High Point Spring Market was last month and did not disappoint. It is always fascinating to see the incredible creativity and design details applied to each manufacturer’s new introductions.

There were definite themes that ran through all categories – albeit furniture, fabric, wall covering, lighting, accessories, etc.   The key themes I noted were geometrics, applied details, bright accents and organic elements.

Geometric designs are not new to modern design, but continue to inspire and integrate into more and more design elements. Even though geometrics themselves are more of a classic motif, used in flooring, tile, wainscoting, backs of occasional chairs, etc., they create a clean, updated aesthetic.

In regards to applied details, simple contrast bands or gimp/nail head combinations added to furniture and transformed basic upholstery into fresh, updated pieces; details applied to lampshades (painted gold stripes) renewed key classics; and unique pulls/ tassels, stencils or overlays applied to accessories or case goods converted basic styles in to exciting showstoppers.

As mentioned, color pops continued to thrive at Market. Key pieces of any room remain relatively quiet (although decorated with thoughtful details), allowing room for easy, fun (and bright) accents. Neutral settings became inspiring vignettes with the addition of brightly hued accents.

Throughout all of the showrooms at High Point, the most predominant design themes were organically inspired. There was a noticeable increase in the number of outdoor furniture vendors and several manufacturers included new introductions that were labeled “indoor/outdoor” – lighting, area rugs, furniture, accessories, etc.

Offerings varied from driftwood starburst mirrors, iron/stone, teak or zinc topped furniture pieces, and a multitude of outdoor lanterns.

Faceted crystals adorned anything from small tabletop accents (lacquered boxes) to table lamps, candlesticks and show stopping chandeliers.

Lastly – and without any supporting photos – there is a trend in the industry to offer more family friendly textiles to those interested in updating areas in their home but hesitant to do so due to the inevitable wear and tear. Crypton Home is an environmentally friendly high performance textile solution. The fabric is immersed in the solution so that it never breaks down its resistance to stains, moisture and odors. The Crypton Home fabric spans all contents (cotton, linen, silk, etc.) and does not change the natural hand of the material.   Most new stains are removable with a clean damp cloth and water!! Not new to the industry, Crypton Home as partnered with several manufacturers and product lines to make their product more accessible to the public.

I’ll be heading to the Atlanta International Gift Show in July and back to High Point in October, but in the meantime look forward to incorporating some of these amazing products into current design projects!!