Event Archives: 2023
Keynote Luncheon: Caroline Gidiere
A conversation with Caroline Gidiere, moderated by Tori Mellott.
Caroline Gidiere, Design Matters’ keynote speaker, is a celebrated interior designer and tastemaker known for her fresh, layered approach to traditional design. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Caroline founded her eponymous firm in 2009 and has since built a reputation for creating timeless interiors that blend Southern elegance with a relaxed, livable sensibility. Her work has been featured in House Beautiful, Veranda, Southern Living, and Traditional Home, among others. In addition to her design work, Caroline is the author of Interiors for a Life in Good Taste, which reflects her philosophy of thoughtful, gracious living. We were honored to welcome Caroline as a featured speaker in the Design Matters series benefiting UNC Children’s Hospital Comprehensive Pediatric Rehabilitation Program.
Lifestyle Lecture: James T. Farmer
Inspiration with James T. Farmer
James T. Farmer, Design Matters lifestyle lecture speaker, is a celebrated author, designer, and lifestyle expert known for his gracious approach to Southern living, entertaining, and gardening. A Georgia native, James draws inspiration from his roots to share timeless perspectives on hospitality, home, and tradition. He is the author of several beloved books and a frequent contributor to leading lifestyle publications. With his signature charm, wit, and gift for storytelling, James delighted guests with practical tips and inspiring insights, making him a memorable part of the Design Matters series.
‘Set the Table’
Our Set the Table event was a thoughtfully curated afternoon celebrating the intersection of design, art, and community.
Local interior designers partnered with artists from across North Carolina to create one-of-a-kind tablescapes, each telling a distinct visual story through original artwork, layered place settings, and imaginative styling. Guests mingled over champagne while experiencing these displays up close, blurring the line between functional design and artistic expression. The event was further elevated by our gracious keynote speaker, who engaged attendees with reflections on gathering and hospitality before signing copies of her debut book, A Loving Table. As the second installment in the Design Matters inaugural series, Set the Table continued to build momentum around meaningful design conversations and creative collaboration within the region.
