This past week was High Point’s bi-annual furniture market, when insiders get to view the latest in home furnishings and decor. It’s an opportunity to see thousands of new products before they land in stores, and to attend seminars led by industry experts. I had only a day to visit, but with my camera in hand and my Cole Haan Nike Air cushioned ballet wedges on foot (never sneakers!) I hit the ground running. Here’s my take on what’s hot in the world of furniture and design:
1. Weathered and Bleached Wood
Chest from Global Views. Check out those cool starburst drawer pulls – very mid-century!
Pale, bleached and weathered wood tones were ubiquitous at Market. I saw this finish used for a range of styles, from French country to contemporary. Personally, I love this look. I think it’s a nice break from the dark woods of yore, but has more textural interest than blonde wood tones. I’m betting you can expect to see bleached wood getting more common for flooring and cabinetry in the years ahead.
2. Industrial Gothic
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The industrial aesthetic I’ve reported on previously was everywhere too: industrial age factory-inspired furnishings in heavy metal and unfinished wood. However, this Gothic interpretation is a new offshoot of that style. I saw lamps imprisoned in cages and accessories that looked like they came out of the cabinet of curiosities. There are high Victorian influences at play here for sure (Edgar Allen Poe?), but I’m wondering if we can credit this more to Twilight and the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
3. Rainbow Brights
The Oomph showroom
As a counterpoint to all of those shades of grey, there was a welcome dose of bright, saturated color. Pillows, rugs and upholstery in vivid hues and playful prints served to lighten the mood. Coral, fuchsia and other rosy shades were popular, as well as turquoise, peacock blue and purple. Brightly painted, lacquered furniture is a trend that’s been around a few years now, and seems to be holding steady.
4. Gold-tone Metallics
Gold wire frame accent tables from Arteriors
Gold tones have been steadily gaining popularity over the past few seasons and I don’t think they’ve peaked yet. Probably it’s related to the mid-century influence we’re seeing on a lot of furnishings these days, or maybe it’s the price of gold. Sunburst lamps and mirrors, furniture hardware and accent tables are being rendered in warm tones ranging from aged brass to newly minted bullion. Again, a nice way to contrast and brighten the currently popular greys and neutrals.
A few more photos of the trends plus some of my favorite Market finds here; see the full album on my Pinterest page.
Arteriors sunburst lamp
Bleached wood cabinet from Artesia
Coral bedding set from Codarus
Gold console table from Lucy Smith
Cage lamp from Go Home
Game table from Oomph
Living room set by Allison Palladino for Trowbridge
Dining table and stools from Phillips Collection
Blue-grey chest from Stanley Furniture
Benches in chevron print and bedroom set from Vanguard Furniture
What do you think? See anything you like?