Update on the High Point Furniture Market - October 2008

Fall Furniture Market - October 2008.
We just back from the High Point Fall Furniture Market, and by we, I mean my darling Mother and I. She has accompanied me to the last two markets and is such fun to have along. I attribute any talent that I have to her. She is great to engage in assessing and evaluating the things that we see during our time together. We agreed that each trip expands our view of all that is available with regard to product. We also enjoyed two educational seminars offer this time and found both to be well worth the time!
Now for the fun part; let's look at the market trends and directions for Fall/Winter 2008. Black and white is still strong with bold graphics and paired with apple green or traditional red. The acid yellow popular at the Spring market has softened into a yummy butter color and when paired with pewter gray becomes one of the signature color combo's of the show. Aubergine is popular and we saw it paired with leaf green for a regal yet oddly soothing color story. Metallics are still strong in accent pieces and accessories. Sliver tones, whether weathered or polished bright, are leading the way in popularity. Gold colored metallics are making a come-back, but slowly and mostly in traditional applications. Lacquer finishes on furniture and accessories is a hot new trend that has gained momentum since the Spring market. These bright finishes were popular in the Spring in mostly black and white. This market we saw bright reds, hot pinks, purple and various other brilliant colors. This trend is hot and I predict that it is just getting started.
Layering like we see in fashion apparel is popular in home furnishings as well. Throws, pillows, layered artwork, window with multiple treatments are all part of this trend. It is particularly appropriate for the cooler seasons as it creates a cozy and warm look.
The whole movement for green design is just getting warmed up. We have a very long way to go but the fact that we are seeing the birth of a new movement toward using sustainable and renewable resources is very encouraging. Many of the companies that I shopped are participating in this move by recycling, using renewable resources, and asking their vendors to do the same. Two websites that will provide information on this subject are http://www.oecotextiles.com/ and http://www.sustainablefurnishingscouncil.org/. As you make purchases, please consider asking about whether or not the products you are considering are being manufactured with a sensitivity toward our environment. The more we request environmentally friendly products, the more options we will have.