The Nature of Things – A Walk Through at High Point Spring Market 2023

Our Vice President, Kathy Constantine, took a walk through the High Point Spring Market in North Carolina this Spring. Here are her reflections on trends, colors, materials, and more at High Point Market.

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What stood out the most at this year’s High Point Spring Market? Nature is in… color is out.

Natural materials were prevalent in every aspect of design. From lighting, to seating, to accessories, designers brought Biophilic Design into everything they displayed.

Due to Biophilic Design themes, the most prevalent colors were muted tones of whites, browns, greens and blues, with depth being displayed in the textures of materials being used. Jute, rattan, leathers, bouclé, natural grasses, and textured linens dominated furniture while visions of nature were highlighted in artwork, linens, and accessories.

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Lighting

Mid-Century and contemporary styles command the metal light fixtures category. Featuring asymmetrical designs, and textured glass with accents in satin brass and matte black, these styles aren’t going away anytime soon; however, the growing trend is softer lines using natural materials, and the exhibitors at HPMKT didn’t disappoint.

Less formal, a little playful, and light and airy, styles included chandeliers made with dyed leathers, large pendants made from woven grass, seashell sconces and jute wrapped shades.

What to watch in the lighting category: Although Satin Brass is by far the most popular metallic finish at High Point, Antique Brass in lighting is on the horizon.

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Accessories

Head to the accessories aisle if you are looking to add color to your spaces. Soft goods such as pillows and linens featured wonderful patterns and vibrant colors. Color was apparent in vases, artwork, frames and home accents – although, color was more subdued and in decidedly earthy blues and greens.

What to watch in accessories: Wallpaper in abstract prints and textures like grass cloth.

Bedding & Pillows

Wallcoverings

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Seating

Bouclé, Bouclé, Bouclé… with a little leather, linen, and jute. This soft, looped fabric was everywhere. There was a decided lack of patterned or colored fabrics in use. Furniture frames consisted of grainy wood in natural finishes with softly rounded lines.

Upholstery tended towards neutral tones with mixed materials being used on the same piece. It wasn’t uncommon to see a chair made with a black metal base, oak arms, leather seating, and two different materials for the cushions. Other pieces featured pleated and textured leathers. Comfort, not show, seemed to be the theme of the day.

What to watch in seating: Jute, rope, and rattan – typically seen in outdoor furniture – are now common amongst contemporary indoor furniture.

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Case Goods

Grainy woods continue to be the most popular option. While the last few years saw an abundance of white oak and maple, dark tones have begun to make their way back into design. These dark pieces were often made from wood that had been cross cut and brushed to bring out the grain, then stained a dark espresso or black.

Art Deco style carved panels were everywhere, but instead of the typical clear finish, the pieces shown often included layered finishes to bring out the grain and highlight the geometric pattern.

Other highlights included textured surfaces, glass fronts over rattan fabric, and an abundance of slat work style pieces and metallic accents as trim.

What to watch in case goods: black stains with cerused finishes.

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Next up: International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)

After an inspiring and exciting walk through at High Point Spring Market, we’re incredibly excited for what’s next – the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). ICFF kicks off on May 21, 2023 at the Javits Center in Manhattan. Stop by Booth 434 to see our newest products including Brass Bistro Shelving, Metallic Trim, Decorative Grilles, and Tambour.