Shop the Show Q&A with Mat Sanders
This summer, we’re partnering with several of our Shop the Show alumni from past seasons to discuss essential finds for today’s new, home-oriented lifestyles from brands you can shop at Atlanta Market. Over the coming weeks, join us for useful tips from fellow retailers and designers on how to adjust in these challenging times, inspirational creative projects, and strategies designed to move the home industry ahead to the future.
Mat Sanders is an LA-based digital brand expert, designer, and TV personality, who describes himself as a “stylist-turned-media director-turned designer.” This multifaceted creative cut his teeth editing and launching décor publications like Domino, MyDomaine, and Apartment Therapy. As a home & lifestyle expert, he has designed homes for Hollywood’s who’s who. His work can be seen in both the print and online pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, and more. Mat has shared his playful and chic design advice on shows for E!, Own, A&E, and Lifetime. His upcoming TV show Werrrk! is a new business makeover series from the creators of Queer Eye.
Mat channeled his talents at decorating, crafting and performance into creating The Quarantine Craft Club (@the.qcc) on Instagram, helping others to activate their inner child and stay creative at home, one week at a time. What’s his advice for those who would like to foster that kind inner creativity right now?
“Quarantine is all about using the time afforded to us by the world slowing down and investing in yourself. Make a list of 10 lives you secretly wished you lived. Got it? Now choose one and do something this week toward that goal. It can be as small as taking an online dance class, but you’ll be surprised at the motivation you’ll find in connecting with your inner creativity.”
His Best Advice on Creating a Functional Home Workspace
“Get a good ring light for your computer! People that excel on video conferences will rise to the top in the new world. Why not look your best!”
Where Are We Headed, Design-Wise?
“As we have fewer people over for socializing, people are starting to rethink their spaces to work for them. I rearranged my apartment so that it worked for my new daily life. I moved my desk next to the window, put my second sofa in storage, and turned my dining room into a gym!”
What Will Be Our New Home Essentials?
- Multi-use furniture
- Luxurious bedding - “Bedrooms are becoming more like sanctuaries as families look for places for alone time.”
- Tranquil colors & textures
What Products Will We Crave As “Normal” Life Resumes?
“When we are finally back to normal, I think people will value products geared toward human connection. I think dining and entertaining essentials will be big as people look to bring together friends and family and celebrate being together again.”
His Advice to Designers and Retailers
“Find ways to connect online. Host Instagram live interviews, share your advice and tips on your social media, and offer specific inspiration as a way to sell your goods. Take advantage of all the time people are spending looking at their phones to capture an audience now.”
