Free Newsletter
HIGH POINT — Many of us were at the recent High Point Market, taking in the numerous introductions across the show. And we wondered, what did designers see at market that inspired them? Here’s what a few of them said:
Jeanne Chung, Cozy•Stylish•Chic, Pasadena, Calif.: “There were several things but I’ll just touch upon two: 1) Furniture and lighting as sculpture. For example, Thayer Coggin‘s Nest chair, designed by Rick Lee, is surprisingly comfortable and was designed to be viewed from all angles. Hubbardton Forge‘s Brindille Ring Lamp is not your typical floor or table lamp, but is a combination of the two, with an unusual sculptural edge. It can be placed on a console against a wall, in front of a fireplace or I like the idea of placing it on a sofa console so that it can float in the middle of the room. Like the Nest chair, it was designed to be appreciated from all angles, and not just the front.
2) Customization and collaborations. I love the collaboration between Thibaut and Dunes and Duchess. Everything under the sun has been done time and time again, so when I saw Thibaut’s most recent fabric introduction made into a tabletop with a lacquered base, I thought what better way to customize a home?! With everything being found online these days, a carefully selected print with a coordinating lacquer is an easy way to personalize a home… and it also supports the importance of hiring a designer. Designers have resources and relationships that allow them to create unique spaces with product that aren’t easily accessible to the end consumer.”
Christopher Grubb, Arch-Interiors Design Group, Beverly Hills, Calif: “The first thing I saw was bronze, which is picking up as a finish. Wildwood Lamps, for example, had a lot of bronze. They’re moving on from satin brass and black — the bronze felt new. I’m also seeing more color, such as Shayla Copas’ new line with Ambella Home and Dann Foley’s line with Stylecraft (which included a pink sofa). Overall a lot of things are still beige but we’re seeing more color come in. It’s nice to see customers take a risk with color — it’s a sign that people are tired of beige. Another theme that stood out for me was the number of tall table lamps at market. There were probably not for using on the table next to the sofa, as you’d see the bulb if you looked up, but perhaps for the front entry table.”
Monika Nessbach, Designbar, Charlotte, N.C.: “This fall’s market was truly a vibe; a blend of innovation, creativity and trendsetting designs. One striking trend that caught my attention was the emphasis on sustainable and eco-conscious designs, reflecting a growing awareness within the industry. Additionally, I was deeply impressed by the ingenious use of materials, with a focus on natural elements and textures that added a touch of warmth and authenticity to the collections. Burlwood mixed with white-wash and dark grayish stains was definitely having a comeback moment.
And as I had already seen at Salone this spring, curvature and asymmetry is ruling the design world right now. This market also witnessed an interesting resurgence of vintage aesthetics, with modern twists that brought back a sense of nostalgia coupled with contemporary feel. Overall, the atmosphere was full of positive energy. I also really loved the collaboration and exchange of ideas among designers and manufacturers.”
Erin Coren, Curated Nest, Greenwich, Conn.: “We loved Bramble at market. Their customization options were endless and the lead times were more than reasonable. The variation in the style types throughout their showroom was plentiful and allowed us to place items for multiple clients and a variation of styles.”
Emily Ruff, Cohesively Curated Interiors, Seattle: “Two of the trends I noticed at market is the use of travertine and scalloped details. I love the amount of travertine we are seeing used for tables and accessories. It is a warm neutral material that has great texture without feeling busy with tons of veining like other natural stones. This market I noticed lots of scalloped edges on furniture and lighting. Visual Comfort has a new alabaster chandelier that has scalloped edges on the alabaster and the ceiling plate is scalloped as well, it was one of my favorite finds this market.”
DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design LLC, Fairfax, Va.: “This year’s market event showcased various innovative approaches to the traditional coffee table. Showrooms presented novel ideas such as grouping tables of varying heights together and combining ottoman seating with tables, providing refreshing perspectives on a space that is often overlooked.”
David Santiago, Casa Santi, New York: “1. Industry: What I loved a about this particular market was the acknowledgements of our industry celebrating inductees at the Hall of Fame Foundation Induction Celebration and the Award recipients of Pinnacle Awards highlighting the stars of today and the bright future of home furnishings.
2. Community: The attendance of the interior design community has a broader impact on the culture of design, business practices and the buying process during markets. This market for me was a stand out particularly by the faces — and first timers as well — I saw while walking through out the market.
3. Sources and trends: What I noticed mostly during this market were the shapes and movement in design that has take place. More curves and conversations happening between furnishings in the showrooms. They were well curated as well with fabrics, wallcoverings, lighting and accents, the story was transparent. I was thrilled to be at market and, most importantly, inspired!”
Williams Martinez, Casa Martinez, Staten Island, N.Y., and Palm Beach, Fla.: “Loved discovering Mr. Brown London – their line resonates with my style so much. Their fabulous shapes, textures and materials make each piece look sculptural, bold and very elegant. So happy to include them on my list of vendors to use on my projects!”
Barry Goralnick, New York: “The thing that struck me most at this market was the increasing number of manufacturers who are committed to a healthier planet and its human resources. Carpets, lighting, furniture, fabrics are all being made by artisans in places like Africa, India and Asia, not only using best practices for the environment, but employing workers and boosting the local economies. The design trend toward natural materials and the recognition of various ethnic aesthetics were also prominent at this market. As a conscientious designer, I am likely to make these places among my first ‘go-tos.’”
Katharine Kelly Rhudy, Reed & Acanthus, New Orleans, La.: “Although I love almost everything this Mexican based furniture maker produces, the Tourmont cabinet on stand and buffet from Alfonso Marina’s new collection was a real standout. They are pros at mixing materials like wood, metals, caning, inlay, etc. for truly unique and high-end pieces. But the Tourmont series, inspired by natural and irregular patterns found in mountainous rock, is perfect for those looking to incorporate an elegant, transitional piece in either modern or traditional furniture collection.”
Juliana Ewer, J Squared Home Designs, Houston: “I had two collections, both at Hooker Furniture that I thought were really cool from a design standpoint. One of my favorite collections was the expansion of the Hooker Furniture’s pink Susan G Komen Foundation collection. The blush and pink accent pieces not only bring awareness to the cause, but also contribute financially per item sold. As the daughter and niece of breast cancer survivors, it’s really spectacular to see support from the furniture industry!
I was also blown away by Bobo Intriguing Objects at Hooker. This recent acquisition for Hooker allows designers a ‘one-stop shop’ for unique, interesting accessories. Hooker offers access to custom furniture, case goods and now accessories. This is really something different and it is a fun collection.”
Andrea Small, The Adored Nest, Ashburn, Va.: “Market was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the textural art throughout many of the showrooms. These textural elements really made the spaces feel warm and interactive and drew me in!”
Marisa Wilson, Marisa Wilson Interiors, Charlotte, N.C.: “This market I was inspired by the emphasis on unique objects – from antiques to artisans. Whether the Vintage Vibes event showcasing all the incredible vintage and antique showrooms at market or exploring COHAB or the Shoppe Object installation at Market Square, there was no shortage of extraordinary finds.”
Noel Gatts, Beam&Bloom Interiors, Bloomfield, N.J.: “I adored the recently acquired Bobo Intriguing Objects collection at Hooker Furniture! Such a strong point of view with the found pieces from all over the world being reimagined and repurposed. There was a strong vintage circus vibe … very cool. The mix of antique and modern was masterfully done. It was one of the most unique and specific collections that I’ve experienced in a long time. I was happy to see so many vendors and makers leaning into sustainable products and fair trade practices. Rowe has a line of sustainable fabrics that I’ve been drawn to, and there are a multitude of other options including hand blocked textiles by Indian designer Mamta Fomra dyed with entirely organic materials. It’s also refreshing to see so many collections embracing the global perspective. We’ve traditionally been Eurocentric in American design, and the more we experience other cultural perspectives the richer we are as a creative community. Ngala Trading is a favorite suite that I visit to gather inspiration from far reaches.”
Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors, Westchester, N.Y.: “It’s interesting to note that most trends were not entirely new, but rather a deeper exploration of existing themes. The overall theme seemed to center around nature and natural materials both in their raw and refined forms. Rattan and wicker were still prominent, appearing in light fixtures, mirrors, trays, bowls and furniture. Burl wood was also popular and could be found in stools, console tables, beds and more. Stone surfaces were everywhere, appearing in dining and cocktail tables, accent tables, bowls and lighting bases.
Some newer trends seen at the market included genuine leather replacing shagreen as accents on cabinet fronts, tables, accessories and upholstery. There was also a focus on rounded cornered furniture and scalloped furniture and accessories and channeled furniture, which paired well with the fluted furniture trend and was not just limited to beds, but also looked great on sofas, accent chairs and dining chairs.”
Jill Erwin, Jill Erwin Interiors: “Wow! Fall HPMKT 23 was exploding with sensual silhouettes and colorful details. From sustainable trim to playful balls, I think the aftershocks of COVID are bringing flirtatious whimsy back into the air. I spotted this emerging trend a few markets back, but it has really come to the forefront in home fashions. Not to be crass, but in every showroom, I would see sultry rounded furniture, adorned with leather straps and the return of evocative art. I even caught a spinning disco ball in one of my favorite’s, Wesley Hall. As they say, ‘The devil’s in the details’ and it looks like he’s GREEN with envy, since luscious shades were popping up in every designer showroom. So, if sex sells, this will surely stimulate a growing buyer’s market.”
See also:
