10 Highlights from High Point 2011
Catching our eye at fall's must-see furniture show: live-edge wood, peacocks, wild lights and shine
I made my first trip to High Point Market over the weekend. It is so much fun to see fresh goods favorite designers have created, discover new vendors, and most important, take everything for a test drive.
The twice-annual event in High Point, North Carolina, is possibly the world's largest trade show for the furnishings industry. More than 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world introduce their products to buyers, designers and the press in more than 10 million square feet of space. The 2011 fall market runs through Oct. 27.
Here are 10 furniture trends that popped up at market; some are familiar, some put a twist on existing trends, and some are brand new.
The twice-annual event in High Point, North Carolina, is possibly the world's largest trade show for the furnishings industry. More than 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world introduce their products to buyers, designers and the press in more than 10 million square feet of space. The 2011 fall market runs through Oct. 27.
Here are 10 furniture trends that popped up at market; some are familiar, some put a twist on existing trends, and some are brand new.
2. Sustainable design. These rockers were among Manus's first designs. Everything is crafted from materials that would have otherwise wound up in a landfill.
3. Live edges. Live-edge furniture has never gone out of style, and is more popular than ever. Also, a focus on sustainability in the design world is much more widespread than ever.
Case in point: Robin Wade Furniture, which focuses on green practices from harvesting only sustainable wood (often trees that were already down), to hauling it no more than 60 mile to their studio, and even making sure their leftover scraps are put to good use. The rotted-out hole in this coffee table adds so much character and reminds one of this tree's past life.
Case in point: Robin Wade Furniture, which focuses on green practices from harvesting only sustainable wood (often trees that were already down), to hauling it no more than 60 mile to their studio, and even making sure their leftover scraps are put to good use. The rotted-out hole in this coffee table adds so much character and reminds one of this tree's past life.
4. Peacocks. Whether it was peacock blue hues on walls and furniture, oversized peacock feather patterns on a rug, or even peacock statues to tuck on shelves and tablescapes, this proud bird was a popular motif at High Point.
This vignette is from the suite of beautiful rooms by Global Views.
This vignette is from the suite of beautiful rooms by Global Views.
5. Wild lights. No longer boring wallflowers with simple designs, sconces have gone wild. This textured Horn Sconce at Barbara Cosgrove caught my eye from across the jam-packed booth. I'd love to use two of them to flank a fireplace or a mirror.
6. Favorite lines expand into new areas. I've been a huge fan of DwellStudio for years, and it was a thrill to see their furniture in person. I also enjoyed seeing the line they have created in conjunction with Global Views, especially the Polish decal glassware.
DwellStudio's Hans Leather Chair is comfortable and inviting; perfect for a mid-century room as well as a man-cave. The caramel leather fabric option is even more scrumptious in person than it is in its online listing.
7. Groovy menswear-inspired design. While Jonathan Adler's booth had amped up Happy Chic to an even happier chic level, we also got some peeks of menswear-inspired fabrics mixed in, like these fun, plaid, buttoned-down Mrs. Godfrey chairs.
See more menswear-inspired design
See more menswear-inspired design
The Jonathan Adler booth was merchandised into a series of groovy rooms like this one.
8. Stepping up the natural look. While nature-inspired elements still reign, the Serge de Troyer Collection has taken them to a whole new level, gilding branches to create an elegant table base, and designing an oversized antler-inspired floor lamp. Oh, how I want that floor lamp!
See more natural elements in action
See more natural elements in action
9. Brazilian beauty and craftsmanship. I'm so glad we popped into Platinum Decor on our way back to the car. Not only were they some of the nicest people I've ever met, but the Tissot line, manufactured by Brazilian designer Guilherme Tissot, knocked my socks off. This is the Laos Table Base, which looks like a cube cut from the center of a very large tree, but is actually a clever wood composite. The table was paired with the Galle Dining Chairs, which have Scandinavian modern style with a unique Brazilian twist. As you can see, my market mate Michael is mighty comfortable sitting in one of them.
10. Lacquered finishes. The glossy finish on Tissot's curvaceous Tulipa Dresser carries all the way to the drawer pulls, making it an eye-catching piece for an entryway, living room or bedroom. The accompanying chairs are the Revival Dining Chairs with the clear back option.
What's your favorite trend? Are you going to High Point this year?
More: 10 Innovative Lighting Designs from ICFF 2011
Top 10 Picks from ICFF 2011
What's your favorite trend? Are you going to High Point this year?
More: 10 Innovative Lighting Designs from ICFF 2011
Top 10 Picks from ICFF 2011
The best thing about visiting the treat-filled Shiner booth was lounging on this rockin' bed (it literally rolls back and forth). I only wish I'd had hours to take a real snooze.