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FeedChris King of Manifesto Inc.
Designer Chris King returned from the High Point Market in North Carolina enthusiastic about the revival of his favorite designer Dorothy Draper’s lavish style.
PHOTO BY WILL SHILLING
“There were lots of big vintage florals with the feel of the Greenbrier,” says King, explaining Draper’s trademark cabbage rose chintz, made famous at the West Virginia resort.
Like Draper, who published “Decorating is Fun” in 1939, King encourages his clients to enjoy the design process. “It is a luxury,” King says. “So let’s make it fun and enjoyable.”
King discovered the fun of decorating at an early age. Growing up in Cincinnati, he created mini furniture as a youngster then went on to work for an interior designer during high school. He later studied design, sculpture and painting at Ohio State University.
Cathi Jones, King’s mentor from his early days at Lazarus Design Studio, affirms his design exuberance. “Chris is fun-loving and has a very positive outlook on life that shows in his work.” She says he’s also a good people person. “He looks at design from the perspective of the end user. It’s not about him, but about the clients and their needs.”
Fifteen years ago, King founded his own interior design firm, Manifesto Inc. His first project was Glen Laurel, the Scottish country inn in Hocking Hills. He has since grown his family tree to include both residential and commercial clients, such as restaurants and retail stores.
King’s signature mark is his flair for accessorizing. He says many people invest in furnishings but never finish the space with accessories. Even fellow designers, he says, call on him to help with what King calls the jewelry of the room.
For a client’s recent media-room makeover, King suggested a vintage Hollywood theme with a retro bar, velvet red walls, black-and-white celebrity photos, studded black leather storage doors and even a red-carpet entry. His fun approach to this design project culminated with a combined room unveiling and surprise birthday party. Together with the client’s wife, King helped coordinate a dinner at The Top, with a waitress dressed up as Marilyn Monroe, and then a casino party in the new space.
Teresa Woodard is a freelance writer, master gardener and DIYer from Galloway.
