As High Point Market enters the final days, some conclusions appear front and center.  In this post I share them and also have a request.

Please subscribe to my weekly newsletter and comment here on my blog.  Tell me what you want to know or learn about decorating or trends; what solutions I can share.  Here are some areas to consider:

• wall finishes
• furniture
• layout
• art, accessories, rugs, lamps
• fabrics
• window treatments
• floors

Now for the High Point summary. Timeless, as in ‘everything old is new again’ tells the story.  Take classic designs, either traditional or modern, that are essentially timeless and revamp them. Simple elegance, clean forms that are sophisticated endure so no obviously trendy elements.

Some bright happy colors emerge and are certainly welcome, like orange, vivid pink and blue.  Neutrals are the steady counterpart and appeal day in and out.  There are some interpretations such as: smoky, ashy gray tones with a hint of lilac. But the most trend-forward is a return to black, in itself a classic.

The downsizing trend appears in smaller, petite lamps and low to the ground seats, clean lines with new cigarette tables a recurring theme.

At this spring’s High Point Market, function is popping up in a wide variety of furniture, from nightstands and beds to tables and cabinets. Function provides extra value to the consumer, and that’s especially important in today’s budget-crunched environment — no matter what the retail price point.

Here are some functional design directions:

1. Furniture designers add creative functionality to new introductions at this market. I especially like the charging stations placed in highly used areas.
2. Convenient wine storage attractively added to a buffet.
3. Effective use of under-bed storage.

Bernhardt

Harden

Kincaid