Inspiring Finds From High Point 2021

We just got back from High Point Market and it felt like a really special one… this was our first official Tuesday Made work trip, and it was very fulfilling! This particular market was actually one of the lowest attended (which was honestly fantastic for us), but it certainly didn’t lack creativity, talented people, and plenty of design & decor inspiration. If you’re unfamiliar with High Point Market, it’s a furniture, decor, and vintage trade show in North Carolina open to the trade only- architects, designers, and shop owners. Emmett, Jordan, and I put a LOT of miles on our walking shoes, but  it was well worth the effort. We crammed as much as we could into our 3-4 days at market. It was lovely to meet the artists, makers, and other small business owners that we already support & carry in our shop, as well as make new connections. I always love keeping an eye out for repeating design elements, trend forecasting, and taking notes on new design ideas while at market. That’s really what this post is about… a peek through my camera lens at some beautiful things that caught my attention. Click through to see what stood out to me at High Point Market this fall… this is a long post packed with interior inspiration, enjoy! 

Aside from refueling the creativity tank and gathering all the inspiration, our main objective at market this time around was to source items for the shop. We wanted to pick out vintage goods, see the quality of things in person, touch & feel the materials, and really get a good feel for what we’re curating and to meet the people behind the items we carry. Nothing beats that in-person experience and after these last couple of years, I realized I really missed face-to-face interaction with other people passionate about design.

Of course, combing through vintage rugs is always a highlight, but I also enjoyed looking through the natural rug selections this year. Neutral woven rugs will always feel timeless to me. Plus- they’re extremely durable and perfect for layering with a vintage rug.

This felt like a beautiful example of a natural, low profile woven rug (pictured above), and the styling was beautifully done. I love the casual look of the books in the bookcases, and noted that detail!

Speaking of woven neutrals- I noticed a lot of woven decor and materials this market. That is another interior application that feels very classic to me, so don’t expect anything woven to go anywhere anytime soon! From baskets and rugs to pedestals and decor, woven elements are still heavily on my radar.

Another thing I noted was super soft, luxe neutral and textural fabrics. The upholstery this market was top notch! I loved this monochromatic layered seating vignette…

While we don’t sell upholstery in our shop at this point, the super soft and luxe material applied to us in the form of smaller textiles & decor- like pillows and throws. This mohair throw is one that will be coming to the shop next year! Isn’t that texture lovely?

I spied plenty of velvet, mohair, linen, and brushed materials in both upholstered furniture, as well as decor. I also noticed lots of sculptural forms, curved arms, and softer shapes in regards to upholstered items- like sofas & chairs. I’m here for all of the traditional shapes!

Details are something I always examine closely while at market, because the craftsmanship from these high-end custom furniture manufacturers are impeccable. I noticed lots of functional details like soft close drawers, as well as decorative details like brass inlay, clawfeet, brass capped feet, intricately tapered legs, extravagant hardware, etc.

Styling is another element I love seeing from the designer showrooms. I’m happy to report I noticed plenty of books when it came to shelf styling- which you know is my jam! Be sure to check out this post for 10 tips for shelf styling with LOTS of books. Bonus points if you layer lighting or artwork on your shelving or built-ins! I love those beautiful details.

Speaking of lighting, I was most attracted to timeless and traditional shapes this market…. pharmacy lamps, petite floor lamps for reading, library lamps, and classic sconces. We’re still seeing a lot of brass and polished nickel- my two favorite finishes. I also noted lots of plaster fixtures, which I obviously enjoy.

In regards to color, I spotted lots of green, blue, cognac, cinnamon, and golden or mustard hues… which is really my ideal color palette. I was loving all the green!

I was especially into the green wall color below. I wish I knew that specific paint color because it was gorgeous in person! The dog lamp was also a notable favorite, with the stunning silk shade…

The pattern play this market felt pretty traditional and timeless- there were lots of ticking stripes, bold stripes, toile, and floral patterns to be seen.

I also noted some animal prints! I really loved this antique looking chair below, with the clawfeet and lion head arms. Isn’t that cool? There was some very well done wood, heirloom quality furniture.

There was an abundance of burl, tiger oak, flame mahogany, and wood grains that really added warmth, pattern, and stole the show. It was fun having Emmett along at this market (his first), because as a builder and cabinet maker, he was very impressed with the furniture craftsmanship and was able to point out building details I never would’ve known.

There were SO many greek key patterns to be found! Decorative trim, in general, is making a big comeback and I’m totally here for it. I loved seeing the greek key application pillows, sofas, wood furniture, bedding, and decor. I’m telling you- it’s timeless. Remember this recent post?

Textural wall coverings felt in line with what I’ve been seeing & sharing- grasscloth and subtle stripes will forever be my favorite. Ribbed details are still gaining traction, as well as cerused wood that adds a lovely pattern to furniture! I really liked the below dining table…

I also noted some beautiful leather in stunning color ways. I wished the chair pictured below would’ve been within my budget, because the casters would have made this lovely piece the perfect chair for my home office! Maybe someday.

We were also able to source gorgeous vessels, classic artwork, and shelf styling accessories for the shop! A few of these are headed to the shop soon… which one is your favorite?

Although I’m usually an “ask me anything and I’ll share the answer” type of gal, market sources are a bit different. I shared some snippets on IG stories on our flight home, and was met with lots of “where is that from?!” questions. Even if I were to share the source, these resources aren’t open to the public, so a link wouldn’t do any good since the sites and companies who sell these goods are password protected and available to licensed trade members only. This is also how tradespeople make their living. The best way to buy something you’ve seen a designer share from market this past week is to support that designer, architect, or shop owner, and ask them if they carry it and when it will be become available! Thanks for understanding. I felt it was worth explaining why sharing links won’t work in this particular situation, since I had so many source questions. If you’re curious what it’s like to work with an interior designer or industry professional, be sure to give this blog post a read!

As for us… we have SO many exciting new things coming to our shop– including plenty of vintage! Our new arrivals section is already filling up, and I’ve been putting in lots of hours photographing all the pretty new things (and holiday items). I’ll also spill a little secret to my blog reading friends- we’re going to launch a curated lighting section early next year, which has me incredibly excited (you know how I feel about good lighting). Anyway, it was a successful trip to High Point. I’m still trying to catch up on work, and am settling back into my routine after our fun adventure. Here’s to a productive and lovely week ahead! I hope you enjoy this little behind-the-scenes snippet. Hit me with any questions or thoughts you have in the comment section below!