Design in Depth: Wakefield To the Trade Day

By Stacy Kunstel

There is nothing I love more than design and learning all I can about it. That’s why I get so excited about the upcoming November 6 To the Trade Only Market Day at the Wakefield Design Center in Stamford, Connecticut. If for some reason you don’t know of Wakefield Design Center, it is a full-service design center and an incredible New England resource for designers. Chock full of art, furniture, accessories, lighting, and a widespread fabric selection, it’s “soup-to-nuts” as my Boston friends would say. 

Photo courtesy Wakefield Design Center

Twice a year the design center holds its annual To the Trade Days that feature well-known designers, writers, and industry professionals. Starting at noon next Thursday, New England Home‘s own Karin Lidbeck Brent, a nationally known interiors stylist, will be offering free portfolio reviews, looking for future New England Home projects and offering advice on getting your work published. 

Photo courtesy of New England Home

Kicking off the list of speakers at 12:30 will be former House Beautiful contributing editor Colleen Scully, who will be talking about Barry Dixon’s new line of paints and answering questions about C2 Paint. 

After a provided lunch, Laura Kirar, who has designed everything from Architectural Digest and Vogue Living interiors to the most covetable products for Ann Sacks, Kallista and McGuire, will talk about how travel inspires the creative experience. 

One of the things I like most about the To the Trade Days is the personal experience of having a creative professional walk you through a new collection. Daniel Artica from Romo will present the newest fabrics and wallcoverings in the line. 

Niel De Marino of Samuel & Sons Passementerie; photo courtesy of Samuel & Sons

We all know that the beauty of a project is in its details. Niel De Marino from Samuel & Sons Passementerie will be on hand to the latest and greatest in trim products and how to work them into your projects.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a To the Trade Day at Wakefield without a wine tasting (catered by The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood) and book signing. On the 6th Alix Perrachon will be on hand to sign copies of her book The Decorative Carpet and to share her experiences and expertise on antique Oriental and decorative rugs. Bring your questions! 

Hope to see you November 6 at Wakefield Design Center! For more information call (203) 358-0818 or visit wakefielddesigncenter.com.