High Point Seminar And New Exhibit At American Home Furnishings Hall Of Fame

Pictured (l-r) are: Jaye Anna Mize, Evan Millard, Victoria Holly and Katie Gumerson.

The growing role of authenticity in consumers’ design decisions will be the topic of a Mimosa Brunch and Trend Spotter Seminar to be hosted by Markor International from 10:30 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, April 26 at the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, 311 S. Hamilton St.

Jaye Anna Mize, vice president of Advisory and Partnerships at Future Snoops (FS), will moderate a panel discussion among Katie Gumerson of A.R.T. Furniture and Style Spotters Evan Millárd and Victoria Holly. The lively discussion will explore how the authenticity trend and other emerging design directions are reshaping the future of home interiors. The Hall of Fame also will unveil its latest Trend Spotter Exhibit, “Designing with Depth: Reclaiming Authenticity in Design,” which highlights a range of new furnishings exemplifying the theme.

“In a design era shaped by transparency, values, and personal storytelling, authenticity has become more than a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle,” Mize said. “From honoring artisanal traditions to embracing materials with soul, this panel will examine how authenticity is not just a style, but a story—one that connects makers, materials, and meaning.”

According to the latest trend analysis by Future Snoops, authenticity represents a different way of thinking that is coming to the forefront of how people are shopping for home furnishings.

“In a fast-paced, algorithm-driven world, Cultivate offers a return to slowness, to sourcing objects with soul,” Kristen Moonjian, creative director of Home + Lifestyle at FS. “Consumers are no longer chasing trends—they’re curating meaning. That’s why we’re seeing a rise in storytelling, craftsmanship, and localized design.”

“What’s interesting about Cultivate is that it’s not rooted in nostalgia—it’s rooted in respect,” Moonjian explained. “Respect for the Earth, for cultural heritage, and for artisanship. The aesthetic may feel grounded, but the values behind it are forward-thinking and conscious.”

This trend favors a shift toward boutique retailers and designers who can take the time to explain how a sofa was made, for example, and the inspiration for making it, Moonjian said.

“We are thrilled to host these semi-annual seminars, which inform and educate the design community about the key trends and innovations shaping the home furnishings industry as it moves forward,” says Karen McNeill, CEO and chairman of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors. “As always, Future Snoops has put together an amazing panel of experts for this discussion, each with a unique perspective on where the home furnishings business is heading this year — and beyond.”

The three panelists for this upcoming seminar are:

• Katie Gumerson, vice president of merchandising and design for A.R.T. Furniture, began her career as an industrial designer, specializing in children’s toys and furniture. Afterward, Katie worked in furniture manufacturing and design for several major companies, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and refining her craft. Since joining A.R.T. in 2021, Gumerson has led the development of a wide variety of innovative and inspiring furniture collections. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a master’s degree in furniture design, Gumerson is a highly skilled product designer, brand developer and merchant, with a keen eye for identifying emerging trends.
• Victoria Holly, interior designer of Victoria Holly Interiors, boasts an impressive reputation in the field of interior design. With almost two decades of experience, Victoria is known for her artistic skill, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional talent for curation with a comprehensive approach to creating exceptional interiors that cater to her clients’ style preferences and lifestyles. Victoria designs warm, welcoming, and unique spaces with well-curated pieces that stand the test of time. She also has an established art collection, The Holly Collective.
• Evan Millárd, instilled with a love for creativity from an early age, pursued studies in graphic design at Oral Roberts University. With luxury residential and commercial design experience in Nashville and Chicago, Evan returned to Music City in ’17 to form Modern Remains with two close friends. As part of this dynamic design trio, Evan worked with clients from coast to coast, creating environments reflecting his clients and their zeal for life. Over a decade later, Evan launched his solo career, focusing on creating jewel-box-like experiences that bring joy and excitement to his clients’ lives.

Part of the Hall of Fame’s ongoing education initiative, the Future Snoops Trend Seminar — is held twice a year at each High Point Market as a collaboration between the Hall of Fame, FS, ANDMORE, Interwoven and the High Point Market Authority. The partnership also calls for FS to identify four fabric trends during each November and May Interwoven and through a changing product exhibit during each April and October High Point Market.

“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,” McNeill says about the FS seminars. “The FS Trend Exhibits for the Hall of Fame explore how designers turn these evolving trends into new products and interiors, providing a must-see experience for all industry professionals looking to understand where consumer tastes are heading.”

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.