Our home décor exhibition, “Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft,” has been popular with the public and interior designers alike – putting craft in context for thousands of visitors through stylish room vignettes. Now in its fourth year, we take the exhibit in a whole new direction – actually, in several directions. For this year’s theme, “4 Directions,” we asked designers to create rooms inspired by objects of fine craft that exemplify the essence of style in the North, South, East, and West. Each designer will explore how geography and climate influence the culture and design aesthetic of a particular region. See how far each designer’s imagination takes them.

NORTH

Designer: Sheryl McLean, Allied ASID
Design firm: Décoria Interior Designs
Inspirations: Michael Updike, Michael Schunke and Josie Gluck, and Eben Blaney
Vision: When I think of the North, I think of the snowcapped mountains and glaciers in Canada and Alaska. I am inspired by white polar bears and crisp blue skies and want to create a space that represents living in the chill. I am calling it the Ice Age cave. I have chosen craft that reflects what I interpret as living in a futuristic ice age.

SOUTH

Designer: Jeanine Turner
Design firm: Turner Design Firm
Inspirations: Jennifer McCurdy, Elizabeth V. Rand and Bennett Bean
Vision: My room will have an organic flavor to honor the natural scenery that a snowbird flocks to for its winter roost. A neutral palette creates a soothing environment for long winter relaxation. My room will be adorned with plenty of objets d’art to keep the snowbird engaged in the space. 

EAST

Designer: Saudah Saleem
Design firm: Saudah Saleem Interiors
Inspirations: Robert and Tor Erickson, Allegra Brelsford, and Scott Nelles
Vision: I selected East as my design direction because I appreciate the craftsmanship, natural beauty, and function characterized by much of the design in the Eastern Hemisphere, specifically Africa. The contrast of natural wood elements traditionally used against woven textiles, metallic sculptures, and exotic, vibrant color creates a timeless beauty and strength I seek to capture.

WEST

Designer: Jennifer Walter
Design firm: Folding Chair Designers
Inspirations: Jack and Alice McLean, Eben Blaney, and Dianne Nordt
Vision: I chose to feature a room with a West Coast influence, specifically with a southern California vibe. SoCal street style is cool and casual, with a hint of bohemian, and décor trends have followed that aesthetic. With so many bungalow and ranch homes, there are nods to midcentury modern design everywhere out there, and this is an influence I am excited to explore. 

Get tickets and more details about the 2016 American Craft Show in Baltimore on February 19 - 21 at the Baltimore Convention Center.