I’m fresh off the plane from the Holy Grail of design markets known as High Point, and I am feeling so invigorated! I can't tell you how much it feeds my soul to be around people who love design as much as I do (at least for a certain amount of time #introvertsunite), never mind just being out and about in the world closer to normal experiences than we've had for over a year. If you're curious about what I saw at High Point this year, keep scrolling for some behind the scenes photos and some hot takes on what I saw trending between different vendors!
As expected, attendance was down this year, which I was totally on cloud nine about! More room in the elevators, less stimulation for my introvert brain - it was a glorious way to experience market in my humble opinion. Some vendors chose not to show at all. One rep I bumped into while walking around town said they have been so backlogged on orders that they didn't want people coming and seeing new offerings and placing more orders to keep their backlog where it is.
Bright colors were showing in full force this year. I saw this in multiple showrooms, in different styles and aesthetics. I wonder if this is a reaction to the last year and wanting bold and in-your-face change from what we've been used to in design. Only time will tell us, but look out for this trend in clothing and other industries.
More earth tone colors like the first few photos above - thank God someone got the memo that gray is out. And you know me and my love affair with green...
I love adding pops of color to an otherwise neutral space and this showroom did not disappoint...
Boucle was everywhere - I’m not a big fan but it was all over the place. Rope details, along with rattan and other woven materials, are still holding strong throughout lighting, décor, and case goods. Now that gray is going, earth tone colors have come back strong and I am definitely a fan...
I love me a good coffee table moment - probably saw that coming!
Baby got back…or rather, at High Point, curves. Curved sofas. Curved ottomans. Curved lighting. Curved tables (note the pedestal on the table above). Curve curve curve. Curve is the word.
One of the best things about investing in going to market is finding new lines. Hands down, my favorite new find is Kathleen Anderson's new collection with Canal Dover, The Elenor Collection. These are more transitional modern pieces, but I can see using this line for many different clients in different scenarios!
Coincidentally, during my previous career as a chemist, I had gone on business to the little town where they originated in Amish country, so the rep was shocked that I knew about it. I love that it's all American made, and I'm excited to use the bedroom and dining pieces in upcoming projects.
You may recognize this from the artwork above my desk in my office - Windy O'Connor is a favorite! The green and pink were strong in her collection, but I'm still seeing the earthy undertones to her palette. Her fearlessness and boldness in her work are so refreshing, and I love the surprise factor of introducing her work into a space. I'm tickled pink too that I got to meet her in person this time! What a treat because she is a sparkly doll and I adore her.
I loved this art piece by Sugarboo - a little cheeky, and a little truthful - just how I like it! So much goodness (and a couple of thousand photos to review)...I'm still processing the trip and playing catch up now that its back to the real world of juggling the business of design and family (#schoolsoutforsummer!). It's always nice to travel but even nicer to come back home.
Did you make it to High Point this year? Or do you have any questions about anything you've seen in the photos above? Drop a comment below and I'll get right back to y'all! And if you're a designer hoping to go to High Point in October, be sure to check my guide to navigating market as an introvert here!