If Christopher Kennedy felt a slight case of stage fright at this spring’s High Point Market, he had his reasons. “I always get nervous talking about technology. Even though I use it in all my projects, there’s always more to learn,” says the Palm Springs, California–based interior designer, who participated in Business of Home’s recent panel at the North Carolina furniture market. Hosted by Hunter Douglas and moderated by BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen, the discussion delved into the red-hot topic of smart home automation—integrating motorized window treatments and more without compromising on style. Notable industry colleagues DuVäl Reynolds of DuVäl Design in Fairfax, Virginia, and Lori Paranjape of Nashville, Tennessee–based Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors joined Kennedy on the dais, and the three were warmly greeted by an enthusiastic crowd. “It was a full house, and there were a ton of good questions,” says Kennedy of his assuaged nerves. “Clearly, it’s a subject that elicits community interest.” After such a lively discussion, the trio was eager to keep the conversation going.

Read More