New Moon, and Nourison, and accessories sourced internationally at Design Legacy, Europe 2 You, and Phillips Collection.

Plus, you will find a rich and varied selection of products from leading designers whose inspirations come from every corner of the globe.

To explore the travel inspired work of Kelli Ellis visit Sunpan and Leftbank Art.

Leftbank Art also has a stunning curation by FORM Design Studio’s Joshua Rose and Rafael Kalichstein.

Michelle Nussbaumer channels her style and inspiration from places she has traveled and lived, including Italy, Asia, Mexico, Switzerland, Morocco, and India. Her exotic textiles and accessories can be found at Design Legacy.

Barry Dixon’s collections at Arteriors and Tomlinson are always exceptional.

Nourison features Scot Meacham Wood.

Joe Ruggiero, a licensing genius, can be found at The MT Company, Wildwood Lamps, Textillery, Gat Creek, and Phoenix Trim Works.

You won’t want to miss Robin Baron’s full collection of furniture, hardware, and rugs in the chic SALON of Market Square.

Travel enriches the eye and fills the creative imagination with an endless archive of beauty. Where shall we go next? Why not High Point? In just a few days at Market you can truly travel the world.