10 Furnishings Trends at the Spring 2023 High Point Market
Greens and blues, art and artisanship, and mixed eras and textures were seen in collections at the industry event
Natural influences, soft shapes, mixed materials and eras, and warming palettes have dominated interior furnishings and decor trends for a few years now. But each season has brought fresh iterations of those big-picture trends — and spring 2023 is no exception.
We scouted the spring 2023 High Point Market (April 22-26) in North Carolina, where industry pros packed showrooms filled with manufacturers’ latest and greatest, looking for those enduring trends and subtle refreshes — and designs we just liked. Here’s what stood out.
We scouted the spring 2023 High Point Market (April 22-26) in North Carolina, where industry pros packed showrooms filled with manufacturers’ latest and greatest, looking for those enduring trends and subtle refreshes — and designs we just liked. Here’s what stood out.
Photo by Zach Pontz
The Met and luxury furniture company Eichholtz, Wendover Art Group and Abner Henry, an Amish-made contemporary furniture company, also announced collaborations.
Abner Henry’s seven limited-edition designs for the Met were inspired by some of the museum’s most recognizable artworks, including The Dance Class by Edgar Degas. Can you make out the ballet references in this Pirouette console table of wood, gossamer marble, glass and hand-forged brass?
As with the company’s other made-to-order furniture pieces, Abner Henry’s craftspeople meticulously build each item to order in an off-the-grid facility using centuries-old techniques and locally sourced wood. Yet you’ll see this mix of materials, ballet-slipper-shaped glass top and undulating wood are all on point (ahem) with the trends we cover below.
The Met and luxury furniture company Eichholtz, Wendover Art Group and Abner Henry, an Amish-made contemporary furniture company, also announced collaborations.
Abner Henry’s seven limited-edition designs for the Met were inspired by some of the museum’s most recognizable artworks, including The Dance Class by Edgar Degas. Can you make out the ballet references in this Pirouette console table of wood, gossamer marble, glass and hand-forged brass?
As with the company’s other made-to-order furniture pieces, Abner Henry’s craftspeople meticulously build each item to order in an off-the-grid facility using centuries-old techniques and locally sourced wood. Yet you’ll see this mix of materials, ballet-slipper-shaped glass top and undulating wood are all on point (ahem) with the trends we cover below.
2. Craft Meets Modern
Meanwhile, high-end bespoke furniture designer Martin Goebel unveiled Kindred (pictured here), his new collection of heirloom-quality furniture for the consumer market. The clean-lined pieces are built in St. Louis from sustainably harvested American hardwoods using a combination of hand-craftsmanship and high-tech manufacturing.
Abner Henry is a century old and Kindred is relatively new, but both represent the appreciation and demand for traditional handcraft that’s been growing over several seasons. This spring, there was a lighter, sleeker sensibility to many of these hand-hewn pieces.
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Meanwhile, high-end bespoke furniture designer Martin Goebel unveiled Kindred (pictured here), his new collection of heirloom-quality furniture for the consumer market. The clean-lined pieces are built in St. Louis from sustainably harvested American hardwoods using a combination of hand-craftsmanship and high-tech manufacturing.
Abner Henry is a century old and Kindred is relatively new, but both represent the appreciation and demand for traditional handcraft that’s been growing over several seasons. This spring, there was a lighter, sleeker sensibility to many of these hand-hewn pieces.
6 Trends From the 2023 Milan Furniture Fair
3. Social and Environmental Good
Keeping traditional crafts alive and sourcing local, sustainably grown wood are two of the myriad ways the furnishing industry can use its power for good. And from the smallest makers up to the industry behemoths, vendors at the market said they were trying to do their part.
For example, Four Hands has teamed up with Aid to Artisans, a nonprofit that provides economic opportunity to skilled makers and their families. The company works with traditional weavers in Chiapas, Mexico, to create the beautiful, one-of-a-kind woven cotton pillows pictured here.
They and other furniture and textile manufacturers are also making significant advancements using and developing lower-impact performance fabrics and dyes, as well as upcycled materials and vegan leather. Even Sherwin-Williams spoke about new paint technology that actually improves air quality.
Being responsible isn’t just a trend, of course, but the fact that an increasing number of companies are making real strides in these areas is worth noting.
Keeping traditional crafts alive and sourcing local, sustainably grown wood are two of the myriad ways the furnishing industry can use its power for good. And from the smallest makers up to the industry behemoths, vendors at the market said they were trying to do their part.
For example, Four Hands has teamed up with Aid to Artisans, a nonprofit that provides economic opportunity to skilled makers and their families. The company works with traditional weavers in Chiapas, Mexico, to create the beautiful, one-of-a-kind woven cotton pillows pictured here.
They and other furniture and textile manufacturers are also making significant advancements using and developing lower-impact performance fabrics and dyes, as well as upcycled materials and vegan leather. Even Sherwin-Williams spoke about new paint technology that actually improves air quality.
Being responsible isn’t just a trend, of course, but the fact that an increasing number of companies are making real strides in these areas is worth noting.
4. Nature to the Moon and Back
For the last few years, design has escaped into the jungle, frolicked through flower-filled fields and explored the forest from the canopy down to the floor. This season, all of those ecosystems are represented in new furnishing finishes, colors, textures, materials and forms.
When it came to botanical patterns, bright green tropical leaves and exuberant flowers that suggest a resort getaway — like those in this rain forest pattern from York Wallcoverings — were especially popular.
For the last few years, design has escaped into the jungle, frolicked through flower-filled fields and explored the forest from the canopy down to the floor. This season, all of those ecosystems are represented in new furnishing finishes, colors, textures, materials and forms.
When it came to botanical patterns, bright green tropical leaves and exuberant flowers that suggest a resort getaway — like those in this rain forest pattern from York Wallcoverings — were especially popular.
Woven natural materials continue to be in heavy rotation and have become staples in many furniture and lighting collections (though we may have passed peak saturation). New credenzas and cabinets with Danish paper cord front panels, such as this Vanna bar cabinet by Made Goods, looked tailored next to the more common rattan, cane and wicker, while offering the same natural texture and color.
7 Home Design Trends at Maison & Objet 2023
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Wood grain (real and faux) accentuated by surface treatments like washes and stains was also prominent. This aptly named Slice coffee table just introduced by Ethnicraft is made from mineral powders, water, earth, natural color pigments and metallic powders.
A trend within a trend is blackened, almost burned-looking wood and wood texture. Simple black wood or wood-look stumps showed up in several showrooms.
A trend within a trend is blackened, almost burned-looking wood and wood texture. Simple black wood or wood-look stumps showed up in several showrooms.
We saw burled and similarly intricately patterned wood in many new collections. Made Goods, for example, just launched a collection of vanities (including the faux raffia Conrad pictured here) with an optional natural gloss maple burl countertop.
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Moving off land, the ocean was another big influence at the market, showing up in blue and green color palettes and various coastal living and sea creature motifs — note the acrylic whale tale on this Mirissa chair by Universal — as well as wavy, glassy surfaces.
And the moon, which peeked out last fall, continues to rise in importance as a textural and thematic muse, no doubt tied to NASA’s Artemis II manned moon mission planned for 2024.
And the moon, which peeked out last fall, continues to rise in importance as a textural and thematic muse, no doubt tied to NASA’s Artemis II manned moon mission planned for 2024.
5. Mix-and-Match Eras
Mix-and-match eras, Art Deco, the 1970s, classical, 1980s Memphis, modern-meets-traditional and midcentury Brazilian design all have been trending in recent seasons. This spring, furniture retailers really leaned into mixing those styles and eras together in showroom vignettes — and even within individual pieces.
For example, though the last few years’ maximalist grandmillennial look has been reined in ever so slightly, modern takes on traditional design were one of the strongest looks in the High Point showrooms. Good examples include this Charlotte bed and Hampton chair by South + English, which interpret traditional elements like turned legs and a Portman headboard in modern-looking, streamlined pieces with understated white oak finishes and metal accents.
Mix-and-match eras, Art Deco, the 1970s, classical, 1980s Memphis, modern-meets-traditional and midcentury Brazilian design all have been trending in recent seasons. This spring, furniture retailers really leaned into mixing those styles and eras together in showroom vignettes — and even within individual pieces.
For example, though the last few years’ maximalist grandmillennial look has been reined in ever so slightly, modern takes on traditional design were one of the strongest looks in the High Point showrooms. Good examples include this Charlotte bed and Hampton chair by South + English, which interpret traditional elements like turned legs and a Portman headboard in modern-looking, streamlined pieces with understated white oak finishes and metal accents.
6. Asymmetry and Curves
Inviting, rounded shapes have almost completely supplanted sharp-edged furnishings in recent years. This season, they were often asymmetrical, resembling organic forms like kidney beans and river rocks.
Eichholtz’s modular Sofa Residenza, pictured here — its movable backrests make it adaptable for a variety of spaces — looks like a string of pebbles or islands from above. Note how the Prelude coffee table’s legs and top are rounded and asymmetrical. And check out the Classical bronze busts too.
Inviting, rounded shapes have almost completely supplanted sharp-edged furnishings in recent years. This season, they were often asymmetrical, resembling organic forms like kidney beans and river rocks.
Eichholtz’s modular Sofa Residenza, pictured here — its movable backrests make it adaptable for a variety of spaces — looks like a string of pebbles or islands from above. Note how the Prelude coffee table’s legs and top are rounded and asymmetrical. And check out the Classical bronze busts too.
7. Design for Real Life
Working and schooling from home have had a huge impact on furniture design, driving up demand for home office, flexible and indoor-outdoor furniture. As our electronic gadgets continue to become more integrated into our lives and rooms — even our bedrooms — designers have taken notice.
For example, BDI, a leader in stylish home office furniture, has expanded into bedroom furnishings (like this Linq side table) outfitted with integrated power centers, USB-A and USB-C outlets and other conveniences, without sacrificing sleek, contemporary looks.
Though integrated electronics weren’t common at the market, this is a category worth watching.
Working and schooling from home have had a huge impact on furniture design, driving up demand for home office, flexible and indoor-outdoor furniture. As our electronic gadgets continue to become more integrated into our lives and rooms — even our bedrooms — designers have taken notice.
For example, BDI, a leader in stylish home office furniture, has expanded into bedroom furnishings (like this Linq side table) outfitted with integrated power centers, USB-A and USB-C outlets and other conveniences, without sacrificing sleek, contemporary looks.
Though integrated electronics weren’t common at the market, this is a category worth watching.
On a related note, raise your hand if you spend more time on your couch these days than you did three years ago. Wasn’t it just a matter of time before someone made the recliner cool again?
Four Hands took on the challenge, introducing the new Motion collection. It includes the butterscotch top-grain leather Radley reclining sectional as well as this Tillery power recliner. The three-piece sectional is fully reclinable with the touch of a button. But when it’s upright, it just looks like a stylish sofa with soft linen upholstery and loose feather-blend cushioning.
Like integrated electronics, chic recliners weren’t all over the market. But judging by the number of showroom visitors who sank into the recliners and refused to get up, we’re guessing more are on the horizon.
Four Hands took on the challenge, introducing the new Motion collection. It includes the butterscotch top-grain leather Radley reclining sectional as well as this Tillery power recliner. The three-piece sectional is fully reclinable with the touch of a button. But when it’s upright, it just looks like a stylish sofa with soft linen upholstery and loose feather-blend cushioning.
Like integrated electronics, chic recliners weren’t all over the market. But judging by the number of showroom visitors who sank into the recliners and refused to get up, we’re guessing more are on the horizon.
8. Soft Geometry
Last fall, soft fractal shapes and geometric tribal patterns that looked drawn by hand began to show up alongside botanical and curvilinear patterns and forms. At the latest market, kaleidoscopic and almost Cubist-inspired patterns were all over rugs, wall coverings and art, often with a three-dimensional effect.
The pattern on this Dawn collection indoor-outdoor rug by Loloi captures the trend perfectly.
Last fall, soft fractal shapes and geometric tribal patterns that looked drawn by hand began to show up alongside botanical and curvilinear patterns and forms. At the latest market, kaleidoscopic and almost Cubist-inspired patterns were all over rugs, wall coverings and art, often with a three-dimensional effect.
The pattern on this Dawn collection indoor-outdoor rug by Loloi captures the trend perfectly.
9. Elemental Materials
Hooker Furniture’s new Modern Mood accent console reflects another trend: warm metals with acid-washed, hammered, washed and brushed finishes — especially brass, bronze and pewter.
The base of the console is brushed metal in a warm pewter finish. The oak veneer top and bottom are wire-brushed, adding even more depth and character.
Hooker Furniture’s new Modern Mood accent console reflects another trend: warm metals with acid-washed, hammered, washed and brushed finishes — especially brass, bronze and pewter.
The base of the console is brushed metal in a warm pewter finish. The oak veneer top and bottom are wire-brushed, adding even more depth and character.
We saw glass — wavy, seeded, colored and smoked — coming into focus last season, and it was even more prevalent this spring.
For example, Lexington Furniture just introduced the Sunset Key collection from its Tommy Bahama Home portfolio. The Fischer console pictured here has a clear wavy glass detail that complements the surrounding wire-brushed white oak.
For example, Lexington Furniture just introduced the Sunset Key collection from its Tommy Bahama Home portfolio. The Fischer console pictured here has a clear wavy glass detail that complements the surrounding wire-brushed white oak.
Warm and heavily veined stones were once again popular — especially warm-toned marbles and travertine. This Sunpan Cataldi dining table has a polished beige marble top and a taupe faux leather base.
Have you noticed very little boucle in these images? Heavily textured materials are still hot, and there was still plenty to be found. But velvet accent pieces (like this denim-colored velvet Elo chair from Moe’s) and nubbly wovens that look like sherpa, shearling and boucle gone wild seem to be usurping boucle’s throne.
10. Blue, Green and In-Between
Cream boucle notwithstanding, more color has seeped into collections over the past few seasons. With the rise of natural influences, green surged in popularity, but seas of blue and blue-greens in showrooms this spring felt like a refreshing breeze. And while blue is always a favorite, Pantone home and interior color forecasters are putting their money on it as the big color heading into next year.
This pile of pillows from the CuratedKravet capsule collection with Aviva Stanoff shows how beautifully watery blues and greens pair with also-popular orange-y caramels, pinks and midtone woods.
Cream boucle notwithstanding, more color has seeped into collections over the past few seasons. With the rise of natural influences, green surged in popularity, but seas of blue and blue-greens in showrooms this spring felt like a refreshing breeze. And while blue is always a favorite, Pantone home and interior color forecasters are putting their money on it as the big color heading into next year.
This pile of pillows from the CuratedKravet capsule collection with Aviva Stanoff shows how beautifully watery blues and greens pair with also-popular orange-y caramels, pinks and midtone woods.
But those of you who fell in love with the greens of seasons past, don’t fret: Showrooms were still filled with beautiful mosses, emeralds, spring greens and olive, like the upholstery on this new modernist-inspired Nathan Anthony Monterosso sofa.
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Big licensing partnerships in the furnishings industry have been around for a long time, and it seems like the number of smaller-scale designer collaborations increases with every market too. High Point is a popular spot for announcing both types.
This spring, Jean Stoffer x Loloi, Denise McGaha x Wildwood (whose pieces are pictured here), Barry Dixon for Arteriors and Pure Salt x Leftbank Art were among the buzziest debuts.
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