My Trip To High Point Market - Fall 2022
In late October, I attended the High Point Market in North Carolina. It is where the latest home furnishing styles, trends, and products are introduced.
Approximately 75,000 people attend this trade show twice a year in the Spring and again in the fall. About 2,000 companies spread across the city, including 180 buildings and showrooms.
Thankfully, High Point does everything possible to support designers, buyers, and the industry by providing shuttles and buses from 8 AM to 7 PM. You must plan on comfortable shoes, walking at least 5 miles daily, a sort of furnishings military march. My couture shoes…for dinner events only, thank you!
I attend Market Week to search for new product manufacturers, meet with the current vendors I utilize, and take advantage of Market-only specials when placing orders for my clients. I go with a list of items I will purchase for the projects I am working on. I also see great items as I visit all the showrooms where room vignettes are set up. I text my clients, who can be present or past, photos of beautiful furniture and accessories that I know could be a great addition to their homes.
Trend Directions I Noticed
I am not a big follower of trends, but I do take notice of what is changing in the marketplace. I will see furnishings I like and look to incorporate them in my design philosophy of a mixed look in period and style to create a unique and timeless design.
1. BLACK IS LESS, AND SCULPTURAL IS BEST
Lots of black furniture. Nearly every manufacturer had at least a few black pieces in their collections. Side tables, chairs, and cabinets were shapely, simple, and sculptural, often silhouetted in black.
FONTANA SIDE TABLE
BY BENJAMIN JOHNSTON
CHADDOCK
PAISLEY STOOL
DOVETAIL
2. ORGANIC SHAPES AND TEXTURES
Quite the opposite of the very sculptured pieces were the organic pieces. Earthy qualities, hand-of-man textures, and artisan creations.
3. BURL WOOD IS THE NEW, OLD RAGE
Burlwood is back. For some of us, it never left, maybe just a short break. Rich and buttery as ever, there was quite a showing at Market. It is often affiliated with the Art Deco period and Hollywood Regency styles, but with new applications and shapes, it is more desirable than ever.
I purchased this Mitzie Mappa Burl cabinet below for one of my clients. We will be creating a dry bar in it for the living room.
FOUR HANDS FURNISHING STYLE
One thing that was a bit of a surprise with all the post-Covid talk of embracing color, there were a lot of neutrals on display. Whites, grays, and light wood naturals. Most furnishings had a more relaxed approach to the design, finishes, and upholstery. Boucle was still quite popular in upholstery.
It was a great show; nice to be back. It is always informative to sit on upholstery, carefully inspect case goods for fit and finish, and learn new things I can bring into my client’s designs and make their lives better and more fulfilling. I will be back next fall, and it will be fun to see what changes happen.
If you need interior design services, please reach out. We are excited to share some of the products seen at High Point and create a wonderful lifestyle for you and your family.
