Well hello and happy Friday to you! I've been a little behind on posts lately as I've been traveling. One stop was to the High Point furniture market which is always exciting to attend. Being a High Point native, I've somehow been connected with or attending market for pretty much for as long as I can remember.
High Point market has over 11,500,000 square feet of showroom space in 180 buildings with over 75,000 attendees from more than 100 countries in attendance... it's a big deal. Showing only two times per year, the market opens for retailers (stocking dealers) and trade accounts like designers, builders, etc. In case you're wondering why such a major market is located in such a small town, it's because fine furniture has been made in North Carolina since the 17th century and High Point is known as the furniture capital of the world.
Anywho, I wanted to share some of the fun market finds and trends I saw while getting my 15,000 steps in each day! Although I specialize in kitchen and bath design, I often get asked by clients to help furnish their homes so I like to stay up to date.
TREND #1 COLOR OF THE YEAR
Sherwin Williams color of the year SW 9081 Redend Point was prominent and brought an earthy moody tone to many showrooms. It's also a bit of a futuristic, almost planetary color to me and was shown on walls and fabrics.
You can see it in the photos below varying in shade and mixed with unusual color palettes. Not sure what I think of it, but it's something.
TREND #2 MID CENTURY MODERN
Mid century modern was everywhere and continues to run strong in upholstery and casegoods (tables, consoles, chests, etc...) Mixing the low, clean lines with organic shapes and textures seem to be the ticket. Lots of futuristic shapes and shadow like patterns were seen in tables, accessories, artwork and lighting.
There was a sign that caught my eye in Universal Furniture's showroom that read, "Modernism released us from the constraints of everything that had gone before us with a euphoric sense of freedom." -Arthur Erickson.
TREND #3 GLOBAL EVOLUTION
The message of inclusion and embracing other cultures sure seemed to be a trend that I hope sticks around. Design is so much more interesting with multiple perspectives and collaboration.
Visual Comfort featured a Mexican artist who made these colorful dresses to support women and schools in impoverished countries. Momeni rugs now imports a Turkish rug line that are one of a kinds. There were also unique African influences with ikat patterns and woven textures on furniture, rugs and wallpapers.
TREND #4 Ribbon Wood
Ribbon wood is on the rise in both furniture and walls and I'm sure to come in accessories. Ribbon wood is a small vertical fluted like pattern that is definitely trending. It's shown h ere on the shaped console to the left and on the barn door panels behind the bed on the right. I also like the textural "wall" with rope shown in the center of the Coastal Living collection.
TREND #5 TEXTURAL LIGHTING
Ya'll... the lighting! I love woven textures and the new overhead light collection below did not disappoint! Then there were all the fun shapes and spheres mimicking natural and futuristic patterns all at once.
Another great reason to attend market is the networking, social and education events that take place. I attended one of the key summit presentations including an incredibly talented panel of designers and influencers with none other than Joanna Gaines herself! It was a packed house and here's a pic of me in the next to last row before the last lucky bunch snagged those seats :)
I'm working on a kitchen design trends post coming soon! Have a great weekend.