32nd ANNUAL SERIES: 2026-2027 SPEAKERS
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Nathan Turner: Decorator & Lifestyle Expert
Nathan is a fourth generation Californian who grew up spending weekends at the family cattle farm. He studied business and economics, worked for antiquarian Gep Durenberger and started his own retail shop in LA in 2002. In 2011 he landed a spot on Million Dollar Decorators along with DARTS Alum Mary Mc Donald. He is at once a designer, storyteller and shop owner passionate about antiques while possessing a unique California viewpoint.
Lecture Title: The Imperfect Journey of Home Design
Book: “Nathan Turner’s I Love Decorating”
Instagram @nturnerdesign
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Brian Huffman & Thomas L. Lloyd: Design Historian, Philanthropist & Grandson of Bunny Mellon
Bryan Huffman is a Charlotte North Carolina residential Interior Designer with clients up and down the East Coast and westward into Texas. He was a personal friend of Bunny Mellon and provides firsthand insight into her houses, gardens, and style. Thomas L Lloyd is Bunny’s grandson. He is president of the Gerard B. Lambert Foundation.
Lecture Title: Bunny Mellon Style & Stories
Book :“Bunny Mellon Style”
Instagram @bryanhuffmaninteriors@thomas.l.lloyd
Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Mary Celeste Beall: Proprietor Blackberry Farm
Originally from Mobile AL, Mary Celeste Beall moved to Walland TN in the Great Smoky Mountains with her late husband Sam to join him in transforming Blackberry Farm, into a renowned food, wine and wellness destination. After her husband’s sudden death in a skiing accident, Mary Celeste helped drive the creation of Blackberry Mountain, Blackberry Magazine, Blackberry Farm Design and the Blackberry podcast.
Lecture Title : Table for Fifty ~ Creating Memorable Moments * Working title. To be confirmed before printing the invitations
Book: “Table For Fifty”* working title. To be confirmed.
Instagram @marycelestebf
Podcast: The Blackberry Podcast
Tuesday, March 9, 2027
Michel G. Imber: Architect
A devoted artist and contemporary master of classical architecture, Michael Imber is the founding principal of Michael G. Imber, Architects in San Antonio Tx and Santa Barbara. He is widely recognized for work that honors historic tradition with modern clarity. An accomplished watercolorist, his architectural studies form a celebrated and distinctive part of his creative process.
Lecture Title: Stories of Home
Book : “ Stories of Home”
Instagram @michaelimberarchitect
Tuesday, April 13, 2027
Paloma Contreras: Interior Design
Paloma Contreras is an acclaimed interior designer, shop owner and podcast host, from Houston TX. Known for her modern vision of traditional style, blending classic silhouettes with a touch of glamour and infusion of color, Paloma is on the Elle Décor A List and was named by Forbes as #4 on its list of Top Social Media Influencers in Home, as well as being in the Top 10 Instagram accounts to follow for interior design. *Additionally she is the person I’m most asked to have speak by our younger members.
Lecture Title: The New Classic Home: Modern Meets Traditional Style
Book: “ Modern Meets Traditional Style”
Instagram @palomacontrerasdesign
Podcast: The Install Life &Design