Artisan Atelier to Showcase Global-Inspired Vignettes
- Blake Williams
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
This spring at the IWCE in Raleigh, design and travel will collide in the most creative way. The Artisan Atelier 2026 returns with a brand-new theme — Inspired by Travel — bringing together some of the industry’s most talented workroom and designer teams to create four unforgettable vignettes.
Each vignette will be a journey of its own, reimagining fabrics, trims, hardware, and finishes generously donated by IWCE vendors into breathtaking spaces. From palaces and castles to markets and countrysides, these designs capture the colors, textures, and stories of destinations around the world.
And this year, the impact of Artisan Atelier will go even further. Once IWCE comes to a close, every vignette will be donated to The Green Chair Project, IWCE’s 2026 charity of the year. Based in Raleigh, The Green Chair Project provides furnishings and essentials to families in need, ensuring that the artistry of the show lives on in homes filled with comfort and hope.
Meet the 2026 Vignette Teams
Team 1 – A Passage Home
Workroom Owner: Kathryn Gebhardt, Threadneedle Designs
Designer: Renu Mathias, Renu Mathias Interiors
Inspiration: This vignette honors both place and memory. Inspired by the architectural grandeur of Amer Fort in Jaipur, India, the design is also a tribute to Renu’s late father, an architect, whose spirit seemed to travel with her during her final visit.
Team 2 – Pretty in Plaid
Workroom/Designer Team: Amy Meinecke & Amy Baradell, Window Works Studio, Inc.
Inspiration: A love letter to Scotland and its timeless tartans. Rich textures, colors, and heritage patterns bring to life the rugged charm and traditions of the Highlands.
Team 3 – La Côte Royale
Workroom Owner: Julia Hash, JSH Designs, LLC
Designer: Debra Zinn, Debra Zinn Interiors
Inspiration: A blend of French and American grandeur, this vignette channels the elegance of Versailles’ Petit Trianon with the seaside luxury of Newport’s Breakers Mansion.
Team 4 – Textile Tales of Marrakesh
Workroom Owner: Janene Kilpatrick, Sewabilities
Designer: Vicky Serany, Southern Studio Interior Design
Inspiration: Bold colors, intricate patterns, and a sense of vibrancy transport viewers to the bustling souks and artisan traditions of Morocco.
More Than Design Inspiration
The Artisan Atelier has always been about celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration. In 2026, it also becomes about legacy. By donating each vignette to The Green Chair Project, these extraordinary designs will continue to inspire, but also serve a greater purpose, transforming houses into homes for families who need them most.
Artisan Atelier 2026 is more than a showcase. It’s a journey of design that begins with inspiration, comes alive on the IWCE show floor, and lives on through lasting impact.
Collaborate as a Sponsor!
Partner with Artisan Atelier to showcase your brand, engage with industry leaders, foster valuable connections, and play a key role in shaping the future of creativity and design. Interested in donating products or sponsoring? Please email Artisan Atelier Director Sandra VanSickle at sandra@sandravansickle.com. Thank you for your consideration.
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