For those of you who don’t know, the High Point market is where furniture, Vegas, and Disney all crash together for a week each year and new and exciting products from the various manufacturers are introduced.
 

 

Market was very exciting.  Keep in mind there are millions of square feet of showroom space and hundreds upon hundreds of vendors.  I had a few highlights including cocktails on the rooftop at Vanguard with the CEO and his staff.  It is still one of my favorite manufacturers from quality, service, and product perspectives.  They are just cool, and know how to get the job done for their/my clients. 

I had a private tour with Howard Shattuck, the historian from Maitland Smith (one of the few places that wouldn’t let me take photos and even if I did sneak some photos like I did in other showrooms I would have felt guilty).  Howard could describe a pine cone and make it seem like a Faberge egg, and having him tell the history and craftsmanship of the Maitland line is priceless.   

One of my best finds was Rudy Van Thiel who travels the world looking for interesting antiques and has his team recreate them.  I will definitely be bringing his product into my showroom and expect the neighborhood to react with the same enthusiasm I did when I saw the pieces in person. 

And, yes, that was me with Paul Burrell.  He now has his own line of furnishings inspired by his twenty plus years with the royal family including eleven with Princess Diana.  This hugs and kisses chair (see the X's and O's?) was like the one she used to sit on and greet his children who attended the same school as hers. He gave me a guided tour and autographed a copy of his book for my wife!  (My friend from California wanted to make sure that you ‘hang loose’.)

 

 

 

One thing that was very apparent was the move towards eco friendly product.  I expected this from the newer and edgier companies, but now even some of the decades old stalwarts in the industry are getting on board.  Because of the focus on the environment, natural tones are very popular and one that stood out in my mind was this grey finish that resembled driftwood I would find on the Oregon Coast growing up.  I found this finish in a number of places and you can see it here in this photo of a gathering table, which is a pub height dining table.  My friend Chris is demonstrating its functionality with his usual charm.  I think a gathering table is perfect for people who like to entertain from the kitchen.  Friends can be at the counter and others can be at the gathering table and be at the same height.

Banquettes were very popular this year and provide a very cozy alternative to the breakfast table setting. 

I don’t think there is a way to be more creative than with ottomans.  I saw every shape, size, and color.  Cocktail ottomans come in all forms too. 

Simple touches like banding on the bottom of a sofa skirt gave a little designer touch that you won’t find on an ordinary furniture store floor.

Secret compartments made ordinary furniture fun.  From a bedside table has a top that slides forward and reveals a storage space underneath to a table that slides open to reveal wine storage.  The club chair pictured above  has a seat that lifts up to reveal a lot of storage…maybe turn it into a cooler?  It wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was clever.

Animal prints are back and it is interesting that hides are so popular at the same time as green design.  Hmmm…not sure how that works together but I got some great photos and will try to get them on the website somewhere.  My favorite twist was quilted and sanded leather! 

I have a lot more photos including stylish sofas that have built in recliners but don't look like a recliner.  Enormous scatterback sectionals with leather and fabric combined.  A round rotating chair that would swallow you, and much much more!  Let me know if you want to see them.

Thanks for reading!

Alan