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Designer extraordinaire Roberta Schilling stops by
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How to sum up the Roberta Schilling Collection? There aren't enough adjectives to explain, but her work evokes these word images:
Earthy texture, finishes with a golden glow, stone pieces, antiques, handed-down for generations, worn woods, woven materials too. What about motifs? Moderna line (favorite is fly armchair). Rusty glass bowls are magnificent.
October 17, 2009 when the Fall High Point Market officially kicks off in High Point, N.C., Market Square opens its doors on five new showrooms and Roberta Schilling is there. Fall High Point Market runs from October 17-22, 2009.
Q.: Roberta, thanks for being our guest designer. For Home and Living Readers who don’t know you, can you tell us a little about yourself?
A.: Design is in my genes. I was born in Minas Gerais state, the cradle of Brazilian colonial architecture. From a very young age, I was introduced to world of art and decoration since my mother is the owner and creative force behind Verde, a renowned fresh flower and accessories shop in my home state. In the early 90’s I moved to the United States to go to college in Florida. During school breaks I often traveled to U.S. trade shows in search of unique merchandise for my mother’s store. Right away, I saw an opportunity to bring high end Brazilian furniture and crafts to a receptive clientele.
Q.: How long have you had the Robert Schilling Collection? And what did it take to get your company launched and your furniture recognized?
A.: I founded the Roberta Schilling Collection when I was only 24 years old. I incorporated my business in 1995 and my first container load of furniture arrived in the Miami warehouse the following year. We started small, joined the tradeshow circuit and expanded the business gradually as more and more customers discovered the beautiful things we offer. I conceived my business around three simple premises that I believe were fundamental to get my furniture recognized: creative design, top quality materials and great customer service.
Q.: What are some of the properties of the Collection that are unique?
A.: Our hand-painted furniture is a work of art. Experienced artisans put their hearts and souls into these pieces that take days to be completed.
Q.: How are your customers responding to your Moderna line?
A.: Moderna has been very well received. Our customers really like the idea of colonial meeting contemporary. The contrast between these two seemingly opposite styles produces an amazing décor that stroke a cord with customers.
Q.: Moderna is the complete antithesis of the Collection, are there two Roberta Schillings inside you?
A.: Actually, there are many Roberta Schillings inside of me! As a creative person, I am ready to explore many facets of my personality: modern, traditional, sophisticated, simple and much more. All of this is certainly reflected in my work as a designer.
Q.: What is the coolest piece, in your mind, out of the whole body of work you’ve done?
A.: I do think all of my pieces are super cool. But nowadays I am particularly attached to the gigant lata flower. Recycled tin cans are transformed into a gigantic, colorful decorative flower. It is eco-friendly and fits all styles.
Q.: What is in your accessories line and how important is that to you?
A.: My line of handcrafted accessories includes Brazil’s many diverse treasures from eco-friendly decorative flowers in the mountains, to hand-woven throws in the South, to clay cooking pots from the north coast. I often travel all over the country in search of unique items to bring to the U.S. market. The accessory line is very close to my heart because it highlights the work of the small artistic communities in the Brazilian countryside. It gives them an opportunity to show their incredible work in a bigger stage. At the same time, it helps promote the economic growth of these areas of the country.
Q.: Has the present economy had an affect on your work?
A.: The present economic situation has been a challenge for the furniture business. We continue to be committed to the premises that made our company a success, namely creative design, top quality materials and great customer service. And we truly believe that this commitment will sustain us during these challenging times.
Creatively speaking, the present economy has also influenced design. Customers are less wasteful nowadays and, as a result, there is more demand for eco-friendly products. We are expanding our line of furniture made out of reclaimed wood and accessories made out of recycled materials such as tin cans and bottle caps.
Q.: You are going to be a vendor exhibiting at the High Point Market Square, what does that mean to you?
A.: I am so excited about exhibiting at Market Square in the heart of the High Point Market. I love the building architecture with the hardwood floors, exposed brick and wood columns, which creates an ideal setting for our furnishing and accessories. By exhibiting at Market Square, I am hoping to attract a new clientele that it is not familiar yet with my designs.
Q.: How do you prepare for a new fall market?
A.: I look for inspiration all around me and I prepare a selection that anticipates design trends and customers’ tastes. I always make a point to bring something fresh, new and creative along with past customer favorites.
Q.: Is there anything else you would like to tell Home and Living Readers?
A.: We have amazing new products and we are looking forward to showing them to you in our High Point showroom. Visit us at:
Historic Market Square
MS-191
Union Square Building
410 English Road - E301
Ph: 336 882-1000
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