Here at the department of words of JEI, we like to ensure that our readers are kept abreast of the latest products and trends in the interior design industry.  In keeping with that tenet, we would be remiss to neglect to report to you what is emerging at one of the most trend-setting events in the country. 

As they have put it, "The High Point Market is to home furnishings what New York's fashion week is to the world of fashion."  One of the most prolific and well attended furniture markets, High Point focuses on the best trends of today, as well as what we should expect, or rather eagerly anticipate, to come. 

So, we've summed up for you the hottest and neatest new ideas coming out of High Point, North Carolina- fresh from Market week last month.

The Current Cultus

Self soothing isn't just a contemporary psychiatry buzz word.  Interior Design has embraced this notion, as well, with comforting colors and textures, as well as space design and pieces that read warmth and nostalgia.  And this mood can be easily achieved with the right balance and mix.

You can even transition to a tranquil décor from a completely different look, as Julie accomplished here, taking a traditional guest bedroom and transforming it into a zen-inspired yoga and media room.

Our globe continues to become smaller, and, as a result, the influence of other cultures and traditions has made a stunning impact on interior design.  High Point featured various new looks borrowed from far and wide.  Some of our favorites include continental, tribal and Ming themes. 

This residence to office conversion entailed the addition of Indian design to a traditional historic home.

We've been saying it for a while, but we'll say it again now... bringing the outdoors in is way cool.  A décor that emphasizes elements from nature will not only nurture your inner child, it can also be aesthetically very appealing.  Our friends at Market like lattice, floral and butterfly patterns, as well as bird motifs, feathers and all (we already told you that, too).

Check out this fabulous feathered wall, with additional subtle outdoor accents.

If you have thought that your interior palette must be either colorful or neutral, we (and the folks in North Carolina) are here to tell you somethin' new.  As a matter of fact, using bright colors with an otherwise neutral scheme can create a sharp and sophisticated look with pleasing pop from the contrasting hues. 

Lines, shapes, curves, forms, contours, profiles.  Yes, all of these are really rad right now.  And, yes, I used a thesaurus.  But seriously, the geometry of furniture and accessories is groovier than ever.  It is now OK, no, encouraged, to deviate from traditional straight lines and symmetry.  And, a funky piece can be incorporated into an otherwise mellow theme with the right placement.

Here are two of High Point's featured pieces.

Future Frenzies

Who doesn't like a little bit of pattern here and there in the home?   But... and hold on to your hound's-tooth... you will see more and more combinations of patterns in the next year.  Designs that wouldn't seem to want to be placed together will emerge as a united front into the world of interior design.

In this home office, JEI used a different pattern in each the flooring, upholstery and window coverings.

 

It just has a je ne sais quoi.  New French design, that is.  Our last newsletter mentioned Hickory Chair's new line of French-infused furniture, and the team at market decided they love it, too.  A new twist to the French we've already been seeing seems to like even cleaner lines...

...and richer finishes.

Don't think for a moment that the art in your home need be restricted to your walls.  We have already seen functional pieces turn into art, but the future holds even more creative applications of artwork as furniture and accessories.

Check out this splendid art dresser by Modern History.

And, finally, glassy is classy.  More glass pieces than ever before are making their way into new design.  A beautiful piece made from glass can be elegant but sophisticated, soft but bold.

As seen here in a JEI dining room, a single piece of art glass can transform a room.

 

We even have a Hill Country vendor whom we adore, Wimberley Glassworks, that offers luminescent lighting and art glass, handblown by artisans there in their studio.

For additional information about any of the product or design in this article, please contact JEIDesign today!