Fall Highpoint Market ~ Part II

We all have our usual haute showrooms when going to Markets. I wanted to show you a few of mine and then another trend I was seeing. One of my usuals wasn't at Market this time. These things concern me because the economy has put such a strain on the industry that I wonder if all will come out the other side. I hope so. There are some smaller companies out there that make exceptional furnishings that are struggling. Even some large ones too but they can restructure, sell off or drop components so their large corporation may gain capital. Not so for the smaller ones. That's what concerns me; makes me sad really. But on with some usuals that seem ok ~ for now.

Up first, Palecek. You saw the top photo yesterday (worth repeating). Here's a fact about Palecek ~ their a green company ~ and always have been.

This is a beaded leaf motif.
Etched wood.

They introduced a glass series that is gorgeous at a very nice price point!
Love this new introduction chair ~ front and back.
I also adore the table next to it. Simple and beautiful.

Next, Global Views. You saw a lot of them yesterday with the gray and orange color trend. Here's a few more interesting pieces.....

Here is a new take on wall decor ~ a open rose. Its extension is about 10" so it can't be placed in a narrow hallway but wow, these were awesome. They have small buds and open roses. A grouping of these on a tall wall would be quite interesting and lovely.
Wonderful crystal ball sconce.
They have a collection of bronze ~ brown pieces that I adore. That's my favorite neutral.
Accent table ~ quite sculptural.
Gorgeous new dining table.

Worlds Away. They are known for their metal and mirror but are also gaining popularity with these accent pieces. What I really like about these ~ they all offer storage and can be used in many applications......
A demilune wow factor.
Organized glamour.
Asymmetric glamour ~ these come in mirror images so they can be symmetrical with one on either side of a sofa. I particularly like these ~ they add interest. You can see me taking the picture... mirror.... what are you gonna do??! The star burst are also a reflection ~ not part of the piece :-)

Hickory Chair. I only took a few pictures ~ you saw some yesterday. For in depth coverage, check out Habitually Chic ~ Heather covered them very well. I'll be going to Hickory Chair University in November. I'm looking forward to that.
I love this soft pink bed. Very feminine.
An Alexa Hampton chair ~ wonderful, front and back.
You may wonder why I keep showing and saying front(s) and back(s) of chairs. Each are equally important for aesthetics. Chairs often float thus seeing 360 degrees of the chair. Look at Alexa's chair. It is a tub chair but note the wood embellishment and nail head, the extension of the 'arms' out as if stretch out to catch or embrace you. It is quite inviting by its shape and form. I kept coming back to this chair (or maybe I was just going in circles ~ it is easy to in their showroom :-) I doubt it though. This was my favorite piece in Hickory Chair. Double click on it to see the detail.

Now for a trend I saw. Yesterday, I covered the color palettes. Today ~ pendants. They were everywhere. I saw many, many pendants made of natural materials. All were simple shaped. The ones I liked the best were at Jamie Young....
They are soft and elegant. I can see using these is many rooms ~ sun rooms, powder rooms, flanking a bed.....
These glass pendants were introduced at last Market but I did not see them. They are beautiful glass enchanted with silver and banded at the bottom. Quite retro too! Again ~ many places these beauties can go.

These little numbers below are from Arteriors Home.....

The thing I like about smallish pendants is they may be hung as a solo piece or in a grouping at varying heights for interest, in a straight line for organization ~ but all add interest and a bit of sparkle even if being used for general or task lighting. I'd like to mix the glass pendants from Jaime Young with the first Arteriors' pendants in a grouping. I think those forms together would be harmonious ~ united by the silver and light ~ divergent by material, concentration of silver, and shape. Yum!

Lastly, we have Luna Bella. I wish the picture wasn't so dark ~ sorry!
These are glass beads hanging in acrylic spheres with gold and pewter distressed castings. I know, I know, your thinking Halloween but they aren't as dark as they appear. I love them. They have funky powder room written all over them!

There you have it, Part II of Fall High Point Highlights. Tomorrow I will drop names and report on green resources ~ I figure I'll still go to heaven if I behave in a sinful and moral fashion in the same post ~ right??!

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Fall High Point Market ~ Part I

Markets... what a wonderful concept. Bring together many beautiful furnishings in one location so people that crave and make a business out of them can see. Don't get me wrong, there were things there that I would likely never use, but I tend to put energy in to things that are lovely to me and just stare for a moment with a perplexed look at the rest.

There were definite trends at Fall High Point Market. Color was one....
There was a preponderance of showrooms that had several neutrals mixed together. Browns, tans, grays, off-whites, etc. This appears to be related to people purchasing with an eye less towards the trends, and more towards the classics. A 'trend' after my own heart! This has always made sense to me ~ place neutrals on larger pieces of classically shaped furnishings such that it is timeless. For example ~ on sofas, sectional, headboards, drapery, etc.... It will never go out of style. Consider these furnishings an investment and set your design budget accordingly if replacing items. Make sure they are comfortable, durable, and eco-friendly for your own welfare. Longevity is an aspect of green design; not needing to replace furnishings with the trends or simply reupholstering when the fabric finally gives way, repurposing to another room ~ if the bones are good, a piece can last many lifetimes. With that said, trend colors can still be in your home in the form of smaller items ~ pillows, accessories ~ that can easily be stored when the trend has passed for future use. Color trends tend to resurface so no need to dispose of trendy accessories.

Hickory Chair is a good example of this color trend.....

This color trend didn't stop at the large furnishings though. It made its way onto smaller or more trendy styles ~ the thing about trendy is its usually fun. These are good examples of that.....
Halo Style ~ how fun would these be in a teenagers room or a sun room for that matter...
Haute House (obviously)
Haute House ~ digital printing is all the rage. I do not think I would have it on a sofa unless my client absolutely adored it. However, I love it on pillows and these small ottomans.
Luna Bella
Luna Bella ~ how fun are these little fluff stools?!! This showroom also has fantastic lighting. I will cover that in another post.

This palette wasn't just for upholstery either. It has been making its way onto case goods (its been popular in Europe for some time now) and on more accessories.....
J. Douglas (Worlds Away and Lazy Susan)

Another color trend was gray and orange.....
This was very apparent in Global Views.....

And also in J. Douglas ~ Aidan Gray.....

Another color trend, lesser so than the others but still apparent was the blues. These shots are from Palecek. I could have shot more photos there as they had navy blue upholstery too. I think I was tired by then.....


There you have it. The color trends seen this Market. I am actually loving them! They are right up my alley. Are they good for you too or would you prefer to see other colors in vogue?

Stay tuned for more on Fall High Point Market including the shameless name dropping post :-)

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