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Although I believe in timeless design and do not chase trends in the interiors I create for my clients, I do believe it’s important that I’m informed about what’s currently available in luxury furnishings and décor. Attending large industry shows like High Point Market gives me the opportunity to do so while also vetting the quality of the materials and craftsmanship of each vendor and item.
I’ve been busy at work with client projects around here so I was unable to attend High Point this spring, but I was able to send one of my RHD team members on my behalf.
After checking out her findings, I’ve compiled a rundown of what was seen on repeat (hello, warm, earthy color palettes!) and what was unique and gorgeous (think wood textures–but unlike any you’ve seen on furniture before!).
Here are a few of our insider pictures (as well as a few we borrowed straight from the manufacturers) and my take on what’s new and trending in luxury furnishings and décor this spring and summer.
Curves
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: ‘Feminine’ curves are dominating design at the moment. They’re absolutely everywhere–and High Point was no exception.
Dining tables, sideboards, and desks frequently featured rounded ends in lieu of clean lines and sharp corners, and curved sofas were far more prevalent than any other silhouette. Nearly every dining chair had a curved back, whether a modern iteration like those shown below or a more traditional version.
Curves and round shapes were also heavily represented in everything from mirrors to lamps to vases and beyond.
Browns + warm, earthy tones
Many of the colors gaining popularity now are actually driven by the trends that have played themselves out. The brown, tan, beige, and rust tones that were all over High Point are a warm neutral answer to all the cool whites and grays we’ve been living with for years now. This has been coming on for quite some time and the spring’s High Point showrooms proved it’s officially taken hold.
Wood mixed with sleek textures
Based on the High Point showrooms, a key way of expressing these new warm, earthy colors in our interiors will be through natural wood tones and textures, particularly when combined with sleek textures like metal or glass. This is definitely an answer to all the painted woods we’ve seen for years now, including the modern farmhouse shiplap and chippy paint trends.
We’re seeing both blonde and dark wood but the real focus is on unique textures, like this gorgeous bark sideboard, as well as burled wood and chunky inlay pieces like the examples shown below.
When applying this trend to an interior, it’s all about going more modern and sleek with an artisanal feel while keeping things warm with wood.
Caning and woven textures
This trend is a continuation of the anti-mass-produced, artisanal feeling the furnishings brands are going for. Rattan caning and other woven textures like rope were everywhere: on cabinets, lighting, chairs, desks, shelving, and as details on just about everything else.
Fluted Textures
It wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration to say that if it wasn’t woven, it was fluted! I find this texture to be so much fun. It feels classic and modern at the same time, which is always a great thing in my book.
For the most part, we’ll see this in stone or wood–particularly lacquered, which makes it feel especially luxurious and unique. The way the high shine from the lacquer makes the light play off the fluting–so gorgeous!
Stylized florals + 70’s-inspired geometric patterns
When it comes to fabrics and wallcoverings, we’ve had a good run with the popularity of cottage-y florals and mid-century modern geometric patterns, but keep an eye out because it looks like stylized florals and 70s-inspired geometrics are on the rise!
William Morris-esque fabrics and wallcoverings were popping up all over High Point–and getting plenty of positive attention, I might add. What’s lovely about classics like these patterns is that they come back around again and again!
In a sense, these patterns combine florals and geometric patterns together, creating a graphic effect that also gives a nod to organic elements. You can clearly see this in the textile artwork at left (I love these, by the way!).
It feels like a logical progression from the highly stylized midcentury modern graphic prints to the more randomized, 70s-inspired (though still with clearly evident mcm influences) geometric patterns we’re seeing now.
A few traditional trends
While my clients’ aesthetic tends toward the modern, I noticed a few trends worth mentioning that are a bit more on the traditional side.
One that was truly unexpected for me was plaid sofas, chairs, and wallcoverings. Yep, I’m not kidding! It’s very 1960s and 70s. They may not be quite my thing, but I have to say in the right color palettes and combined with the right patterns for balance, it can work!
One lovely color combination on repeat was pale blue and lavender. There’s something very comforting about these colors together. Blue is a healing color and lavender is maternal, so together, they speak to a comforting, nurturing sensibility.
Another trend that seems to be gaining ground is pleated, fabric-covered lampshades. They appeared in High Point showrooms frequently in patterns matching something in the space, such as the wallcovering or accent pillows.
There you have it! That’s my take on the latest luxury interior design trends in the showrooms at High Point Market. If you see something here that intrigues you or if you’d like to talk about a project in your home, just reach out to me here.