Edward Nader is the co-owner of Nader’s Gallery in Shreveport, La., a second-generation family business that sells artwork, framing supplies, furniture and gifts.
What are you looking for at market?
I’m searching for truly unique products. As the Amazon Effect continues to impact our industry, causing everything to feel repetitive, duplicated or simplified, I am hoping to discover designs that are fresh, distinctive, unique and make a statement with great craftsmanship and quality.
What have you seen in a preview that you can’t wait to see in real life?
Home entertaining continues to be one of the top requests from my clients. So, I’m excited to see the new ping pong tables from Uttermost and Highland House, along with the game sets from Taamaa. Outdoor seating is also on the top of my radar as well. Of course, Interhall will be my first stop as always to see some of the newest launches within our industry.
What are you and your customers gravitating towards with regard to color?
There is no question that consumers are gravitating to warm neutrals. But I remember years ago a dear friend and very wise colleague Michelle Lamb said, “for every trend, there is a countertrend.” So true. The key is for me to “read” the client and design around what makes them happy. Mostly my design aesthetic is warm, neutral palettes, but I am using very saturated muddy rich colors as accents, and sometime color drenching the rooms in moody tones. There really is a time and place for everything and every color … well, most of the time. Given how rapidly trends are changing, I’m more focused on sourcing products that have meaning and character rather than specific colors. I consider how the product is made, what materials are used, and what inspired it. Amid ongoing economic uncertainties, clients want products that are functional and durable yet reflect their personalities. That will be the guiding design direction I follow at market.
