It’s Christmas season!
Don’t panic, you didn’t lose six months and wake up this morning in mid-November.
And no, I haven’t lost my mind. (At least not yet.)
While it might be any regular, sun-soaked June day for you, this IS Christmas season for me!
Technically, holiday season is a full-time, year-round gig for designers like me who take on the added role of seasonal design. I’m always perusing magazines and websites, looking at designs and coming up with new ideas for my clients’ homes.
The big guys – I’m talking about the giant chain stores and massive design companies – likely do a lot of their holiday décor buying in January. They start buying in bulk for the next season before the décor from the last season is even taken down.
But for a small shop like me, that’s just never going to happen.
In January, I need a little break from all the festive décor and the mayhem. I need to enjoy the holidays, and take a little breather before diving right back in.
I skip the big market in January and wait for the June Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. This market features a Dallas Home & Holiday Expo that I really enjoy.
I’ve been to this market several times, and every time I’m more impressed. Even though this event is smaller and easier to navigate than those held in other cities, I still sometimes get overwhelmed and find myself forgetting which showrooms I’ve already seen!
For designers, markets like these are a place to see the newest designs and ideas out there, and a place to buy or order accessories, materials and furniture straight from the vendors and lines that we love. Every showroom has gorgeous displays that get our creative juices flowing!
The Home and Holiday Expo is perfect because by June, I’m already deep into prepping and planning for several client’s seasonal designs. I go to market armed with a vision of what I’m looking for, and come back with even more ideas.
Every year, I stop at the RAZ Imports, d. Stevens, Melrose International and Sullivans displays because they’re some of my favorites. But I’m always on the hunt for new and innovative designs as well!
One of my favorite things about the Dallas Market is that they have accessory showrooms too.
It’s so exciting to see the showroom designs live and in person, and to be there with so many talented people. The energy in the room is palpable!
Stay tuned to Facebook and the blog because I’ll be sharing some awesome pics soon of what I find! If your home needs a fresh look this holiday season, contact JSB Designs now!