I just returned from High Point, NC, the furniture capital of the world. As most of you know, it’s open all year round, but it’s the twice yearly market that draws thousands of designers, industry personalities and furniture showrooms. We buy, spot and gawk at market introductions that titillate every design sense from sight to touch, and yes, even taste. I had three days to capture, record and simply immerse myself in this bi-annual design extravaganza. Three days were more of a tease, because it’s absolutely impossible to see it all, and also stop on occasion to say “hi” to old friends, and hang with the likes of Kelly Wearstler, Alexa Hampton, or Windsor Smith. So I’ve promised myself that in the fall, I am going to say “yes” to almost every party, partake of signature showroom cocktails and enjoy a glass (or two). So while I let all the fun pass me by, I certainly felt intoxicated over my”Picks” from High Point. So this week, it’s all my personal favorites, from chairs to chaises, lighting to living room rugs.
If you didn’t go, what should you expect for 2015 and on? Numerous “hues of blues” and “50 shades of grey.” Grayish blues are “IN.” Although Gray has been a favorite go-to colour and the “new black” for awhile. I spotted Indigo blues paired with jade and brighter hues. Vibrant pops of colour from tangerines, strawberries and lime greens. We are saying a final good-bye to industrial finishes on furniture. Industrial has been easing it’s way off the design radar for a few years, making way to more traditional, timeless styles. There were a lot of clean lines and complex designs on chair backs, giving furniture a more architectural feel. Allowing the furniture to bring in the pattern. The industry is still “going for the gold,” and what was once relegated to the 60’s is back in a big way. Gold tones and accents were incorporated into accent tables, lamps and accessories even framing on chairs. Wood tones are making the migration to more pale washed woods that let the grain show through, a more natural & organic feel. I truly felt this market was positively one of the best, and I look forward to seeing some of the shining stars coming to a magazine near us. I do want to mention that I was surrounded by all things “gorgeous,” but a girl has to choose eventually right?
1//Nathan Anthony Furniture-Modern glamour defines this chair, it’s chic seating at it’s finest.
2//Stanley Furniture-I loved the form of this “conversation settee,” I envision it at the foot of a spiral or grand staircase so every-time you descend you look down upon it. I leave you to ponder the visual…
3// Showroom Unknown (I didn’t get the information on this, but if you know please convoy me)- Corner meet your chair, this seat with it’s coastal vibe has so many possibilities and I could see it pushed together for an impromtu seating at a table or tucked in the four corners of a small room, for a unique conversation group.
4//Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin-Although, Milo Baughman designed this chair over fifty years ago this may be one of my favorite riffs with a stunning brass frame.
5//Bernhardt Furniture-the frame on this chair harks back to the days of old glamour, but with more modern sensibilities. The frame is made from a vine bent into this stunning sinuous shape available in a natural wood tone.
6// Peter Kind Jacob for Wesley Hall-Upholstered in a rich raspberry velvet. These updated traditional chairs are perfect for a man’s study or grouped in a circle for a unique seating area, letting the lines and peek outs steal the design show.
7// The Apelle Chair by Midi (@220elm)-This was a market favorite, and also one of my own. With a copper frame and pink leather it was literally a show stopper.
8//Anvil Lounge Chair-Global Views-This lounge chair with it’s mid-century vibes and atomic shape was another personal favorite.
9// Celerie Kemble for Henredon-From the brass ferrules to the rich indigo velvet, this accent or dining chair was an updated take on a traditional style and would be sheer perfection in a dining room, nook or foyer.
10//Bernhardt Furniture-With the greek key motif on the arms, the iron legs and profile, this chair will be the focal point of any seating group or flanking a console in a foyer.
I hope you enjoyed “my” chair picks from High Point 2015, I’ll be sharing more from living rooms to lighting so check back daily…
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Until next time,
BE INSPIRED. BE AMAZED.
