I recently did one of my favorite things every year – visit the world’s largest furniture trade show in High Point, NC. You may recall I was there in the spring as an influencer for Esteem Media and that was a wonderful experience. However, I usually attend market on my own each fall and find it is very inspirational.
Although I had seen a lot in the spring while touring with the other influencers, the fall showrooms were full of great design and spirits were high. I noticed many trends that had started in the spring and picked up speed. I’ll list the biggest trends here and the things that caught my eye so that you can be on the watch for them and decide what you might want to incorporate into your own spaces.
A huge influence was black and white. It was on lampshades, on upholstery, in art and frames of mirrors. Several showrooms warmed up the black and white by incorporating rattan and natural fibers (another big trend). A touch of black looks good with the warm, natural hues of rattan and cane so I’m a fan. It gives an updated coastal look or a hint of bohemian (another trend!) to any interior.
Art was colorful when it wasn’t black and white. There was a lot of whimsical art like these pinata canvases. What fun for a playroom or nursery! And colorful, graffiti style that I’d like to put in a game room or office building.
I took a little time out to do a very fun photoshoot. It was time for more professional photographs of me doing design stuff and market
was the perfect venue. I met up with the Girls from Flourish, booked a hair and makeup artist and borrowed the ladies lounge at the High Point Theater. From there we moved to Aidan Gray, which was still under construction but unlike former markets when I mainly saw gray and white décor in the showroom, this time there were loads of colorful pillows and art.
We also went to Mr. Brown London, which is always a treat. Its vignettes are clever, so we took photos featuring several great beds, dining and bar options and the outside of its charming brick building that is painted light blue. Aidan Gray and Mr. Brown certainly help nurture any Bohemian trends you might have and will ensure even the most madcap combinations are still chic! Here’s a sneak peek at the photo shoot. Tune into our Instagram to see more soon!
Mid-Century Modern remains popular. I think it’s a great design style because its clean lines and functionality make it timeless and ideal for younger homeowners and busy families. It’s also a big winner in commercial design these days, where many offices want to create a more welcoming space, thus the trend of resimercial design.
I visited BDI with my friend Sheryl Tircuit McLean and her lead designer. They are doing a fascinating office in the Washington, DC area and wanted hip office furnishings. BDI had such a cool vibe going — very Mid-Century and nostalgic. I loved the old typewriters and computers it featured in its vignettes.
A surface that is trending is Italian Porcelain. I saw it at many showrooms. It gives an elegant look of marble in white, gray and black while being durable and easy to maintain. Many desks, dining tables and side tables came in multiple colors and polished or matte finishes.
In the upholstery department there were a lot of fine details. Look at this beautiful workmanship in the matching of the stripes in this sofa at Vanguard. Lots of channels were featured too as you can see in this mustard-colored settee. See how it pops again the black and white rug?
Chaises used in pairs, which I saw in the spring, were featured in many showrooms this fall. I think it’s a nice alternative to a loveseat or pair of recliners. I hope to include these in a few of our future designs. What a nice set up for younger couples or empty nesters.
I ended my High Point visit by heading back to the Charlotte Airport and renting a car. I have an aunt and uncle who live in the mountains not far from Asheville. Our tradition is for me to spend a few days with them after market.
One of my favorite things in life is to see fall color. I spent the next two days leaf peeping with my Aunt Lana and enjoying the beauty of the area. We had lunch in the charming spot of Lake Lure. The lodge there was where much of “Dirty Dancing” was filmed. We visited the famous Chimney Rock and drove home passing pumpkins in the field and farm stands selling cider, apples and donuts. I can’t think of a better way to end my visit. Nothing can be finer than a fall day in North Carolina!
Market, travel and fall leaves always inspire me. Until next time, find your inspiration or call us and we’ll help you discover it.
– Pamela
