Mark Your Calendars:

Fall ushers in more than cooler temperatures and falling leaves. It also kicks off a busy time in the design community. You’ll likely want to include (at least) one of these events on your to-attend list:

Design by William Sofield

National Design Week runs October 9th through 17th in New York City, including the big awards bash on the 14th. But don’t fret if you don’t live in NYC. A wide-range of events are produced across the country, in association with National Design Week. Visit their website to see what’s going on in Boise, Idaho. Missoula, Montana. Even Little Rock, Arkansas.

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On this day in 1955, Disneyland opened to the public. The California amusement park was unlike anything America had ever seen. It was a longtime dream of the renowned film producer, businessman and innovator. Walt Disney’s influence on art, culture, entertainment, business and beyond continues. Licensing of classic Disney characters and new favorites is big business, but with Walt Disney Signature, the company is reaching a new audience: adults who appreciate sophistication, inspired by the imagination and artistry of Walt Disney. Walt was known for elegant style and attention to detail in all facets of his life, perhaps especially at home. That’s what these collections are all about.

Launching in 2006, Walt Disney Signature ventured into the home entertainment and outdoor market this spring. Chelsey and I saw the pieces and met some of WDS team at High Point Furniture Market. We might as well have been in Neverland; we were hooked.

If only I had a garden patio:

The Walt Disney Signature Griffith line by Veneman Collections was named after the Griffith Park carousel where Walt Disney spent time with his family and where he dreamed about creating a large-scale attraction — a place where children and adults could play together. The pattern on the upholstered cushions is inspired by Eyvind Earl’s fantastical illustrations from Sleeping Beauty.

On June 17, 1955, Walt invited the press to Disneyland for an invitation-only preview. It was the place to be. Welcoming the crowd, he said, “Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world. Thank you.”

Thank you, Mr. Disney. The inspiration and the magic continue as Walt Disney, the company, spreads its wings and stretches its imagination even further. I’m a fan. Do you like Disney’s newest creation?

More to come  …

There are plenty of festive things to look forward to on July 4th, but one of the best is the colors. Red, white and blue — what a great palette to be immersed in this weekend! I’ve spent some time this week revisiting the goodies Chelsey and I captured on film during High Point Furniture Market in the spring. Here, in honor of Independence Day, are some highlights in red, white and blue.

The Natural Curiosities showroom was a feast for the eyes. Owner Christopher Wilcox, who stands beyond the archway, is also an antiquarian and is preserving art and history at the benefit of interior design and much more.

See more red, white and blue pics from High Point

If you’ve been reading our High Point Furniture Market posts, you know that Chelsey and I were thrilled to meet Angelo Surmelis of HGTV’s Rate My Space.

Watch More Angelo Video Here»

Leslie and I had such a great time at High Point Furniture Market. We still have a ton of new designers, furniture and unique accessories to show you, but wanted to give you a quick wrap-up of our favorite finds this week.

The Calvin chair from The Candice Olson Collection is gorgeous. Get more details on her line here.

Click here for more of what we love >>

Last summer, Justin and I were fortunate to have purchased a home that was once inhabited by an avid gardener. This spring, we delighted in the colors bursting all around our yard. Bless you, gardening angel. What a gift to wake up on Holy Saturday to find purple and white irises abloom! Especially when you didn’t even know they were there. 

Sweet-smelling irises shooting up, seemingly, out of nowhere.

A few days later, Chelsey and I were excited to hear what Michael Payne would say to a packed room of interior designers and furniture industry insiders at High Point Market.

See more with former HGTV host Michael Payne

From the designer/the writer himself.

If you haven’t seen Angelo’s blog, it’s one of the best. Colorful, classic, cool.

The line, which will include around 30 pieces, ranges from $249 to $759. On his blog, he gives the lowdown on the inspiration behind the design, how he made it so affordable and a few sneak peek shots of the line.

For more of our coverage on the High Point Furniture Market, click here.

What’s not to love about Angelo? Besides his refreshing approach to design, he’s just so darn likeable! Well, the same is true (times 10) in person.

Angelo is an angel.

Click here to learn more about Angelo’s furniture line

You didn’t think we’d leave High Point without giving you a peek at Candice Olson’s new pieces, did you? We stopped by Norwalk Furniture’s showroom yesterday and were greeted by her incredible new color scheme of truffles and ice. Candice’s combinations of serene blues, grey-browns and bright whites create a relaxing, yet sophisticated atmosphere.

The Ollie Sectional is the newest piece of her popular Ollie collection. With it’s sleek style and versatility in fabric, arm and leg choices, it’s the perfect addition to any family room.

See more of Candice’s sophisticated furniture

One of the most exciting new lines we’ve checked out at High Point Furniture Market is the Paula Deen Home Collection. Paula, who as I’m sure you know, is one of our favorite Food Network stars and in addition to her show, cookbooks and other ventures, she is now adding furniture design to her list.

We met The Bag Lady herself and got the chance to hear firsthand about the her leap from food to home furnishings. She shared with us how from the start of her business, she wanted to make quality food and sell it for a fair price and now Universal Furniture has done just that with her furnishings line. You’re going to love it!

One of Paula’s favorite pieces in the new collection is The Bag Lady’s Cabinet, which features two framed glass doors and eight ample drawers that mimic 16 narrow map drawers.

Click here to check out more of Paula’s cozy designs