November 2, 2017 — By Meg Fox  

High Point Market: 2017 Trend Trackers – Part II

Designer Michael Mariotti, owner/principal of Michael Mariotti Interior Design in Haworth, shares his insights and discoveries on the Fall 2017 High Point Market, the premier destination for the home fashions industry. Part II of our three-part blog series on highlights from High Point.

Find Michael here www.michaelmariotti.com; or on Instagram Michael_mariotti.

Michael Mariotti, ASID Past President (2014); Member, NKBA

Design NJ: What would you say is your signature style or design mantra?

Michael Mariotti: My signature style always begins with clean lines, classic style and a contemporary flair or touch.

DNJ: What brings you to High Point? Do you attend biannually or annually?

MM: I go to High Point twice a year for many reasons. For one, I am always shopping for my current projects. I also love getting inspired and can’t help but get inspired by seeing all the new items. Educational CEUs are also easy to do while at market and are needed to maintain my professional status.

DNJ: What are some of your go-to showrooms?

MM: Creative Touch Rugs, Noir, Christopher Guy, Handley Drive and, of course, Fine Art Lamps.

DNJ: Any interesting market buzz?

MM: People were talking about the prevalence of muted soft metal tones. Arteriors had many tables and fixtures that had soft brushed gold and warm silver tones.

DNJ: What were some of your top picks or favorite finds?

MM: The Christopher Guy showroom had some beautiful and impressive pieces, and the way they were arranged turned them into an art form.

An artful display of furniture and accessories from Christopher Guy.

Currey & Co. has such a diverse grouping of lighting and furniture. One example is the Albion Chandelier, which is amazing with its clean organic lines and crisp white finish.

 

Currey & Company

Creative Touch Rugs has always been one of my main go-to rug companies. The “Enigma” rug was definitely one of my favorite finds. Made of beautiful wool and silk, the abstract design was inspired by the artwork of Carol Benson-Cobb.

Creative Touch Rugs

Handley Drive is a new collection that I have started using. They offer everything from furniture to lighting, yummy comfortable pillows and other accessories. I was looking for a piece for one of my projects in New York City and the company’s tall secretary was perfect.

Handley Drive’s Mansard Tall Cabinet offers uber storage and flexibility of use. Tall, narrow and perfect for a smaller New York space.

If Noir does not scream organic I don’t know who does. I love its small spot table/stool that is shaped like a head. It has an unusual feel that gives any space its own personality.

The Multi-Face Stool from Noir is made of fiber cement and has a rich, natural texture.

Roberta Schilling is a hidden gem of a showroom that I always visit whether at NY NOW, High Point Market or at the company’s Miami showroom. They use the best wood and materials. I have a fondness for square tables where you can seat eight comfortably.

Roberta Schilling’s table goes from round to square in the flip of a few panels.

Fine Art Lamps is always on the pulse of design trends. They have added a lot of new contemporary fixtures and sconces along with an endless option of sizes, applications and finishes.

This pendant from the Crownstone Collection for Fine Art Lamps is not only impressive and substantial it is a clean, thoughtfully executed design inspired by classic architectural elements. Available in silver leaf or gold leaf.

DNJ: Did you notice any recurring themes or trends?

MM:

  • Many organic shaped objects, tables, accessories and lighting.
  • Smokey glass was prominent.
  • Glacial blues and grays were popular, but I noticed that green is making a comeback. Many showrooms are starting to introduce green, which means it could be a hot color next market.
  • Light wood tones were noticeable, replacing the dark and gray woods.
  • Small spot tables were everywhere. I love these small accent tables. They have great personalities and are very flexible and functional.

Catch up with our High Point Market: Trend Trackers Part 1 post here featuring designer Nancy Mikulich, and our High Point Market: Trend Trackers Part 3 post here featuring designer Yelena Gerts!