The design world is abuzz with the latest from High Point Market. Industry innovators and insiders made their bi-annual pilgrimage to the highly anticipated show October 14-18 where American brands debuted the latest and greatest to delight designers, buyers and media alike. From functional furnishings to eco-conscious essentials, here we present notable introductions and design trends from High Point Market Fall 2023.
Check Out Design Trends From High Point Market Fall 2023
1. Texture: Skirted Upholstery
Pleated sofas and skirted seats were a big hit throughout High Point Market and seen throughout Highland House, specifically. (Photo: Sarah Shelton)
While modern and contemporary shapes have dominated as of late, there’s a growing resurgence of more traditional upholstery (which we also saw at High Point Market Spring 2023), making Grandmillenials and Neotradionalists happy everywhere. Seen at the Highland House showroom, this white sofa brings a particularly clean and sleek skirted look that even modern-leaning tastes can get behind.
2. Color: Brown Is The New Black
Shades of brown reigned supreme across market, with the Theodore Alexander showroom as a prime example. (Photo: Sarah Shelton)
Fall is an exciting time for paint brands as they unveil their big color predictions (you can read about Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year here), but if any hue was prominent at High Point Market, it was rich brown. From luxurious burl wood furniture (another hot trend, FYI) to warm, earthen walls, shades of brown were everywhere. This vignette at Theodore Alexander had it all—with nutty hues present in the furniture, mirror and wall color—proving that brown is having a moment. And after years of Scandinavian light woods, it’s refreshing to see this resurgence in the air.
3. Category: Outdoor Everything
The Hickory Chair showroom showcased an exciting new outdoor furniture collection with Hable Construction. (Photo: Sarah Shelton)
Outdoor furniture reigned supreme, with many showrooms debuting large outdoor collections. One particular standout was Hickory Chair’s segue into the outdoor furniture category via a stellar collection with Hable Construction. As we all know, the popularity of outdoor living has grown into a year-round category that’s to be enjoyed outside the warmer months.
4. Shapes: Downsized Silhouettes
Designed by Thomas O’Brien for Century Furniture, this collection features smaller pieces that are perfect for socializing, like this pair of Romeo Tall Side Tables. (Photo: Courtesy of Century Furniture)
Sure, the giant sectional sofa for fifteen people is fun to fantasize over, but there’s something delightful in appreciating an array of charming little furniture pieces. As any good designer knows, a blend of diverse textures, finishes, styles, and proportions make a space exceptional. At Century Furniture, interior designer Thomas O’Brien debuted a new collection that boasted many petite pieces, like side tables and occasional chairs, perfect for a boudoir, small seating area, or a city apartment.
5. Era: Memphis Movement
A bold black-and-white table from Wildwood. (Photo: Courtesy of Wildwood)
In the 1980s, the Memphis Group’s Italian roots brought bold patterns and colors to the mainstream. Fast-forward nearly 40 years and the ethos of the trailblazing collective keeps inspiring modern-day makers. At Wildwood, eye-catching black-and-white furniture and accessories payed homage to the iconic designers.
6. Material: Cork Comeback
A pair of cork-covered stools at Lee Industries. (Photo: Kathryn Given)
Hot material alert: Cork! From wallpapers to upholstery, cork is in. The sustainable material (sourced by harvesting from cork trees rather than traditional tree-cutting) is gaining traction among brands, introducing a new natural aesthetic to interior spaces. At Lee Industries, these cork-topped stools feel rustic but chic!
