What's hot at High Point?

Had the good luck to connect last week with Decormentor Lisa Ferguson of Lisa Ferguson Interior Design. She was headed off to the High Point Market in North Carolina and kindly offered to track the trends and report back for you, dear reader. This was great news. The High Point Market is the world’s largest home furnishings trade show but, sadly, I couldn't find an editor willing to send me down there.There are some 10 million square feet of display, and twice a year, it's where retailers, designers and magazine editors mix, mingle and proclaim the next big thing. Look below for Lisa’s take on what’s soon to be hot.  

BTW, if Lisa’s name seems familiar, it’s because she's known for having pioneered a much-replicated service concept called Decorating Excursion, which was featured in Style at Home and in the Toronto Star.Recent gigs include lectures on design and social media at Humber College and for Kravet Canada. Next up, she’s curating a five-day sale for HomeSav .

Quality of life counts

Pandora’s European Sleep System, made of hand-picked Hungarian down, is a life changer, says Lisa. Only one minute after cocooning in the bed, the tension of the day is a distant memory. The system consists of four specially sized pillows and a neck roll designed to cradle the body and promote ergonomic, healthy rest. Better than a day at the Spa!

Warmer Woods

Exit dark wood finishes that obscure the beauty of the wood grain. Enter warm medium stains and beautiful grains for visual interest and a collected-over-time feel.

Bernhardt Elements Bookcase Desk 

Smart furniture

Multi functional furniture - check. Next stop, smart furniture. Universal Furniture debuted SmartStuff, a line of youth furniture with "smart" features, such an LED snake light hidden in a bedpost, and secret jewelry storage behind the Cheval mirror.
Images: Universal Furniture

High-back chairs

Shows such as HBO’s Game of Thrones has inspired a love of medieval themes and elements, such as high-back chairs. Christopher Guy was one of many manufacturers to bring the high-back trend to dining room chairs.Image: Christopher Guy

 Gorgeous Interior Finishings

Have you ever opened a drawer on a showstopper piece only to be disappointed by poor craftsmanship and lack of attention to the interior? Prevalent at High Point were gorgeous chests, desks, tables and consoles that provided ahhhhhh! moments when  doors and drawers were opened. This dresser from Jesse has a linen-look interior that’s actually cleanable melamine.

 

 

 

Comments

[Stephanie Lowder]

Thanks Vicky, (and Decormentor Lisa) for nice words about the Elements Bookcase Desk introduced in High Point by Bernhardt (a client and my friends). It's really rare when journalists, designers, AND retailers are impressed with the same piece, but this may be earning attention in all quarters – so thank you for the nice posting that confirms it. PS– "not sent" to High Point...horrors! Please consider yourself officially invited to Spring 2012 HPt Market. It will be my pleasure to welcome you at Bernhardt (plus I can point the way to the best parties, design forums, BBQ, sweet tea, pecan pie...you know, the Southern essentials.