A Trip to High Point Market 2021: Trends & Highlights
It’s so true, you can find inspiration anywhere … look out your front door, enjoy a ride by the ocean (we have been very lucky to be able to do that). HOWEVER…this past year and a half with no travel, no real experiences outside our little bubble, no trade shows, no furniture markets…I was beginning to feel dried up in my inspiration game! So this past weekend I got the opportunity to travel (finally!) to North Carolina and attend the High Point Market, one of the largest furnishings industry trade shows in the world. And it was just the ticket to get my inspiration juices flowing.
Armed with only my iPhone (forgive my photography skills, I hire pros for a reason) and a list of what I wanted to see I set out into the 12 million (!) square feet of showcase space. With only a little more than two days at market I had to be pretty focused and I wanted to explore 3 specific areas: antique market, casegoods and lighting.
So here are my highlights…from High Point:
COLOR IS BACK!
This photo might just encapsulate what I loved about market this year. Chintz! Color! Painted Furniture! Texture! My heart was smiling! Yes, there is still a call for the neutrals and I do find the need for them on occasion, but I am here to pleasantly announce color is back! Bright, happy colors as the ones above and in the photo below represent the more subdued color palette from the Barbara Barry collection for Visual Comfort.
The big takeaway I found - is it is time to steer away from grey. Grey is nice, it never did anything bad to me, but after the last year and a half more or less confined to our homes, you can tell from market that color was one of the few energizers in our home that nurtured and helped soothe all the emotions.
A simply beautiful piece from the Antique and Design Center
ANTIQUES ARE HIP AGAIN!
Do your children “poo poo” your antique hand me downs? In our family we have one that loves them, the others really aren’t in a place to take them or appreciate them. However, I am here to tell you the tide on antiques may be turning. The next generation (or two) is far more involved in the environment and sustainability yet it seems there is still a big market for throwaway furniture. Two things have started to happen, one the pandemic basically put a lot on hold or there was extremely long lead times for new purchases. As a result, folks started to realize that antique or junk store down the street had something that is available NOW! And with a little love, perhaps some new fabric or finish…Voila! Second, I believe the next generation (or two) are starting to realize that reimagining old furniture AKA ‘vintage’ is not only is “cool” but probably one of the most sustainable things they can do for our environment. I saw so many interesting treasures in the Antique Market proudly displayed by young designers. Long live the antiques!
This coffee table from the Provenance line from Seasonal Living perfectly represents the new energy found at High Point.
FURNITURE HAS ART & STORY
There were so many new outdoor lines this year, no doubt because we spent a lot more time at home recently and we got to see the value in investing our money in our own backyards and to use our outdoor spaces for special (safe) gatherings of family and friends.
I am so honored to be friends with Laura Muller of Four Point Design and Build, the creator of the beautiful new Provenance line from Seasonal Living. Her story of growing up traveling the roads along the Pacific coast as a child and being taught by her parents to appreciate the textures and patterns in nature was enchanting. From “raking” of the sand, to the mountain shadows at dusk in Malibu…can’t you just imagine them both looking at this table.
Creatives, like Laura, are working hard to not just bring “furniture” to the showroom…but an energy and an authentic story that not only looks pretty but gives you a deep rooted sense of place.
A casegood showcasing a fine finish of textures.
CASEGOODS - THE RETURN OF CANE
As I hunted for casegoods, I found many pieces like the one above from Old Biscayne Designs that are incorporating more finishes and textures. Function is furniture’s most important job, but who said it couldn’t be as prominent and lovely as a piece of art. I just loved the soft green/blue hue in this piece so much - perfect for a coastal home or a NYC high rise.
Another influence I saw everywhere is cane. Cane and rattan are both definitely having a moment and what I am loving is that cane is being interwoven with wood, leather and even faux tortoise. Cane is not just for the beach anymore!
A few highlights showcasing the return of cane and rattan.
LIGHTING - MODERNIZED & TECHNICAL
Light fixtures are becoming more modern and more technical. The LED bulbs are allowing a slimmer profile in sconces, chandeliers and task lighting. And take a close look at the Copper Lantern (below right) for your outside spaces, it is made out of rubber! A strong rubber material that will not rust, chip or peel, now that could be especially helpful in harsh, coastal New England winters! However, I will admit, the patina of a well worn copper is something I will always love. Alas, life is full of choices. And, if you know me well, you know I have never passed up an antler of any type, especially in this incredible light fixture (below left) including a mirror selfie!
A variety of the more modern and stylish light fixtures in the Lighting Showcase.
In my two and a half days at market I took almost 1,000 photos! These shared here are only the tip of the iceberg! I have never been a “trend” designer, but trends are fun and inspiring and can work to keep your home fresh. We don’t throw it all out here at KMI to be trendy or hip, but we do know the importance of updating to keep the energy positive in your home. I hope you enjoyed this little trip to market, stay tuned to see how KMI incorporates all this inspiration into our upcoming projects including my own personal #KMIprojectdunegrass journey!
Let’s Design for Good,
Kim
