Blissful Design from High Point
Irwin Weiner ASID - I just got back from a client shopping trip to High Point, NC. What is there to see there that you can't see in New York City? High Point is home to America's "ready-to-wear collection" of furniture, open only to the design trade, and it's a great way to spot trends for what products, styles, and designs will soon flood the retail market. Here are some of the trends I observed.
- The quality of design has improved a lot, largely because of the production skills of the mass market manufacturers. Lucite and other materials, once proprietary to the high-end custom furnishing market, are now commonplace in lower priced merchandise.
- Many case goods can be found in gray wood, wood that is distressed. It's not as formal as other pieces. Nice and relaxed.
- But there is glam in the mass market aplenty. Mirrored surfaces, faux shagreen, acrylic, high-gloss lacquer - these lend a sense of luxury and Hollywood to a lot of furniture and accessories.
Without following these trends, I really liked the appealing colors - whites, grays, and taupes - of the wares from Bliss Studio. While my client wasn't blown away, I admired these pieces as being timeless. The stone colors of the items outshine the outdated yellow-y look of mass-produced Country French style furnishings. The Gustavian influence from Sweden is a safe bet for many Northern clime homes, with our weaker light. Click on any of the product photos in this post for more product information, and I look forward to showcasing more High Point discoveries in the coming weeks!