Be Moved! Antique & Design Center Exhibitors Share What Inspires Them

by Carmen Natschke ~ The Decorating Diva

Nearly 500 years ago the intrepid explorer, Ferdinand Magellan wrote,

The sea is dangerous and its storms terrible. But these obstacles have never been sufficient reason to remain ashore.

Unlike the mediocre, intrepid spirits seek victory over those things that seem impossible.

It is with an iron will that they embark on the most daring of all endeavors, to meet the shadowy future without fear and conquer the unknown.

Those words by Magellan kept floating in and out of my thoughts as I listened to Karen Luisana, co-owner of the Antique and Design Center of High Point, share her heart-felt, inspiring and quite compelling story of the Antique and Design Center show’s early days as well as the significance of their tagline, “Be Moved.”

It was all but impossible to not see how each line in Magellan's now famed and oft quoted passage perfectly aligned with Karen’s tale of inspiration, passion, and faith as she too embarked on a journey that would take her and her business partner, Amanda Lane Kinney through a voyage into unknown territory teeming with untold obstacles. Like Magellan they pushed aside their fear, fueled by their passion for antiques and the inspiration to see a better future for antiques dealers – they took a leap of faith, and made their dreams come true while lifting others so they could live their dreams, too and in the process the “Be Moved” campaign was born.

Now in their ninth High Point Market, Karen confides that the “Be Moved” movement all started thanks to a turn of unplanned and unforeseen events that unfolded a mere two days before the closing of the 2010 High Point fall market. Karen and Amanda, ebullient after having a very successful inaugural Antique and Design Center show held in the former Maitland Smith building which had been transformed into an elegant venue housing over 50 antiques exhibitors, were informed that their lease would not be renewed and they would need to move. That day they experienced the amazing highs of producing a very successful first show, and the gut-wrenching disappointment of being told that this would be the last show in that building. Karen asked Amanda one poignant and powerful question, “Do we want this to be over?” Walking away with a triumphant first show to their name would have been easy. But it was more than just about the financials and the success; they were consumed with passion for antiques and for helping other antiques dealers survive what had been several years of financial turmoil in a depressing landscape that had seen antiques dealers across the country closing their businesses forever. Gratefully, both agreed to keep going on their journey and took another leap of faith when they leased space in Market Square ( the Antique and Design Center show's home for the last four years) and added even more antique dealers to the show. Shortly thereafter, talented interior designer and office manager, Chandra Young brought her magic to the team with her endearing spirit. During that unplanned move, they came up with the “Be Moved” campaign to capture the essence of each of the following: the physical move, moving past fears, letting inspiration and passion move you and the idea to keep moving forward and staying true to your personal journey in life.

Knowing Karen, Amanda and Chandra's, “Be Moved” movement I was curious as to what inspires and moves some of the very best antiques and vintage dealers in the country so we asked six of the fabulous Antique and Design Center exhibitors showing their wares during the 2014 fall High Point Market what moved them. The answers they gave us will surprise and delight you, but above all they will touch you so deeply and inspire you so completely that you will “Be Moved”, too!

Luisana Designs & Antiques

What Moves Me: “I think what really moves me on a personal level, is the combination of beauty and passion inherent in the discovery, for instance, of an exquisite handcrafted plaster bust of a young woman, done by an unknown student or in an artfully created and composed dish, presented by a cook or chef who loves every aspect of that creation. I’m also fortunate that my business provides me with such inspiration on so many levels. I love co-producing the Antique and Design Center Show along with Amanda and Chandra, and that moves me more than anything. The opportunity to bring together so many diverse, talented people with their own personal passions in such a way that accentuates and highlights them all is the ultimate adrenalin rush! It is quite challenging at times, but, WOW----when the vibe is on, and everyone feels the pulse of this place- there’s nothing better!” – Karen Luisana

RESOURCE GUIDE

About: Luisana Designs & Antiques offer a beautifully edited collection of pieces from various periods. This fall, the collections will include a 1940s life-sized cement hand-sculpted “"diver" sculpture of a young man from the yard of a New York estate, a 1970s steel abstract wall sculpture created by Arnold Feingold commissioned by a Massachusetts bank, and an 18^th century Italian gypsy cart, repainted in the 1950s by a Walt Disney designer.

Design Styles: Glam, Chic, Continental
Booth: M77
Website: Luisana Designs
Connect: Facebook, Twitter
A&DC Exhibitor Spotlight: Luisana Designs and Antiques

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Antiques on Holiday

What Moves Me: "I am moved by color and texture...an old painted piece of architecture from the South of France stops me in my tracks. A farm table that has been worn by breadboards and wine baskets is finer & thrills me more than a museum quality dining table. Heavy, a palm-sized crystal on an iron chandelier above a worn table makes me smile." - Ann Miller Hopkins

What Moves Me: "Patina of any kind moves me; Antique, well-loved furnishings paired with vintage art create an eclectic venue. Treasure-sourced merchandise from the South of France, Paris, and Belgium fill my shop with a layered patina that keeps me constantly motivated." - Misty Fowler

RESOURCE GUIDE
About: Antiques on Holiday is a direct importer of European antique furniture and décor, architectural elements, artwork, fine china, textiles, estate jewelry and vintage clothing.

Design Styles: Continental, Chic, Glorious
Booth: G11 & G13
Website: Antiques on Holiday
Connect: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest

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20^th Century by HKFA

What Moves Me: "What moves me in the world of vintage and antique design? The thrill of the hunt! There is something to be said of the idea of surprise. Walking into the premier antique and vintage showroom at High Point, the Antique and Design Center, one finds surprises at each and every turn. Whether it is the rare, the sublime, or the unique, without fail, at each Market since my debut in April 2013, I've found myself marveling at the treasures in the booths of my colleagues. Inspired by their eye and view, I am constantly moved by what I see at the Antique and Design Center.” – Heather Karlie Viera

RESOURCE GUIDE
About: 20^th Century by HFKA offers a beautifully curated selection of important 20th Century designs from furniture to décor to art.

Design Styles: Chic, Glam, Glorious
Booth: G34
Website: 20^th Century by HKFA
Connect: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn
A&DC Exhibitor Spotlight: 20th Century by HKFA

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Craig Ringstad & Don Fields Antiques

What Moves Us: "What moves us in life, antiques, friendships, and decorating, is to live by the philosophy –that less is more, more is better, and excess is best! We love life to its excess- the antique and design show lets us live out this indulgence to its fullest! Beautiful antiques set amongst colorful artfully displayed booths and best of all welcoming dealers that within minutes become friends, and soon family! We do shows all over the country- but this show leaves us feeling revived, refreshed and most of all inspired.” – Craig Ringstad & Don Fields

RESOURCE GUIDE
About: Don and Craig are planning on setting up our new container from France at this show- and are sure to have wonderful things for all that walk in the door.

Design Styles: Continental, Glorious & Artisan Made
Booth: G52 & G53
Website: Craig Ringstad Antiques (Craig) and Morning Glory Antiques Inc. (Don)
Connect: Facebook

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Caroline Faison Antiques

What Moves Me: "What moves me the most is getting a phone call at 8:00 in the morning and the person on the other end starts off, "My parents bought some things from you and I was wondering if you might be interested in buying them back.” I cannot control myself and have to hop in the car at that exact moment and rush over to the house before they change their mind. I would say aside from shopping in Italy and France, my favorite thing is buying back beautiful early antiques that I had sold 20 or 30 years ago.” – Caroline Faison

RESOURCE GUIDE
About: Caroline Faison Antiques is a direct importer or of exquisite 17^th, 18^th and 19^th Century Continental antiques.

Design Styles: Continental, Glorious, Garden
Booth: G42
Website: Caroline Faison Antiques
Connect: Facebook

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Vintage Persian Rugs by Jubin Tavakol

What Moves Me: "What moves me is seeing the intense passion and appreciation my clients have for the art form of antique hand woven rugs and textiles.” – Jubin Tavakol

RESOURCE GUIDE
About: Vintage Persian Rugs by Jubin Tavakol is a purveyor of the finest quality antique and vintage decorative rugs.

Design Styles: Artisan Made, Continental
Booth: G60
Website: Vintage Persian Rugs
Connect: Facebook, Twitter

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What Moves You?

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what moves you and fills your life with inspiration and passion.

The Antique & Design Center is excited to welcome Carmen Natschke as a guest writer for our blog!

Carmen Maria Natschke is a freelance writer, speaker and the founder of the internationally acclaimed blog, The Decorating Diva. Her passion for design has her traveling the globe as a lifestyle and design expert sharing her love of art, architecture, design, and trends.