In this post are my 3 major reasons for attending and the highlights from one of my most fabulous High Point N.C. Market trip I have ever attended. 

There is no other market that I know of that can boast the million plus square feet of showroom space that is found in the charming town of High Point, North Carolina. Twice a year in April and October over 80,000 buyers, designers, manufacturers, press, and those connected with the furniture, accessory, and lighting industry converge for this market. To say this town explodes with excitement is truly an understatement. I used to attend market to just source products for my clients. Over the last 5 years or so, that is only one third of the reason why I make sure to travel to this market. Of course the first reason is:

The Latest Showroom Products

Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior designing that I believe is often overlooked in adding drama, style, safety, and of course, llumination. This wall sconce and lamp below from the John Richards showroom is a perfect example of how lighting can add so much to your spaces.

This lovely hydrangea in a gorgeous cache pot, again from the John Richard showroom had me fooled that it wasn’t real. What a beautiful statement this would make on any table or entry piece.

Since I am always looking for ways to add lighting to spaces, why not also add color along with lighting? The Natural Light Co. is known for its beautiful lamps and in addition is becoming known for its wonderful art offerings that the doggies below show.

Not every furniture manufacturer could pull off doing this lovely bench seat sofa with length but it is no problem for Century Furniture. Notice the pillows in shades of coral, blush, and melon that were seen everywhere at market. This understated classic rug also repeats these colors like a whisper instead of a shout so perfect in this setting.

How fun is this ottoman from V also sporting the color seen everywhere. This piece can do more than provide style and whimsey. Extra seating is always needed as is adding safety to your rooms . (See my next weekend post for how and why)

Here are the Dunes and Dutchess themselves who are admired and loved by everyone. As you look at their classic pieces, you will certainly see why.

Talk about showstoppers! This stunning room by Shayla Copas in the Alden Parkes showroom did this very thing to me. I just had to “sit a spell” and appreciate Shayla’s talent on combing these wallpapers, fabrics, patterns, and design elements for one of the most popular settings at market. Notice the shades of coral with the greens. Again, prevalent combo seen this market.

As I strolled through Market Square, I had the pleasure to meet and chat with the uber talented Dana Gibson. How could one not be taken in by the cheerful freshness of her collection. Adding one or two of these pieces to a neutral space could do wonders!

Here I am with the Hudson Valley Lighting Mitzi line!

This classic credenza from the new showroom for Woodbridge Furniture of course caught my eye because I love the blue finish! But besides the finish, as smaller footprint spaces are coming on strong, we all need these pieces for storage and multifuntional furniture.

It was just a matter of time that furniture would be adding USB ports to what we sit in since this is where tons of laptop or mobile devices happen. This cool chair in one of many from the Fairfield Chair Co.

Multipurpose reigns again in this charming piece from Wildwood Collection. I could think of many areas that could benefit from placing this piece to add not only wonderful style but purpose as well. That is Design SMARTS!

Again from Wildwood in the market color of spring.

Since pets are over a 10 billion dollar a year industry, why not have doggies on fabric coverings for furnitue like CR Laine did?

Please watch for the second and third reasons I attend market on my post this Wednesday. I hope these images have inspired you to think happy thoughts as you bring your spaces out of their winter look into the renewing lovliness of spring.

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Living and Loving Life Together,

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