High Point highlights

The recently ended High Point Furniture Market offers a glimpse of what consumers will be seeing in local showrooms and retail stores in the next four months or so.

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 12:22 PM

SMOKE AND SPARKS

The economic downturn hasn't snuffed out the desire for glamour and glitz. The High Point furniture market revealed a smoky palette of grays, from pale, barely there to almost white, to deep charcoal tones brightened with accents of shimmer, sheen and diamond-like details. Marge Carson, known for large-scale upholstery, showed that jewelry isn't just for wearing. Pavé buttons and crystal embellishments adorned everything from sofas and chairs to pillows and throws. Likewise, many furniture makers are adding sparkle to their wood pieces by using similar details on hardware.

HOT AND COOL

• Color trends seem to have come from opposite ends of the spectrum. Hot orange prevailed in several showrooms; Global Views grabbed attention with its orange leather chairs and stunning display of objects, including large glass vases filled with mini-carrots against a bright, squash-colored wall.

• Pale blue-greens paired with white or cream dominated many showrooms, sometimes used with brown. Silver metallic finishes were abundant; some were slightly warmer, moving toward gold.

• Pillows from Ann Gish carried sophisticated shades of amethyst to soft purple with pleats, crystals and lots of detail.

ECO LOOKS

Driftwood lamps, fossilized wood tables and eco-friendly fabrics were on display. Fashion leader Hickory Chair showed onyx table tops. Aviva Stanoff, a New York designer, displayed beautiful pillows with natural objects embossed into the fabric, but they looked more formal and silky than earthy.

ULTRA COOL

The Phillips Collection's "ice cube" bench is lit internally. Also shown: Tables that look like rocks but were clearly manmade.

STRANGE MOTIFS

Every few years a new motif pops up. While roosters and wine labels have been around for years, they've been joined this year by the octopus, represented in fabrics and art. Patterns, when used, are either boldly graphic or subtle tone-on-tone looks, with appearances by very few florals.

HERITAGE PIECES

While the modern look remains quite strong, some showrooms , including Hickory Chair and Halo, showed Gustavian furniture inspired by Swedish designs. In addition, Biedermeier furniture, German in origin, is also being brought back.

Robin Strangis, an ASID-certified interior designer, owns Loring Interiors in Minneapolis. She is also the author of "The Color Idea Book."