After roaming the halls of the High Point furniture showrooms for three days during the spring show in April, I came away with some strong impressions for current interior design trends.
The neutral color palette still prevails for upholstery: white, ivory, charcoal, silver, black, greige, taupe……not much brown to be found. These natural colors were punctuated with a spectrum of intense color used on accent furniture and accessories: tangerine, aqua, lime green, indigo, purple, and yellow. Subtler colors included navy, grey blue, and mint green.
Soft neutral colors shown on furnishings for the new Thomas Pheasant Collection for Baker create an elegant setting.
The neutral color pallette in this Baker vignette is brightened with touches of tangerine.
Solid textiles and fabrics with geometric patterns of only two colors were prevalent. Natural linens, luxurious velvets and leather were prime upholstery selections. Classical and gothic design elements—frets, circles, quatrefoil and ogee patterns—were utilized on furniture, light fixtures, rugs, accessories, and fabrics. Flame stitch and herringbone patterns were brought out of obsolescence, but with a fresh 21st century twist.
This luxuriant grey moire velvet wing chair from Noir looks comfey.
Modern flamestich linens embolden this masculine bedroom setting at the Four Hands High Point showroom.
Note the classical design elements of this furniture designed by Lucy Smith. An added bonus: This is made in the USA.
Geometric patterned velvet shown on soft seating from Four Hands.
Metallics were shining ever brighter. Gold shimmered at the head of the pack, but copper, bronze, and silver were still in the mix. Furnishings were transformed from ordinary to luxurious with the application of metallic paint and gilding. Sheets of steel and aluminum, sometimes riveted, were applied to chairs and tables adding a contemporary or industrial vibe. Even some fabrics and leathers had their own radiant metallic glow. And metallics were not the only thing glittering—rhinestones, colored crystals, and mirrors applied to accessories and accent furniture made them appear as scintillating as jewels.
Gilded front on this Baker console designed by Thomas Pheasant is quite luscious.
Mirrors applied to this Bailey Street chest add a scintillating touch.
These colored crystal pendant lights from Four Hands glitter like jewels.
The leather shimmers with a special gold finish on the louunge chair and ottoman designed by Laura Kirar for Baker
Mid-century design was reproduced or underwent a bold renovation. Bauhaus and Scandinavian designs were venerated in seating and casegoods. Reminiscent of that era, the wood of choice was walnut with a natural matte finish. Industrial style furnishings were quite evident and blended very nicely with the clean lines of the mid-century designed furniture.
Dining room table from Julian Chichester takes its inspiration from Mid-century design.
This occasional chair from Nuevo is reminiscent of another era.
Industrial looking items like the ones from Moe's were popular at the spring furniture show.
Twigs, twigs, and more twigs. Twigs, tree branches, and composite materials replicated to look like twigs were showcased everywhere. Small trees and bushes stripped and preserved were used as accessories. There were also twig tables, twig beds, twig chairs and even twig chandeliers.
Twig tree rests proudly on Origins table from Phillips Collection.
Twig bed from Currey & Co.
More manufacturers had thankfully joined the eco-friendly band wagon. Reclaimed wood was bigger than ever at this market. Furniture made from salvaged ships with a vintage patina to furniture made from shipping palettes and crates were proudly displayed. Fabrics consisting of sustainable fibers were touted by the vendors using them on their upholstered goods.
Recycled steel drums form a striking wall sculpture. Phillips Collection
Table and bench from Nuevo was manufactured from reclaimed ship timber.
The bird’s the word….On a sweet and final note, birds were a common motif seen at this market on everything from fabrics and accessories to artwork. One accessory vendor, Cyan Design, greeted attendees at their entry with a replicated chicken coop resplendent with hens and roosters. The chicken reproductions were so authentic they appeared ready to fly the coop!
Sweet bird (with twigs) adds interest to Currey & Co chair.
The entry way at Cyan Designs was definitely a show stopper!
There are plenty of design trends to consider if you are looking to purchase new furnishings or update your interior. Hopefully, some of them will resonate with you.