High Point Market 2015

Well, it has been just over a week since we returned from an incredible experience at High Point Market, High Point, NC.  It has been busy at the office catching up on projects but now it is time to reflect on our experience. Trends in furniture and lighting became evident even though we only had time to explore a fraction of the 2,000+ exhibitors covering 11.5 million square feet of Showspace. It was wonderful to see the attention to detail and experience sitting in some of our favourite furniture lines. However, the best part was discovering new and unique products not seen in Winning and being inspired by clever details.

Taracea - stunning showroom and product craftsmanship

During the two and a half days at High Point market, a few trends became apparent. Natural Walnut was seen everywhere, in contemporary, transitional and traditional furniture. We use a lot of walnut in our furniture and millwork so it was good to see that we are in tune with the trends.  The return of gold was also evident. However, not the 80’s brass, but a deeper gold leaning towards bronze. One final trend to mention was distressed wood / reclaimed wood / barn board. We are seeing this not only in furniture but also in wood flooring and ceramic tile/vinyl tile mimicking wood.

Ion Design, AD-14 Media Unit - Reclaimed Wood and Iron

Ion Design, Pasadena Credenza

Scovby, #39 Dining Table - Walnut (Scovby has clever extending mechanisms and techniques that function extremely well)

Sourcing furniture we haven’t personally seen is always a little unsettling. We use manufacturers from whom we have seen sample pieces or turn to trusted retailers or reps to advise on quality and comfort of various lines of furniture. However, it is not the same as physically seeing and experiencing the furniture. It was fabulous to finally sit in chairs or sectionals, etc. that we have looked at online. Fortunately, the furniture met and exceeded our expectations!

Cattelan Italia, Storm desk

Huppe, Up Collection, Cita Lounge Chair

Nuevo, Jakob Lounge Chair

Nuevo, Valentine Dining Arm Chair

In Winnipeg, much of the product in retail spaces as been mainstreamed with nothing really standing out as unique. After a while, many of the showrooms at High Point Market also started to look similar. Therefore, we were freshly invigorated when we came across truly unique items. The Nick Alain showroom was one of those spaces. The Nick Alain website portrays it so much better than I can, describing it as, “Nouveau Chic, mechanically elegant and vintage with a contemporary flair are a few phrases used to describe the signature look of Nick Alain.” We made several connections with manufacturers and can be source of fresh and unique products to our clients. 

Nick Alain, Greco Table Lamp

Nick Alain, Lautrec Sconce

Oly, Muriel Cloud, Chandelier

Oly, Lyra Dining Chair

Devina Nais, M.15 - Live edge table top with glass base

We were fortunate to be accepted by IDC for this trip including a tour of Canadian manufactures with other fabulous designers from across Canada. Overall, the trip was inspiring, informative and a lot of walking! Now we just need projects where we can incorporate all our fantastic finds and ideas.