Tag Archive for: trends

High Point Market Recap

 The bus station at Market brings designers and retailers to Market from their hotels.

This past April I attended my tenth High Point Market.  My first “Market” was in 2012 when another designer asked if I wanted to join her –  she told me:  “it will change your business”. And she was right.

High Point Market is the largest home furnishings trade show for retailers and design firms in the world, with 2000 exhibitors spread throughout 180 buildings.  

So why do I attend attend this show annually?

Reason #1:  Streamlining Selections

Detail of contrast welting and seat cushions from one of my favorite vendors.

Attending Market allows me to streamline the choices that I present to my clients, and as a result saves us both valuable time. I’m able to see almost every piece that I specify in person.  There’s no  substitute for  seeing pieces first hand – particularly finishes that rarely translate properly online. I’m also able to discover which vendors to steer clear of!   I’m meticulously examining details like fine scratches on tables because I know that if I spot scratches in a showroom, there’s a strong likelihood that they might surface in a client’s home.

Half of my time is spent “sit-testing” sofas and chairs and taking a ton of notes to reference at a later date for future projects.

Reason #2: Continuing Education

The educational series are an important part of Market

While at Market, I focus a quarter of my time attending educational seminars with topics such as how to run a smoother business, what’s trending (a topic for another day??) and, of course, wellness in your home. 

Reason #3: Finding inspiration

I spend another 25% of my time walking through the antique and vintage markets, an education in itself.  This is where I find one-of-a-kind pieces that add an invaluable layer of interest to any design.

Reason #4: Deepening relationships

The EJ Victor Showroom is always a favorite.

Attending Market demonstrates that we are serious about creating relationships with our vendors. Making a connection with our sales reps puts a face to the voice!  We know that they’ll go the extra mile for us if and when something goes wrong. 

I’m also meeting up with other designers;  sharing what’s working in our businesses and what’s not.  

I started this blog post with the intention of sharing trends that I spotted at Market, such as wicker and saturated colors, particularly green.  

I quickly changed the topic because when I do spot trends, I’m often tempted to run the other way.

And Not focusing on trends is truly what keeps me challenged and my design projects energized.

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Trend forecast from the 2020 Kitchen & Bath Show (KBIS)

Last month I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas for the National Kitchen and Bath Show (aka KBIS). I met up with a few designer friends and we spent three days searching for exciting new products and attending informative seminars.

The first trend we noted was iron clad shelving with mixed materials like wood and marble. Black iron shelving has been around for several years but the addition of wood or marble lends interest while LED lighting adds a layer of functionality. Gotta love any “trend” that brings function and style to a home.

The next trend we noted were bold, statement backsplashes, many of which were illuminated. The photograph below is an agate slab that is lit from behind. It’s not for everyone or every home, but it makes a statement nonetheless.

An illuminated stone slab
This line of semiprecious stones by Caesarstone would make a beautiful backsplash in bar.
Marble studded tiles add texture to this unique backsplash.

Two years ago at this same show, I wrote about the new trend of illuminated vanities and vanity lights. Fast forward to 2020: this has now become a staple and is more or less an expected feature. As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, I love the fact that these enhancements create another layer of safely in any home…for any generation.

At illuminated mirror at the Kohler Showroom.
We’re even seeing the edges of cabinetry integrated with LED lights. How great is this feature?

We also noticed straighter, more sleek edges on countertops as well as the profiles on door styles. As a result, it’s interesting to note that the countertops are completely flush with the cabinetry.

The edges on the countertops do not protrude. We really liked the look of this streamlined, transitional style for any kitchen or bathroom.
Perhaps another noted trend that falls inline with sleeker cabinetry: more streamlined hardware as pictured above.
This was unanimously one of our (my two fellow designers and I) door profiles.

As an interior designer who prides herself on designs are less trendy and more timeless, I take these trends with a “grain of salt”. By attending these shows, we’re able to educate ourselves and stay ahead of the curve in regards to new materials, products and business practices. At the end of the day, design is about what personally resonates with you. If what resonates with you has more or a curve and less of a streamlined look, then there’s always a way to design so that each design reflects our client’s personal taste and style.

Stay tuned for a future post on the Kitchen and Bath Show as we reveal what we learned about all of the smart appliances!

If you’re interested in learning more about any of our services, including kitchen and bath design, call or email us! We’d love to chat!

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