CELEBRATING THE ARTS AWARDS:
HONORING EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN, INNOVATION, AND LEADERSHIP
Each year, the design and home industry gathers in Dallas to celebrate something more than success—it gathers to celebrate significance. The ARTS Awards, co-produced by Dallas Market Center and ART (the creative home furnishings network), stands as the premier awards program dedicated to recognizing excellence in the business of home. For more than three decades, this program has honored the visionaries who shape our business— manufacturers, retailers, designers, sales representatives, and legendary leaders who set the standard for creativity, innovation, and integrity.
ART and Dallas Market Center recognize that the evening represents the best of what we strive to achieve: to bring people together, to elevate design, and to inspire business. Each finalist and winner reflects the power of collaboration between artistry and commerce—the same spirit that fuels our industry every day.
From its earliest days, the ARTS Awards has been a reflection of the community that built it. It is an independent, peer-reviewed program, judged by experts who understand what it takes to stand out in a competitive and ever-evolving landscape. Whether it’s a retailer curating an inspiring store, a designer pushing creative boundaries, or a manufacturer redefining craftsmanship, each honoree reminds us why this industry continues to thrive through innovation and connection.
For Dallas Market Center, the ARTS Awards is more than an annual gala—it’s an extension of our mission as an in-person marketplace for the home, gift, lighting, and design industries. For ART, the awards reflect our efforts to build community, create excellence, and motivate one another. These awards validate the hard work of countless professionals who move our industry forward—those who turn ideas into experiences and materials into meaning.
We’re especially proud of the long-standing partnership between our two organizations, which continues to strengthen this program of excellence. Together, we honor not only the winners but also the relationships that define our community—the long-standing friendships, mentorships, and collaborations.
To the finalists and winners of this year’s ARTS Awards: congratulations on your remarkable achievements. You embody the creativity, perseverance, and professionalism that define this business. You remind us that design has the power to connect, to transform, and to endure.
As we celebrate your success, we also look ahead—to new ideas, new partnerships, and the continued evolution of an industry built on creativity and integrity. Thank you for inspiring us all to raise the standard of what’s possible.
We look forward to seeing many of you in Dallas.
Cindy Morris, President & CEO, Dallas Market Center
Sharon Davis, Executive Director, ART – Accessories Resource Team
UTTERMOST HOME ACCENTS
COMPANY PROFILE
For 50 years, Uttermost has grown through the passion, creativity and commitment of the people who power its story – customers, employees and sales reps. Against the backdrop of its milestone Golden Anniversary year, 2025 also saw a business climate dominated by untold challenges. Through it all, Uttermost remained true to its principles of innovation and integrity, fueled by a customer-focused business plan that celebrates the power of personal connections.
This formula has served the company well, as it once again is honored with an ARTS nomination in the category of home accents. Here, President and CEO Mac Cooper offers his reflections on the ups and downs of 2025. Please describe the challenges you faced this year.
We have faced tremendous challenges this year, as has our entire industry. Lowest sales of existing homes since 1995, inflated interest rates making new mortgages just too costly, median home costs up almost 40% since 2019, high home construction costs, and generally higher inflation. On top of this, we are managing a very fluid tariff situation, which is both complicated and costly.
In the face of great market uncertainty, in what ways was your company able to adapt and excel?
We consider ourselves a very nimble company, especially for our size and complexity. Two examples of our approach to today’s uncertainties are:
1. We have manufactured our products in many countries for decades, but given the tariff uncertainties, we have branched out even more. We manufacture our designs in the US, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Portugal, Thailand, and are considering working in Mexico and the Philippines again.
2. We have entered the Outdoor market in a major way. In boom times, we would not be able to focus on this like we have for the past 18 months, but given the soft business climate, we have put tremendous emphasis on our new Outdoor collection. What have been some of your standout pieces in home accents for 2025?
Is this nomination even more special this year? Every nomination is special as it’s a vote of confidence in the directions we are going, including our service to customers.
Our leading product has been the Earthflow Outdoor Vases, which come in a set of three, and feature a smooth, glazed finish with earthy tones blending into soft ivory. Their organic shapes and artisanal drip design add warmth and sophistication, perfect for rustic to modern spaces.
The Blossom Bowl, in both short and tall versions, is a matte off-white ceramic bowl that features a textured surface with delicate, organically shaped imperfect edges that give the look of flower petals.
And from REVELATION, the Raised Consciousness Bowl, in two sizes, features the luster of a smooth metal bowl highlighted by its light antique brass finish, which creates the perfect counterpoint to a textured pedestal carved from beige unfilled travertine.
What are some of the reasons that your company continues to receive industry-wide accolades?
I would say that the two primary reasons are our service to customers including guaranteed satisfaction, plus our relentless focus on bringing fashion-forward designs to the industry every season. We work on these objectives every week of the year.
What are your reflections on this recognition?
I’m humbled to be recognized by this nomination. We love this industry, and feel blessed to have the long relationships we have with our customers.
In what ways will your company continue to embrace the principles of ART?
ART is an amazing organization that brings much recognition and stature to our industry. We strive to do the same through our marketing, our product development, and our service to customers.
What’s your message to the ART community moving forward?
We are blessed to have ART in our industry, and we so much appreciate all that ART does to promote every facet of the business.
CONTACT
3325 Grassy Hill Rd. Rocky Mount, VA 24151
800.678.5486 / info@uttermost.com www.uttermost.com
Best New Product for 2025 – Earthflow Outdoor Vases
REGION
PROFILE
Lighting First has been proudly serving the Southwest Florida community since 1984, beginning by selling table lamps in an un-air-conditioned warehouse in East Naples. Thanks to the community’s continued and growing support, many things have changed in the past 41 years; Lighting First now has three beautiful showrooms in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers. Its product offering has grown well beyond just table lamps as well, and the business provides a fullrange of services that complements its offering.
“Our objective is to provide our customers with the best value in residential and contract lighting, ceiling fans and home decor. We want to be their first choice for the products and services we offer,” says general manager, James Nesmith.
“Our collective passion for providing the best fashion forward products at everyday low prices, offering a wide
A steadfast commitment to quality and craftsmanship, coupled with an elevated design aesthetic, has transformed Napa Home & Garden into a major lifestyle brand within the home ac-cents arena. Add in the mantra of “pick your partners well” from all levels of business, and you discover the formula for Napa’s continued growth.
This year the company is proud to celebrate a double milestone – its 25th anniversary, and its first ARTS nomination. Here, Vice-President of Sales & Marketing Keri Caune, and Trade Marketing Manager Kerry Chope, provide a closer look into the company’s 2025 success story. Why has Province been such a standout?
Province marries the classic chinoiserie look with a beautiful truffle color – a departure from the traditional blue and white. It launched with pieces that take you from the front entry to the garden. Province is created in high quality porcelain with a hand-painted design, and
variety and depth of product and continuously providing excellent customer service helps us to achieve our objective.” Here, Nesmith reflects on the company’s first ARTS nomination.
What sets Lighting First apart from the competition?
We have some very good competitors in our Southwest Florida market. Tangibly, having been in business since 1984, our longevity in the market sets us apart but it’s the intangibles that make the difference. As it is with any great company, it is our people that make us stand out.
What excites you about the lighting industry?
We are grateful for our suppliers who think deeply and creatively about bringing new product to market. We are big product people and so we always get excited for the next product release!
How have you met the challenges the industry has faced this year?
Having a balanced perspective has helped us to navigate softer demand for our goods. The ARTS community is in this cyclical industry together and many of us have seen some ups and downs over the years. We suspect headwinds are turning into tailwinds and we remain optimistic about 2026 for housing and related businesses.
What sums up your company’s performance in 2025? Our showrooms in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers have all made sizable investments in curated product displays. Our recurring trade partners and seasonal customers are sure to be in for a treat!
What’s your reaction to this nomination? Why do you think the industry nominated you?
We are honored and humbled to be recognized as a finalist by our industry peers. We work closely with our sales reps to provide great products to our customers with excellent service after the sale.
What’s ahead for your company?
Continually refining our product mix, marketing plan and ongoing education of our sales consultants will be top priorities for 2026.
CONTACT
Lighting First ® 28801 S. Tamiami Trail Bonita Springs, FL 34134 239.949.2544 sales@lightingfirst.us www.LightingFirst.us
it is the perfect vessel, bowl, or garden stool addition to any well-appointed home.
How has Napa met the many challenges of 2025?
Similar to other companies, we have had tariff impacts. We’ve had to review pricing, country of origin, supplier concessions and opportunities with new resources from a host of different countries. While exploring all of the global options available, we’ve been steadfast in aligning with partners that meet our high standards for quality. We’ve also worked diligently on maintaining communication with our customers — being transparent — while at the same time, providing opportunities for them to maintain healthy margins and achieve success. What’s ahead for Napa in 2026?
We are proud of our team, culture, and the business plan we continue to put in place. Through the remarkable efforts of all of our partners, Napa has been able to produce a better product, improve efficiency and ensure our premier representation in the marketplace.
This nomination recognizes our commitment to the industry, and meeting the needs of today’s customer with the high-quality design aesthetic they are seeking. We are honored to join the heralded ARTS podium and look forward to sharing our story. CONTACT
Napa Home & Garden 4295 International Boulevard NW, Suite D Norcross, GA 30093 customerservice@napahomeandgarden.com www.napahomeandgarden.com
Best New Product for 2025 – Province Collection
TALULAH AND HESS
HOME ACCENT STORE, WEST REGION
COMPANY PROFILE
In business since 2002, Talulah and Hess describes itself as “discerningly fresh and stylish with a classic flair.” The store offers an array of unexpected and captivating gifts, as well as products for the home and daily life. Celebrating her business’s first ARTS nomination, owner Elizabeth Mast provides an inside look at what has landed Talulah and Hess in the ARTS arena this year. Please provide an overview of the products you carry. Has this changed through the years?
From the very beginning, I wanted to offer a wide range of products with a variety of price points. I wanted to be a “lifestyle” boutique before that even became a thing. That remains my priority but with a focus on more defined categories. We offer gifts in the following categories: loungewear and accessories, men, baby, pet, home fragrance, bath & body, epicure, home accessories, art and serving ware.
Most recently, as our clientele’s needs have grown, we have expanded by adding a design resource center that caters directly to the consumer and to the trade. We pride ourselves on providing back-office support to our designers along with the ability to have in stock finishing touches for final installs.
What word best describes 2025 for your business?
How has it been different than other years?
We have learned to be adaptable to change to meet the current market. We are constantly monitoring our product costs and inventory to accommodate the changing environment and tariffs. This year, more
so than in the past, we have spent additional time finding new and different sources to offset rising shipping costs and tariffs while still finding unique merchandise with exceptional value for our clients.
What have been your biggest challenges and how have you tackled them?
Clearly, rising costs and uncertainty. We have put procedures in place to identify unexpected and last-minute increases. With such a diverse inventory, we focus on making sure things are streamlined as it relates to pricing and shipping.
Please speak about your level of service and how it distinguishes your business.
Our service model has always revolved around building relationships with our clients and vendors and providing a memorable overall experience in the store. Rather than competing with online retailers, we concentrate on engaging all of our client’s’ senses. We serve champagne and chocolate truffles Friday through Sunday. We use diffusers featuring our signature scent throughout the store, and we play music to match the mood of the store.
Consistency is also a very important focus for our team. We try to stay true to our brand, and we are open seven days a week, from 10am to 6pm.
Does your store host special events or engage in community activities?
Yes, I would say one of the key drivers of the store is to be part of the community. We host several events for non-profit organizations throughout the year. To date, we have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to our schools and neighborhood endeavors. This includes donating cash, merchandise and candles for various home tours, sponsorships for all the nearby school plays, concerts, food drives, and special events.
I’m a firm believer that strong schools encourage strong neighborhoods that bring the community together. My focus has been and always will be on having the business be part of the community.
Why do you feel the store has been recognized with this honor?
I think we have been recognized for our diverse selection, inviting atmosphere, consistency, emphasis on unique offerings and strong community involvement. As we have continued to broaden the lines that we carry in our design resource center, we have strengthened our designer relationships.
What is the company’s reaction to this nomination and what effect will it have moving forward?
We are honored to be nominated for an ARTS award. Our goal is to continue to serve our customers and community while attracting a broader clientele to further ingratiate ourselves with the Dallas designer network.
CONTACT
5810 Live Oak Street Dallas, TX 75214
214.821.1927
www.talulahandhess.com
HOME TRENDS & DESIGN ACCENT FURNITURE
COMPANY PROFILE
Home Trends & Design has gained its reputation for excellence behind the principle of “Craftsmanship Rooted in Purpose.” Each piece of furniture features thoughtful details like hand-planed surfaces, dovetailed drawers, solid wood construction and hand-turned legs – all coming together to create lasting treasures. Adding to HTD’s points of distinction is a long-standing commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship. Through its Mango Foundation, HTD continues to lead by example, taking meaningful steps toward a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Home Trends & Design is honored with an ARTS nomination in the category of accent furniture. As a previous ARTS winner, HTD continues to discover innovative ways to blend unique recycled and reclaimed materials with innovative, cutting-edge design. Here, Marketing Director Tye Davis provides the finer points to Home Trends & Design’s success this year.
What elements define your accent furniture collection?
With our accent furniture, we offer a design aesthetic that’s industrial, yet modern. We stay current with leading design trends for sure, but always with sustainability top of mind. As an example, our Bowery Bar Cabinet features a reclaimed iron frame, recycled glass and environ-mentally-friendly acacia wood. There’s also an emphasis on functionality, with ample storage space. It’s been a real show-stopper!
How does your commitment to sustainability enhance your value?
This certainly gives us a great edge in the minds of the customer. As time goes on, people are becoming even more conscious of their responsibility to protect the environment and the ecosystem. They’re looking for products that are free of harsh chemicals and made in a place where factory workers have a good quality of life. That’s what HTD is all about – not only are our products made from sustainable, reclaimed plantation-sourced woods that do not harm the environment, but they’re also built to last for generations.
Since 2020, our Mango Foundation has partnered with One Tree Planted to plant 5,000 trees each year – an on-going effort to help offset the environmental cost of deforestation and promote responsible practices in furniture production. We’ve recently ramped upped this commitment, increasing the total to over 10,000 new trees. HTD is also a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, the leading sustainability resource for the home furnishings industry.
How has HTD tackled the tariff situation?
The tariff uncertainty has been a great challenge, as the majority of our collection is made in India. So far, we’ve been able to keep prices stable, directly because of the long-standing relationships our owner has cultivated with our factory partners over the past 20 years. We have a number of products made in Vietnam, and may look to expand our presence there in the future.
What new styles are you featuring?
Though our bread-and-butter has been large, solid wood dining tables, we have been adding a number of trendy accent pieces that feature marble in a range of beautiful colors, shapes and styles that have begun to catch on. We see strong growth potential in this area. What is the company’s reaction to this nomination?
We are beyond thrilled. When we won the award 10 years ago, it was a huge boost. Recognition like this gets our name out there in a major way, and proves that our product development team is on-target with the trends people are looking for. We present a new catalog every six months, which goes a long way in attracting customers to our showroom to explore fresh, innovative styles that highlight high-quality, affordability and sustainability. At Home Trends & Design, we love what ART is doing, working diligently to bring recognition to the entire industry. We’re proud to be affiliated with such a prestigious organization.
CONTACT
Home Trends & Design
8219 Burleson Rd., Suite 500
Austin, TX 78744
512.804-5450
info@htddirect.com www.htddirect.com
Best New Product for 2025 – Bowery 34” Tall Oval Bar Cabinet
C&F ENTERPRISES HOME TEXTILES
COMPANY PROFILE
As C&F Enterprises gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, the company is equally proud of its first ARTS nomination in the category of home textiles. This year, a standout has been a licensed bedding and table linens line featuring the work of one of its longtime artists, Lisa Audit. Senior vice-president of marketing Colleen Hall offers a closer look at C&F Enterprises.
What have been some of your recent highlights?
We have focused on streamlining the ordering process across all seven of our brands by consolidating them into a single website. In the same spirit, we have also unified our catalogs—organizing them by season or theme rather than by individual brand.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the value and usability of these customer-centric initiatives. We view all of our stakeholders as customers and remain committed to our corporate philosophy: learn every day, serve every day, and improve every day. This guiding principle drives us to continually understand their needs and deliver meaningful improvements.
How does your company put customers first?
C&F Enterprises serves a diverse customer base, and no matter their size, every one of them receives personalized, relationship-driven service. Each account is assigned a dedicated sales representative, many of whom have been with C&F for over two decades, building trusted partnerships grounded in consistency, care, and experience.
We combine digital innovation with human connection. Our unified online platform enables effortless ordering and reordering, while our sales and customer service teams collaborate closely to resolve issues quickly and proactively. Customers can connect with real people who understand their business and respond with solutions, not scripts.
This philosophy extends to how we design. Because our creative, marketing, sales, and customer service teams work side by side, we maintain a seamless exchange of insights. Designers anticipate customer preferences, marketers translate those insights into storytelling, and sales teams deliver that value directly to retailers. This integrated approach ensures that every product and campaign resonates with our customers’ needs and aspirations.
CONTACT
C&F Enterprises
819 Bluecrab Road
Newport News, VA. 23606
757.310.6100 www.cnfei.com
Designer Libby Langdon has had a memorable year, kicking off with the installation of an interior design project in Hawaii, and designing a host of new products for Fairfield Chair, Crystorama Lighting, and Paragon. With a long list of design accomplishments, the year closes with Langdon’s impressive second ARTS nomination as Product Designer of the Year.
“Every collection is a labor of love,” says Langdon. “People are drawn to authenticity, craftsmanship and designs that tell a story of quality and intention. I design furniture for real people and the way they want to live.” Here, Langdon offers a closer look into her design style and why it continues to receive industry-wide acclaim. What has made Carlson your standout for 2025?
Carlson is all about quiet sophistication and stylish storage. The showstopper is my Carlson etagere, which features integrated lighting on the back that casts a soft glow on the wall from behind. This elevates any space in a subtle, elegant way. It’s a collection I designed to be both beautiful and practical, which is my main design philosophy. Please define the design aesthetics that worked so well in 2025.
I think the most successful design aesthetics celebrated approachable sophistication — interiors and products that look luxurious, yet feel very livable. People gravitated
toward soft, refined silhouettes, natural materials, and warm tonal palettes that create calm and comfort. Thoughtful detailing, custom finishes, and a sense of timelessness replaced flash or trend-chasing. The overall look was “quietly confident” — elegant design that enhances everyday life rather than overwhelming it.
After years of constant change, consumers are craving homes that feel grounded, nurturing, and personal. They want beautiful spaces that are magazine-worthy but also function for how they live. The idea of everyday luxury—investing in items that bring ease, comfort, and joy every single day—has become more meaningful than ever.
Why was 2025 an important year for your design career?
I saw a deeper connection between my product design work and my interior design projects; clients responding not just to style, but to how my pieces make their homes feel. It reinforced that my approach to sophisticated comfort truly resonates with people in today’s market.
MARTHA GRAHAM SALES REP, EAST REGION
PROFILE
As a manufacturer’s rep for 33 years, Martha Graham has seen the home furnishings industry evolve and grow, with her professional career soaring right alongside. Graham has headed her own agency for the past 28 years, proud of her ability to adapt to the many changes her business has faced. Her unwavering commitment to carefully curated partnerships has earned Graham her latest ARTS nomination as top sales rep for the east region this year.
What qualities set you apart from other reps?
I’m relationship-driven! I don’t just sell products — I focus on building long-term partnerships. After more than three decades in the home furnishings industry, I understand what it takes to help both retailers and manufacturers succeed. I combine design insight with sales strategy — from creating branded gallery displays to training showroom teams on how to tell the product story. That blend of creativity, consistency, and follow-through builds trust and lasting results. What has been your secret to success?
It’s simple; I focus on relationships and consistency. I don’t just sell — I help my customers grow with better margins. When they succeed, I succeed. I’ve also learned to stay adaptable — whether that’s new technologies, shifting design trends, or new ways of doing business. The industry changes fast, and being open to new ideas keeps me moving forward.
What do you love about this industry and the role sales reps play?
The people and the creativity. Lighting and design shape how people live, work, and feel in a space. As a sales rep, I love being the connector — bringing great products to life through relationships, education, and collaboration. Every day is different, and that mix of design, business, and people keeps me inspired. What is your reaction to this nomination?
I’m truly honored and humbled by the nomination. It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized by people I respect in this industry. This business has been my life’s work, and it means so much to know others see the value in what we’ve built.
CONTACT
Martha Graham & Associates 314 E Laurel Road Nokomis, FL 34275
941.483.9160
martha@lightingrep.com www.lightingrep.com
PROFILE
Standout Design for 2025 – Carlson Collection
Standout 2025 Collection – Lovely Blues
