Style Experts to Share Insights on Gen Z’s Mindset During High Point Market

Furniture World News Desk on 3/15/2024

Pictured L to R: Virginia Chamlee, Emily Keane and Parker Heath.

A Mimosa Brunch and Trend Spotter seminar at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame and hosted by Sunpan will explore the home decorating mindset of Gen Z on Sunday, April 14, 10:30 to Noon, 311 S. Hamilton St. “Muse,” the latest Trend Spotter exhibit created by FS features more than a dozen new products inspired by key new lifestyle trends as interpreted in products ranging from upholstery and case goods to lighting and rugs.

“Muse is a warm, funky and eclectic curation that speaks to the Gen Z mindset,” says Jaye Anna Mize, vice president of advisory for Fashion Snoops (FS), who is moderating the panel discussion. “An assemblage of old and new design, Muse reflects the collector's mentality. What feels obvious to the design world becomes a new zeitgeist for the younger consumer. Their interiors are not tied down to one time or place, often representing many different eras and artistic movements.”

According to the latest trend analysis by FS, “Gen Zers especially crave sentimental pieces for their homes that evoke feelings of heritage, interpersonal connection and thoughtful artistry,” Mize adds. 

At SUNPAN, we always strive to be a part of important discussions revolving around emerging trends and innovation,” says Katherine Kalen, chief marketing officer at SUNPAN. “We are thrilled to host this seminar, which aims to inform and educate the design community of relevant consumer sentiments.”

“The trend seminar each High Point Market is part of our education initiative and is a collaboration between the Hall of Fame, FS, Interwoven and the High Point Market Authority,” says Karen McNeill, CEO and chairman of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors. “These in-depth discussions with creative thinkers from across the industry provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into what’s coming next in the ever-changing world of home furnishings.”

The panel of three speakers, moderated by Mize, will introduce unique perspectives and views on design directions embraced by Generation Z.

• Emily Keane, interior designer with Design Bar, a commercial interior design firm in Charlotte, NC. An interior designer and emerging design creative, Keane is a 2023 graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design. Originally from outside Boston, Keane has a passion for designing interior spaces that positively impact people and their communities through experiential design. Drawing on her background in the restaurant Industry and time spent at her grandmother’s historic Italian restaurant spot, “The Venetian,” Keane creates designs that cultivate socialization through the built environment. Keane has been recognized as one of Interior Design Magazine’s Top 30 Designers under 30 in Charlotte, and her work has been nominated for various portfolio competitions, including the Metropolis Future 100 and ASID programs. When out of the studio, you can find Keane outdoors, working out, curating Spotify playlists, listening to live music, eating snacks or trying out local restaurant spots for inspiration.

• Parker Heath, founder of PAR KER Made, San Diego. Parker Heath is an interdisciplinary artist creating work in a variety of media such as painting, ceramics, textiles and home accessories. Heath received his Studio Arts BFA degree in 2022 from San Diego State University. In 2021, he founded PAR KER Made, a lifestyle brand that focuses on hand-crafted functional art collections for home and living. The brand’s mission is to empower customers to embrace self-expression, while bringing new excitement to the experience of using functional art. Sustainability is one of the brand’s core values. PAR KER Made uses only naturally sourced materials in its products, and everything is made in the United States. His pieces embody modern aesthetics while invoking a bohemian style. Along with making art and running a small business, Heath also competes as a professional BMX rider and works part time as an agency signed model in Los Angeles. In the past year, PAR KER Made has entered into collaborations with wallcovering companies Wall Snobs and Ayara Home, and recently announced an art collection with publishing company Studiomarks, as well as launching custom apparel based on Heath’s artwork.

• Virginia Chamlee, author of “Big Thrift Energy.” Virginia Chamlee is a Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida-based writer, artist and author of the best-selling book “Big Thrift Energy.” An expert at shopping high-end vintage home décor and other treasures, Chamlee has been featured on NBC News and in Architectural Digest, The Washington Post and Elle magazine. Her colorful, text-based art can be seen in high-end residences as well as commercial projects such as the green room at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Prints of her work are available via Chairish and Anthropologie.

About SUNPAN
SUNPAN is a global furniture company specializing in transitional and contemporary furnishings. We are committed to understanding fashion and design in order to offer a diverse selection of high-end looks at affordable prices. Our products are thoughtfully designed and crafted with renowned international designers to create modern and transitional styles for interior and exterior spaces. We are a trade-only business and sell exclusively to furniture retailers, interior design firms, and other members of the design trade. As a rapidly growing company that deeply values its employees, SUNPAN has been formally recognized by Great Place To Work® Canada. For more information, please visit www.sunpan.com.

About FS
For more than 20 years, FS has been a leading global force in future forecasting. The New York-based consultancy offers clients advanced inspiration through a digitally wired Futures Pathway, combining human insight and cultural trend analysis with cutting-edge, AI-augmented tools. FS serves clients in 50 countries in the areas of fashion, accessories, home décor, and beauty and wellness.

About The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.®
The American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.®, is an industry-wide organization founded to preserve its history, to celebrate exceptional individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the U.S. home furnishings industry, to inspire the next generation of innovative leaders and to engage the community with the world of home furnishings. Our new home, which opened in April 2023, is a symbol of the Home Furnishings Capital of the World™ where the industry gathers, where we honor our leaders and tell our stories, and where we learn through exhibits, seminars and speakers. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, funds support our history and leadership programming. The organization is based in High Point, North Carolina, at 311 S. Hamilton St., and can be reached at 336.882.5900 or by visiting www.homefurnishingshalloffame.com.