Kitchen + Bath Meets Interior Design: High Point Market 2022

As I sit here waiting for my flight home, I am thinking about how this was a very special High Point Market for me. Beginning with this fall market, I decided to concentrate on products that focused on the kitchen and bath aspect of my design work. I hope you enjoy my list of what I feel we will be seeing in the kitchen + bath side of interior design in 2023.

Besides the fact that I found fabulous products, placed an order or two, and met so many new friends, my experience at this market held some very special moments which I would like to share with you.

Kitchen + Bath Meets Interior Design: Education.

The Point

Earlier this year I was honored with an invitation to speak not once but twice at the fall 2022 High Point Furniture Market.

My first talk was with my friend Rachel Moriarity, renowned interior designer, and founder of Rachel Moriarty Interiors in San Diego California. We spoke to a standing-room-only crowd on the topic “How Kitchen + Bath Can Help Drive Your Business to the Next Level”.

Pam McNally the SVP of Marketing + Digital for the National Kitchen and Bath Association moderated our panel. There was a great turnout.  Everyone enjoyed the information and interactive conversation. I hope we will be able to present this panel again.

Universal Furniture

Next, I was invited to present at Universal Furniture speaking on the subject “Contracts and Letters of Agreement.” Clauses you need to protect your business from downside risk.

Once again, I was in awe of the number of designers who came to hear this valuable presentation. My one-hour talk became 2 hours as everyone stayed to ask questions and share their experiences as well.

Undoubtedly, the most rewarding moment was when several designers made a connection to come together as a group after the market ended.  Ultimately, I hope that collaboration will continue to help their businesses grow and prosper.  The time grew late and I was sad to have to leave for the airport. I know that I will be in contact with this great group of designers in the future and at KBIS. 

Fabulous Finds.

There were trends, (which you know I prefer to call often noticed details) and many fabulous finds. First,  Art Deco is back in a big way.  From furniture to lighting and fabrics, the art deco style showed a strong presence here at the market. While fashion may be vicariously reliving the 80s, home fashion is firmly experiencing an Art Deco renaissance. Secondly color is back, and bolder than ever. Just as navy and green have become popular cabinet colors, they are just as big in textiles. Likewise, saturated colors such as yellow, orange, and red “popped up” in several showrooms. 

Lighting

Corbett showed some wonderful pieces all with a nod to the Art Deco style. From pendants to sconces and chandeliers, Art Deco forms were everywhere. Warm metal finishes accented with glass and rock crystals were also in abundance.  I particularly liked this sconce which I can definitely see installed in a bathroom. 

How about these beauties shown in a metal finish with glass?  Wouldn’t you agree they are just the thing for a lovely bathroom? The sconce is wonderful and the small pendant can replace the sconce creating an unexpected design statement. 

Fabrics

Thirdly, color and pattern had another strong showing with jewel tones and large fiery dragon prints leading the way in bold expressions.  Strong reds, blues, and greens rounded out the jewel tones which were everywhere. A stronger expression of color could be found in Nathan Anthony. Always on the cutting edge of the California design scene, I loved their saturated yellow colorway in luxurious fabrics. Can you visualize this color in a white powder room, yes!!!

Love the bright yellow shown at Nathan Anthony HPMKY 2022

Thibault created a lovely corner with a chaise draped with fabric. I could see this in a principal suite bathroom. After enjoying a steam shower or relaxing in a Chroma therapy bath, you can lie down and find a Zen moment cocooned beneath a canopy of fabric.

Furniture

Abner Henry never fails to impress. This market was no different. Their new dining table made me swoon. Such beautiful lines and excellence in craftsmanship are why Abner Henry Furniture is a perennial favorite of mine.

Lovely table and chair from Abner Henry Furniture

Finding a perfect seating option for a dressing area has had limited options. Several manufacturers stepped up their game with fun ottomans or poufs. I loved the trims companies showed this market. A bit of glam and whimsy goes a long way for a fun and functional seating piece.

Fun ottomans from Norwalk are perfect for vanity dressing tables.

One of my favorite places to wander is the Antique Design Center. If you have followed my work you know that I love old pieces of furniture. Mixing these with new pieces or reimaging one in an updated paint color is what visionary design is all about.  Here are a few examples of the pieces I found which are perfect for kitchen islands, a server, or a coffee bar.

Antiques can make great decorative pieces 

Did you know that furniture pieces are easily modified to add sinks and plumbing? With this in mind, by adding a stone or quartz countertop, you have a home fashion statement piece. Additionally, you are supporting sustainable resourcing by repurposing these lovely pieces with new life and purpose. Vintage decorative items make great interior accessories. They are unique and make interiors special as well.

Floor Cloths and Rugs

Because vinyl floorcloths are easy to clean, they make so much sense for any room in the home, especially one with pets. Our visiting kitty just walks right by the floor cloth in our dining room and heads for the wool carpet in the living room. Besides being cost-effective, they are available in many patterns and colors. Floor cloths are suitable for any design style.

I Fell in Love with a Door

I fell in LOVE with a door. www.thymeandplacedesign.com

Occasionally you will run across something unusual at High Point. I never thought I would find a door company at HPMKT but there was Clark Hall. Crafting luxury metal entryway doors for your home. Built here in the USA they can be powder coated in any color a designer can imagine. The locks and glass can be changed as well.  I will be specifying this one soon. Maybe it will be for you!

Hopefully, you have enjoyed these great finds from the furniture market. Did any of these spark a home decor inspiration? Let me know, I love to hear from you. 

Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, CKD

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