ON THE HUNT: HIGH POINT MARKET

Photo courtesy of Bungalow 5

I am still on the go, tracking down great new finds at High Point Market. The buzz in the air, and creativity is in overdrive this market. Just look at this sleek new mirrored piece with arched doors, The Giorgio from Bungalow 5-- it has such a refined elegance to it. I can't wait to share the finds with you, so stay tuned for more. 

HIGH POINT STATE OF MIND

 Photo courtesy of Selamat

A new Moroccan inspired bed, the Tangier, from Selamat has a simple silhouette and just enough detail. I can't wait to see it.

 

  Photo courtesy of Wesley Hall

These tailored George III inspired chairs launched at Wesley Hall last market

Photo courtesy of Chaddock

An end table from the David Easton Collection that had some new additions last season

In a few days I'm off to High Point Market. Every spring, I head South with excited anticipation, hoping it is a few degrees warmer in North Carolina. This season, there are many great launches coming, including Mary McDonald for Chaddock and additions to Charlotte Moss Icons Collection at Century Furniture. I'm also looking forward to seeing what my sponsors Wesley Hall and Chaddock have in store. Wesley Hall covers their upholstery in cheery textiles in great color palettes, and they re-paint the doors to their showroom a vivid hue every market, so I am curious to see this years hot color. The buzz is in the air, as editors, bloggers, buyers and interior designers descend on this quaint town. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @stylebeatblog and Twitter @stylebeat to get my updates. On Monday April 7th, I will be doing an Instagram takeover with High Point Market @DesignOnHPMKT sharing what has captured my interest. Here is the participating group, so get instant forecasting in real time by following. More soon, I will be on the hunt until then.

PERFECT PAIRING: THE COCKTAIL OTTOMAN, COMPLETE WITH A BAR TRAY

Often called cocktail ottomans,  the ottoman with a large tray for easy serving delivers the ideal dual-function piece. If you have a large scale square ottoman, there are great trays you can place on top, to create a surface area to hold a portable makeshift bar and all that goes along with cocktail hour. If you don't and have been searching for a go-the-distance piece that suits a family room well, here are a few varied suggestions to help you on your hunt.

From the just-launched partnership, decoupage artist John Derian has created a scallop-edge lacquer tray with The Lacquer Company, the highly specialized British brand that has worked with Rita Konig, Stephen Gambrel and Martin Brudnski on trays and small tables.  Available in pea green, vivid red and black, the substantial shiny piece is a statement maker, just the piece that can play bar and tray table, as seen above.

Photos courtesy of Oomph

With crenelated cut out details resembling a fortified castle, high sides and ample handles, the Edgartown tray from Oomph makes an impromptu bar an easy reality. Oversized with a generous surface area, the lacquer tray will look at home on a large ottoman or etagere shelf.

A tray this size can be slightly unwieldy to move around frequently, so the Chatham ottoman below makes a nice perch for it.

Covered in raffia with discreet nailhead trim, this new square ottoman, the Chatham,  from Oomph is an easy substitute when you need a space-friendly square upholstered piece to put your feet up rather than a rectangular one.  The carved bobbin leg adds an additional decorative detail with traditional flair.

Photo courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Howard for Sherrill

A mid-century modern silhouette with an additional shelf for books, Mr. and Mrs. Howard's Un Deux Tray Ottoman has a streamlined walnut base, cut corners and upholstered top that holds a faux shagreen covered tray in a recessed section in the middle. 

Photo courtesy of Bunny Williams Home

With a built in tray, the Tray Chic Ottoman from Bunny Williams Home has the best of both worlds with a tufted edge and inset removable tray, it has versatility to be a workhorse.

Tailored and traditional, Hickory Chair's Bexley Otoman in leather with a sliding tray inside, has an x stretcher and tapered wooden leg on casters, ideal for a subdued chic look in a study.

STYLEBEST: YOU WILL WANT THIS CANOPY BED WITH EASY ISLAND STYLE

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

This canopy bed just might make me give up my custom upholstered headboard. I love its clean Parsons-style lines, perfect scale, and understated cerused driftwood oak finish. Very Tom Scheerer.  

 Just in case I don't get it, if you do, be sure to send me a picture of it in your bedroom so I can see how great it looks.  The Woodland Canopy Bed from Anthropologie channels just the right dose if island style and can work anywhere.

YOU KNOW IT'S WHITE: SPOTTED AT HIGH POINT MARKET SHAPELY LITTLE CHAIRS WITH PERSONALITY

When it comes to furniture design, it is easy to think it has all been done and you have seen it before. That is, of course, until you  cover a market such as High Point, where innovation is all-important. Newness, for an editor, is increasingly important. For companies, it  helps attract a new audience, and maintain an existing one.  To stay relevant, companies must continue to evolve. Home trends are starting to move at a quicker pace, and newness is expected. Most design is derivative, meaning it is tweaked and adapted for today, but rooted in a design vernacular of the past. Searching for sparks of innovation and newness, I look for eye-catching things that have not been done before.  When I came across these personality chairs, seen below, I realized they each had something unique to say, in their own way. Try adding an interesting conversation piece to a seating arrangement.  It is like inviting a really interesting gregarious guest to dinner, they make life more fun, less expected.

Barry Dixon created some upholstery pieces in his follow-up collection for Arteriors. This unique Ceylon Dining Chair, inspired by British Colonial India, has a pointed back, tight seat and curvaceous sides, supported by a painted white frame and nailhead trim. The stark contrast of white upholstery and white frame highlights the strong lines.

This feminine metal upholstered chair from Global Views won me over. I was instantly drawn to its painted metal finish resembling plaster and the sinewy curved lines. Both elegant and interesting, this chair can take on a completely different look depending on how it is upholstered.

Small side chairs are useful and can be used in a bedroom, dressing room, seating area or flanking console tables. A low profile kidney bean shape make this a charming  chair new by AERIN for E.J. Victor.

JUST BACK: HIGH POINT MARKET

Fall in New York is a frenetic time, filled with book parties, fabric launches, The International Fine Art and Antiques Show, lectures and events. It has me moving a mile a minute, and I am enjoying every fast-paced minute of it. I have just returned home from High Point Market, and I am still in the process of breaking down what I saw,  the new introductions, trends and market shifts.  I am hoping I am able to catch my breath as well as begin to read through the stack of terrific design books that have come out this fall. Will I get to all 25 of them? I can't commit to that, but I hope to cover the ones that have the most to say that are worth reading for both inspiration and education. Just add that to my to do list.

In terms of trends, there are many design moments bubbling up, rather than one definitive direction taking the lead. What I saw, after visiting a record number of showrooms and smaller companies, is strong colors, especially coral and peacock blue, more light wood finishes, tons of great brass accessories, and velvet upholstery everywhere I looked. It seems as thought the blue velvet sofa is "a thing" that is still very much having a moment.  Bright hues were in pops, as seen here on Van Collier's striking hand-crafted metal Yves Klein-blue powder coated Moorish-arched mirror. Upholstery shapes are getting interesting, as companies offer a mix of traditional and contemporary options to lure a variety of designers their way.  Over the next few days I will prepare a thorough overview of High Point Market greats, so stay tuned for inspiring showrooms with great styling and standout pieces.

SMALL BUT POWERFUL: OCCASIONAL TABLES FOR EVERY STYLE

For some reason I adore tiny tables. Their functionality and ability to introduce a new color, texture or material into a room scheme make them worth seeking out. Easy to move around and big on impact, they perform well in any setting. Make a quick change with 17 varied versions here.

Add a pop of color with West Elm 's spindly lacquer Gates Table. Based on a traditional Thai design, this version looks fresh in a shiny, candy-coated finish.

 Photo courtesy of Arteriors

A turned wiry base provides a lightness and transparency to Arteriors Pascal, a mid century modern inspired brass table with a glass top.

Photo courtesy of Lamshop

A gold border on Lamshop's  Macaroon Table  elevates the six-sided piece to room jewelry status.

Photo courtesy of Serena and Lily

A curvy pedestal on Serena and Lily's ceramic Nara Table has just enough detail. It's a classic choice for a warm climate.

Photo courtesy of Jasper

A round top and base with a wide pedestal in between makes Jasper's Hudson Side Table a perfect compact package.

Photo courtesy of World's Away

Brass and gold catch the light in a room adding a certain warmth. Brass and marble, well, that's just plain sexy. World's Away combines both in the Kyle table. It swivels.

 Photo courtesy of Cyan

A circular lacquer tray table with a strong linear style adds a bit of functionality with a removable tray top.  It seems Albrizzi- influenced, with the clean lines and great color. From Cyan through Candelabra.

 Photo courtesy of Viya Home

Gorgeous hand-crafted Indian hammered brass tables from Viya Home make me swoon.  The intricate Hundred Petal Lotus Table is a true work of art.

Photo courtesy of Bungalow 5

Clean lines and curvy cut-outs converge in Bungalow 5's two-toned Michiko Table. Decorative and functional.

Photo courtesy of DWR

A classic drum table designed by Milo Baughman in a brushed bronze looks just as good as it did when it first launched in the 1970's. Made by Thayer Coggin at Design Within Reach.

Photo courtesy of Currey and Company

With a dark wood top and slim turned gold leg, Currey and Company's chic little side table is like adding a bit of shimmer with jewelry; a little sparkle can go a long way. 

 

Photo courtesy of John Lyle

Wrapped in linen, John Lyle's Hexagon Trio of small tables in varying heights have a 1970's flair and clean form. 

Photo courtesy of Regina Andrew

Have a fear of mixing metals? It is time to break through and embrace metallics used in creative ways. A touch of gleam here and there make things interesting, so try the mix with a Nickel Bamboo Tray Table from Regina Andrew. 

Photo courtesy of Made Goods

The Teagan Stool from Made Goods adds a shot of emerald green when a dramatic piece is needed. With a finish resembling green tortoise, the stool performs double roles as a perch and a place for a drink beside a chair.

Photo courtesy of Regina Andrew

Taking the Greek Key motif big and bold, Regina Andrews Maze End Tables have a Hollywood Regency factor. Try bunching them together, or use them flanking a low sofa.

Photo courtesy of West Elm

Pickled and cerused finishes are so much more interesting than dark brown wood. Lighting things up with West Elm's tailored little Jin Side Table in weathered Ash with fret details.

Photo courtesy of Stray Dog Designs

A flower bloom top and tapered base make Stray Dog Designs papier mache table fun and feminine. They come in a bunch of bright colors.

THE SUBTLE SOPHISTICATION OF SHAGREEN

Shagreen, stingray and shark skin, known in French as Galuchat (everything sounds better in French, don't you agree?) after a French master craftsman who worked with the material,  is recognizable by its tell-tale circular pattern of calcified scales on the surface and slight sheen. You can find beautiful antique shagreen pieces, often Art Deco period,  in a pale green coloration. But more recently, shagreen, both faux and real have made a comeback as a surface material. The appeal lies in the textural interest and subtle luxurious look of the varied skin.  It can be found in a wide variety of colors, on large and small pieces, making it a wonderful accent to both modern and traditional interiors. 

Photo courtesy of Garrison Rousseau 

A plethora of pastel-hued shagreen telephone tables made by Garrison Rousseau crafted in the Philippines make me swoon.  His assortment of beautiful furniture covered in shagreen is endless.

Photo courtesy of Century 

A classic Gueridon table gets the glam treatment with an inlaid shagreen top at Century Furniture. Note the charming hoof feet.

Photo courtesy of Hickory Chair 

Mixing a rich Mahogany and Rosewood alongside a faux shagreen, Thomas O'Brien for Hickory Chair channels Art Deco simplicity of form in the Margaux Table.

Photo courtesy of Walker Zabriskie 

Clean lines and plinth simple design provide a minimalist style in Walker Zabriskie's shagreen coffee table

 Photo courtesy of Kemble Interiors 

Based on a vintage design, this curvilinear custom coffee table by Kemble Interiors through Dering Hall is covered in pale pink shagreen with a lacquer overlay. it is a great option for larger spaces. 

 

Photo courtesy of Gabby 

Soft curves covered in charcoal faux-shagreen on Gabby's Sutton Coffee Table through Candelabra.

 

Photo courtesy of DwellStudio

A sexy round low cocktail table, The Milo from DwellStudio from Zinc Door, is topped with grey faux shagreen and sits on a triangle-shaped black iron base.

 Photo courtesy of Made Goods 

Streamlined and covered in ecru faux shagreen, the versatile Sorin Nightstand from Made Goods can work double-duty as a nightstand or small dresser. 

Photo courtesy of Regina Andrews

 The Prism Mirror by Regina Andrews through Zinc Door covers all the right angles with a Deco feel. I am crazy about this piece.

 Photo courtesy of Two's Company

I cannot get enough of these trinket trays from Two's Company. Each season they come up with new designs, and I especially like the faux shagreen pale hues they do. These come in handy on every table.

Photo courtesy of Monc 13

 Beautifully quilted pieces of purple shagreen are like a puzzle on De Nacre et D'Orient's stunning inlaid jewelry box from Monc 13. The purple is jazzy.

 Photo courtesy of AERIN 

Providing a luxe spot to store baubles, AERIN'S sky blue embossed shagreen jewelry box trimmed with gold has a pretty closure detail. It would make a special gift anyone serious about pretty storage.

GIFT SHOW GREATS: EMERGING TRENDS FROM THE NY NOW GIFT SHOW

 As I explored aisle after aisle at NY Now (the new name for the New York Gift Show), I was thinking about what stylistic directions I was seeing. When it comes to trends, there are mini trendlets bubbling up, but very few major stylistic shifts are emerging as strong front runners. Ikat and chevron patterns were few and far between,  yet their replacements have not risen to the top yet. There was less furniture, more decorative accessories. Finding  specific trends to spotlight was a bit of a challenge this show. Perhaps less new intros are reflective of an economy in flux, or companies are giving older designs a chance to take root. What I did see was a plethora of natural wood cutting boards,  crisp linear modern furnishings, lucite, and irregular shaped white unglazed plates that seemed to be everywhere I turned.  For a show that was supposed to provide reams of inspiration for holiday, that category was fairly low key.

A few key indicators point to the thematic trends explored below.  All in all, the "mini movements" I have seen are: The Stone Age, Brights, Surrealism, Tribal/Nomadic Globalism, Natural Materials, Living Things. 

THE NEW STONE AGE CONTINUES...

 Photo courtesy of  Atipico

A reflective surface that resembles a giant cut gemstone from Italian high design company Atipico was incredibly chic. It would work wonders in a sleek modern interior.

Made Goods boxes covered in woven raffia with semi-precious agate closures

 Small malachite boxes with gold edging from Rablabs

 Photos courtesy of Rablabs

Known for their sumptuous decorative objects like coasters made of geodes edged in gold, New York-based Rablabs gives crystals and semi-precious stones the glamour treatment.  In their newest additions, the  Illumina Collection pairs the stones with brass and wood, creating functional decorative items that have a Mid Century Modern feel. Crafted by artisans in New York City as well as Brazil, the Illumina Amethyst box with sphere accent  is an elegant statement accessory.

Paired with Crystal, the tailored box is monochromatic

A dash of pale pink from Rose Quartz for a feminine edge

For a masculine take, Tiger's Eye

When it comes to lighting a dining room or adding some shimmer to a mantel, nothing can compare to the glow beautiful candlesticks provide. Their brand new coordinating Illumina Candlesticks are just gorgeous. Paired with Amethyst orbs, the linear design is not over wrought, it is just enough semi precious stone.

Illumina with spheres of Crystal that look make it look as though the column of brass is floating

Illumina with Moss Agate spheres work with a host of colors

 Launched at tabletop market, Mottahedeh's Tony Duquette blue lapis china pattern 

BRIGHTS:

 Bungalow 5's Aurora lamp looks like stacked spools, the shape of the column makes it a fun Americana-inspired piece

Decoupage glass trays in bright stripes at John Derian 

Brightly striped vases from Richard Mishaan and Frederic de Luca for Tozai

A curvy settee with Mid Century influence from Julian Chichester

Going bold, a classic Chichester serpentine front chest in high gloss purple paint

 Inventive storage shelves in a Chichester piece, lined in hot pink suede

The Harper, a  sweet little upholstered chair from Jonathan Adler, done up in orange felt with navy piping. My kind of color!

A cross between a baseball mitt and a vintage find, Jonathan Adler's cool seat

SURREALISM:

Italian company Seletti taps innovative designers to create the unexpected. Mutidish, Maxime Ansaiu's reinvention of blue and white china with a conjoined row of plates is amazing. Depicting Dutch classic landscapes, the repetitive nature of the design is mesmerizing.

Additional porcelain designs from the Multidish collection

I can't get enough of Seletti's china that is half and half, fusing traditional patterns that are divided down the center of the plates.

 Beloved Magritte designs captured on melamine from Art Editions

 Maison Martin Margiella Feather clock with arms made from pheasant feathers and a Cabinet of Curiosities orb design

TRIBAL NOMADIC:

Zen Zulu's telephone wire baskets in graphic combinations. What a wonderfully clean design from African artisans

Zen Zulu's beaded pieces mounted on stands

Beautiful and useful, Design Afrika's woven baskets are works of art

A larger of variety every shape and size

WOODS OF ALL VARIETIES:

 A new wood desk from Dunes and Duchess featuring their stacked sphere detailing

 A minimalist picnic table and benches of reclaimed wood from warm modern company, Lostine

Cut out shapes of plaques and blue ribbons give new company Sir/Madam's wooden cutting boards a cheeky sense of style

Substantial chunky cutting boards with painted edges from Canvas

LIVING THINGS AND THE NATURAL WORLD:

Squash crafted from gilded metal framed in plexi shadowboxes created by Tommy Mitchell

A plexi framed deer print from Grace and Blake, using recolored antique prints reinvents the past

Natural Curiosities framed pieces included palm fronds sprayed in monochromatic black or white

Shell intaglios captured in glass paperweights designed by shell purveyor,  Karen Robertson

 I had seen these plates in Europe and am taken with their intricately detailed sealife designs. I was thrilled to spot them making their foray into the American market. Lifelike fish and lobsters from their Fruits de Mer collection cover the surface of Jersey Pottery's china, and feature each crustacean's details along the rim of the plate.