We recently returned from the Fall 2018 High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina and what a treat it was for the eyes! So much of the furniture was just dazzling- it was an inspirational trip, to say the least.
A big trend we saw this market was the way all the talented design teams thought outside the box and in so many different ways.
We saw tons of color- anything from deep plums, to sage greens, to the softest pinks, to intense oranges. And this color was not just on upholstery- we saw lots of intense color used on case pieces! Pattern was just as fun and exciting- soft, watercolor inspired prints, color-blocks, masculine prints, traditional patterns in unexpected colors, tribal and bohemian, and lots of animal print. We saw plenty of showrooms featuring entire sofas done in pattern- which always grabs our attention and makes us smile!
Shapes were rarely linear. In upholstery, it was curved sofas, chairs, and sectionals, sweeping arms and backs that dipped or even slopped. In case pieces, it was tables in unexpected shapes, chests and credenzas with wavy fronts, and beds that with soft, curved angles that enclose you in such a way that you’re just about ensured a good night’s sleep!
We found furniture built with the most unexpected materials. Things like bone inlays, shells, and extra exotic woods. One showroom featured tables made out of recycled plastic bottles and organic materials. We saw many pieces made out of concrete. There was even a collection made out of slate- including a large, stately bar. When using stone and marble, the colors went beyond the more expected white and dark grey- one of our favorites was a little martini table made of pink stone!
Hardware was also something not to be overlooked this market. Rather than just performing its job of being a knob or a pull, hardware has become the jewelry of the piece. It was the thoughtful finishing touch that transforms a piece of furniture into a work of art.
We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about our adventures at Fall 2018 High Point Market. Look for these looks in your nearest Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design showroom very soon!