We are so excited to be back from High Point, North Carolina where we spent 3 days at the International Home Furnishings Market, the the largest home furnishings trade show in the world.           

A. Furniture Market stats:

a) 10 million square feet b) 2000 Exhibitors c) 180 Buildings d) 75,000 attendees e) Twice a year – April and October

B. Attendees:

a) Furniture store retailers b) Online retailers c) Interior designers e) Bloggers f) Buyers g) Press

C. Social and educational events:

a) Seminars – Social Media, Product Licensing, business practices b) Showroom breakfasts, lunches and dinners to lure buyers in c) Showroom parties – live music, i.e. meatballs and moonshine d) Style Spotters – follow them as they are posting about the latest trends e) Design Bloggers Tour – Bloggers that are sponsored by showrooms to share their insights and discoveries from market.

D. Our Goal:

a) Sit on as many sofas and chairs as possible so we are 100% confident of comfort for our clients. b) Look closely at the quality and finishes of case goods. c) Take thousands of photos and copious notes to remember our favorites. d) View new products and trends. e) Find new vendors and maintain relationships with our current ones f) Attend events and support design colleagues who are launching collections or speaking on panels g) Check out all of the beautiful displays and vignettes for stylizing inspiration h) Have fun!

E. Trends we saw: - Biggest takeaway – rattan on furniture, lighting, and wall art

a) Color

1. Teal/Peacock 2. Blush 3. Green 4. Black and white 5. Less gray, warmer tones

b) Furniture

1. Lots of wood grains 2. Shagreen 3. Curves in furniture 4. Metal on wood - corners 5. Rattan, wicker 6. Modular end tables built into corners of sectionals 7. Lots of large sectionals 8. Acrylic 9. Upholstered headboards and panel beds 10. Accent martini/drink tables

c) Fabrics

1. Fawn 2. Inside/Out 3. Mohair 4. Chenille 5. Shearling

d) The Fashion

1. Tennis Shoes – Golden Goose sneakers 2. Flat shoes everywhere!! – Slip ons, platforms 3. Pants with stripe down the leg