If you’re not involved in the design world, chances are you haven’t heard of High Point Market. Located in North Carolina, HPM is one of the biggest furniture markets in the states featuring hundreds of vendors who showcase their entire lines of quality, custom furnishings. Believe me when I tell you, it is a feast of inspiration and literally SO much fun!

It had been quite a while since my last trip to Market, and this year felt like the right time to go again. I was eager to reconnect with my favorite vendors and explore their new product lines in person. While High Point Market takes place both in spring and fall, I have a soft spot for attending in the spring. Everything is so green and vibrant, which is super refreshing after a long Minnesota winter. 

Why Visit High Point Market?

While I love our local trade-only showrooms, they simply can’t display every single piece. High Point Market (HPM) offers vendors the chance to showcase everything, giving designers like me a comprehensive view on their full product lines. While I have my favorite go-to vendors, exploring the market introduces me to new makers, expanding my network and allowing me to source more options for my clients.

It’s no secret that I LOVED this trip, but it ultimately wasn’t about me. My clients trust my judgment for furniture recommendations, so it’s critical that I see these pieces in person and assess quality and craftsmanship. After countless sit-tests to assess comfort, seeing and touching finishes, and learning about how and where products are made, I feel even more confident sharing my recommendations!

An added bonus? HPM is the best place to see what’s coming next in design trends.

Top 5 Furniture Trends

After extensively (and I mean extensively) touring the market and visiting various showrooms, it was easy to spot the common trends, colors, styles and silhouettes. Of course, every vendor is unique and has their own story, but clear patterns emerged as I explored HPM. I saw these 5 styles over and over again, and I’m loving the direction they’re taking interior design…

Burl Wood: When a tree has an external growth or knot, it forms an interesting, unique pattern that becomes showstopping when used in furniture. I love the one-of-a-kind look that using this type of wood creates, making each piece of furniture distinctive and beautifully reflective of nature.

Woven Rope: Whether wrapped around tables or chairs, rope is giving furniture dimension and a fun new touchable texture. Embracing the overall trend of nature-inspired design, woven rope brings a sense of warmth and connection to the outdoors that’s totally in style right now.

Boucle Fabrics: It may be obvious at this point, but textured furniture is trending big time, and boucle fabric is proof. I saw this type of fabric — especially in white — everywhere. Upholstered chairs, sofas, ottomans… you name it. To me, it’s another way to up the livable, coziness factor in design!

Neutral Earthy Colors: Bright, bold color was scarce at HPM. Instead, warmth is definitely in right now, and I saw so many rich earthy tones on furniture everywhere. Browns, especially, seemed to be a favorite, adding to the overall warm, comfy vibe that gives all the feels.

Seating with Movement: Versatile seating? Yes, please! I think just about every vendor had a selection of swivel chairs. This style allows for easy changing of activities and conversations and access to things that may have otherwise been out of reach.

Good Times & Plenty of Inspiration

I was so fortunate to attend High Point Market with some of my designer besties, which made this trip even more fun and memorable. We shared lots of laughs, wined and dined with vendors, took lots of silly pictures, and even met some famous designers. Such a blast!

To say that I returned from High Point Market inspired is an understatement. I loved seeing my favorite vendors and confirming my confidence in their products, and it was exciting to see the latest trends in furniture. 

I hope this was inspirational for you, too!  If a home furnishing project is on your horizon, I’d love to join your team and chat about how we can choose the right pieces for your home. Reach out to me here, and let’s start the conversation.