High Point Market Where Designers Shop
Normally I would be writing my May blog about my adventures at High Point Market North Carolina. “Market” is to home furnishings what Fashion Week is to the garment industry. Here you will find the largest home furnishing industry trade show in the world. Twice a year in both spring and fall, interior designers come to High Point to shop for their clients.
High Point is a “trade only” (not open to the public) showcase of what is hot and trending in the furniture biz. From carpet to mirror, lighting to fringe, everything related to designing and decorating your home can be found right here. During market manufacturers debut their collections. Similarly top name designers showcase their brands. With 10,000 square feet of showroom space and roughly 2000 exhibitors, everyone who is anyone goes to market.
While we are incredibly lucky to be so close to the NY Design Centers they do not show everything, Many of my fav’s which are smaller made in the USA brands don’t have showrooms here in the northeast. High Point gives me a chance to see what is new, “road test” the products and speak with the manufacturers directly. By actually sitting on a sofa, I can confidently specify the piece knowing how well it is made and how comfortable it will be.
There is always something new for designers to discover:
Talking with fellow designers is a great way to find out what is trending across the country. What is hot in the northeast may be different from the midwest or south. I love hearing about what other designers are working on. It really is a great place to network and be inspired. Equally important, design trends, CEU’s, hot new color trends, furniture and fabric styles are all on display. Panel discussions with some of the top designer’s, editors and manufacturers from across the country is enlightening, inspiring and extremely important. Design education does not end with graduation from school.
Finding that perfect something
From lighting to bathroom accessories, art, rugs and antiques can all be found at High Point. For example, in one of my favorite showrooms we found the perfect accent piece, a pair of 7’ high brass palm trees. Not only fun and whimsical they were perfect for the entryway. At the same time, we found a wild print of an Ostrich titled “Shut up”, a the perfect addition to the kitchen. Although I do not bring clients to Market, I do send photos of items I feel would be perfect for their home.
Golden Oldies Antiques is one of my favorite places to visit. I love wandering the floors of antiques and fun and funky items. I never fail to find a thing or two which end up coming home with me. My last find was an industrial rolling shelf unit which now holds all my knitting projects. I love it.
Waiting for Fall
In spite of a very intense few days, walking through thousands of square feet of showrooms, hours and hours of talking, I would not miss it. Inspiration gets the juices flowing and unleashes some creative sparks.
While this year’s spring market was cancelled, the showrooms have created virtual tours to showcase their new products. We are looking forward to the fall in hopes that we will be able to bring some up close and personal details back to share with you.
Sharon L Sherman ASID CID CKD is a designer and Reiki Master located in New Jersey. Her award-winning designs and editorial comments have been featured in Woman’s Day, Country Decorating, Design NJ, Family Circle, 201 Magazine, The Best of Bergen, Savvy Living, The Record, The Star Ledger, Bergen Magazine and Aspire as well as several books. Her Blog has appeared in digital form on Sivanaspirit.com and DesignNJ.com. She has also appeared on HGTV’s My Big Amazing Renovation and episodes of House Smarts with Lou Manfredini.
