Covering High Point Furniture Market ironically doesn’t leave a lot of time to sit down.  There are 11.5 million square feet of showrooms to cover with 2000+ domestic and international exhibitors to survey in 5 days.  At High Point Market Spring 2016, the irresistible lure of upholstery beckoned buyers to lounge. After all, in our hurried schedules, isn’t RELAXING the ultimate LUXURY?

FURNISHINGS TREND WATCH:

UPHOLSTERY FOR LOUNGING

 LEATHER STRAPS and LACING

SEXY BACKSIDES of chairs!

TRIMMINGS:   FRETWORK + BANDINGS

Plus, I can’t resist photographing the STYLE MAKERS that give High Point Market the cachet of being the capitol of fashion for the home: They inspire our industry.

 

Tete-A-Tete Lounging

These curvaceous pieces were made for lounging and conversing.  In fact, during the Victorian era these tete-a-tete (translated to “head to head” in French) were also called Gossip’s Chairs.  Don’t you want to grab a cocktail and linger in one to catch up with your best friend or amante?

Trending Details:  STRAPS & LACING

Equestrian lifestyle was a big design influence last market, and has evolved to include case goods and the mixing of wood and leather straps and laces.

A much-acclaimed newcomer to High Point Market was Dupuis from Mexico.  Their showroom in The Radio Building was spectacular, a mix of turn-of-the-century ornate architecture mixed with industrial chic, as they opened up the old freight elevator and boiler room to show pieces.

 

 

This cocktail table and nesting stools from by J. Banks for Abner Henry has loads of personality and functionality.  The Amish made collection looks artisanal and contemporary, and the leather tassels add to the conversation.

Trending Details: SEXY BACKSIDES

Just like models down the runway, these backside details surprise and delight.  The sleek lines and peek-a-boo quality make these upholstered chairs sexy, don’t you think?

Tub chairs were seen in every showroom, but these by Ambella Home with complicated X-shaped back legs were the sexiest, earning their name Madam X Chairs.

The embellishments at Marge Carson never disappoint.  Pieces are luxurious, with attention to every upholstery detail.  These two chair styles, The Sinatra and Cross Channel are glamorous in distinctly different ways.

The Dali chair at Nathan Anthony got tons of Instagram love because it’s so unique and photogenic.  In the words of the designer, Tina Nicole, “Dali uses a reverse tufting technique creating a three-dimensional effect similar to a cascade of floating petals. “

One of the most talked about launches at market was Corey Damen Jenkins for Leathercraft.  His design motto is “It’s time to get gorgeous” and he certainly did for this launch with sultry lines and modern embellishments.

Trending Details: FRETWORK

Fretwork is still going strong as a trend.  Whether printed, knitted, embroidered or stitched with ribbon, it is a graphic design element that bridges transitional and traditional styles.

Kristin Drohan Collection introduced subtle designer details like the Reed Sofa, skirted with a fret embroidery at the corner.  And that brass knocker on the arm is a very clever way to introduce a metal finish to the room scheme.

Trending Details:  BANDINGS & BOXING

STYLE MAKERS of HIGH POINT MARKET

The STYLE MAKERS that give High Point Market the cachet of being the capitol of fashion for the home.  I get especially flattered when they wear trimmings and say “I wore this for you”!

Dispatch on Design + Style

I was thrilled to co-host a live stream BLAB with the fabulous Purely Patricia in the High Point Theater introducing an audience, live and virtual, to our unique market picks.

Much thanks to our sponsors Soft Design Lab’s VIP Market Experience and High Point Market. Both sponsors have posted fantastic market recaps to add to your lingering.

Thanks for virtually lounging with me in High Point, and keep #trimspotting I love sharing your creativity!