To Market They Go: Highlights from High Point
The Style Spotters from the spring 2021 High Point Market — the largest furnishings trade show in the world — have spoken. Sectionals were everywhere, mixed materials were prevalent, furnishings were geared toward warmth and comfort, and statement pieces reigned, among other notable looks. Here, five New Jersey-based designers share some of their top design takeaways and inspiring finds.
Christina Kim
Christina Kim Interior Design
Manasquan, New Jersey | ChristinaKimInteriorDesign.com
The biggest trend I saw was a focus on woven and natural finishes such as rattan and cane in both upholstery frames and case goods. This has been a trend for the past few seasons and looks to be continuing full force. We also saw a lot of beautiful seating with surprise wood details such as exposed wood frames on the sofa and chair backs.
TOP | Exposed wood frame in sofa by Vanguard. BOTTOM | Chairs by Rowe also have an exposed wood frame. RIGHT | Upholstered sofa by Verellen nestles in an exposed wood frame.
I also loved the slightly edgy smoked glass finishes that were showing up in lighting and accessories.
Accent glassware by Arteriors and a lamp base by Visual Comfort add a smoky ambience.
Jenny Madden
Jenny Madden Design
Hoboken, New Jersey | JennyMaddenDesign.com
There was a coastal theme throughout many showrooms. Rattan, caning and rope material trends were more dominant than ever, while neutral upholstery continued to reign. Contrarily, we picked up on a paprika color trend in galleries staged with darker woods, which felt cozy and sophisticated.
When it comes to patterns, classic plaid came up again and again as if to say, “Hi, nice to meet you. I’m the neutral palette’s version of pattern.”
Finally, we saw plenty of BIG sectionals, oversized chaises, and chair-and-a-half sizes — a clear indication we’ve all needed to be more comfortable at home than ever.
LEFT | “I fell in love with Verellen’s waterfall skirted sofa for its simplified take on a traditional skirt — so elegant.” RIGHT | “There was a lot of lighting to love, including Palecek’s light taupe leather touches.
Anna Maria Mannarino joins forces with Baki Ildiz of Creative Touch (pictured) on a debut rug collection. In the background is Mannarino’s “Skyfall” pattern.
Anna Maria Mannarino
Mannarino Designs Inc.
Holmdel, New Jersey | MannarinoDesigns.com
I was drawn to the abundance of color and texture. While neutrals never go away, it was refreshing to see bold, layered statements. Large-scale pieces juxtaposed with small tables, lighting or accessories made for interesting vignettes. Velvets were still very prominent, as were textured leathers. Trims were very notable. I was also happy to find a few new sources and to find some in-stock pieces for current projects!
Personally, it was exciting to see the debut of my rug collection with Creative Touch come to fruition, and I was beyond thrilled that one of my designs was selected for TrendWatch 2021. A true pinch-me moment! I’m looking forward to the fall market with new rugs and my lighting line with American Brass and Crystal.
LEFT | Vignette from ConArte, showing scale, color, velvet and trim. RIGHT | “Corcovado” rug selected for TrendWatch 2021
Jennifer Pacca (seated) with head interior designer Angela Plumb of Jennifer Pacca Interiors.
Jennifer Pacca
Jennifer Pacca Interiors
Hillsdale | JenniferPaccaInteriors.com
We noticed quite few cream-colored fabrics and neutral hues. We also saw a ton of bouclé upholstery in neutrals, including black. We love this one by Bernhardt.
Bernhardt
Another trend we noticed is sculptural tables using a mixture of materials. We love this Lucite and woven table by Hooker Furniture.
Hooker Furniture
Gold and Lucite are still in full swing. This nesting table is from Gabby Home.
Gabby Home
Designer Karen Wolf enjoys the comfort level of a Bernhardt sofa.
Karen B. Wolf
Karen B. Wolf Interiors
Short Hills, New Jersey | KBWInteriors.com
The most notable look that I saw at HPMKT is a trend I have termed “cuddle.”
Cuddle is about comfort and touch. While we crave human interaction and stay in place in our pajamas, soft, tactile materials and forms become a daily hug. Monochromatic, voluminous and layered, this trend is not about color but a welcoming tactile experience. The forms are primitive and chubby.
“Cuddle” design details: fur, bouclé, knitted, brushed, corduroy, chenille, exaggerated rounded forms, overstuffed fill, cup channeling, sunk-in seating.
Bernhardt and Verellen are the two companies that showcased this trend. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.
Exaggerated rounded forms and plush seating at Bernhardt.
A sunk-in sectional at Verellen.