ORC Fall 2024 Week 5 | High Point Haunting

Hello there!! It is week 5 of the One Room Challenge, and while many of the other participants (check them out here-) are knee deep in their projects...literally, I have been dragging my feet a little. Well actually a lot, since I visited the much-anticipated biannual furnishings trade show here in High Point, North Carolina! I actually clocked in close to 7 miles in a day of perusing the various showrooms and keeping up with pre-planned engagements to discover what's new in the latest home fashion trends and what I can curate and procure in one months' time!! It can be definitely overwhelming for the novice, but after having invested many years in knowing my way around over 1 million square feet of show space, I certainly have a obtained a few of my favorite ones to investigate. I also have developed some great relationships throughout the years, some whom I missed, because unfortunately they were not in attendance this Fall. But the Spring show will be here again before you know it! 

There were some new and exciting showroom exhibits this year, which I'll showcase, but was not able to take most in because of time restraints. I was excited to be able to attend an educational event that I think would be beneficial as an interior designer, that highlights what's trending here in the U.S. and abroad! Finally, I visited a new source for a paint application for my fireplace, close to home.

The Sofa

Like in any great designed Living/Great Room, the sofa is the main event!! While not always the 'focal' point of such a space, it definitely anchors the room and should always be comfortable enough for living and entertaining. Also take into consideration how much seating is anticipated for the space. My present, low profile modular, leather sectional suited my space very well. With active children and pets, it endured it all. I sought Natuzzi Italian furniture out over 20 years ago, after having designed many spaces that included their fine line of leather products, in the past when I worked for retail furnishing showrooms in California.

Today...comfort is still high on my list, but as an empty-nester (not a big fan of the term though) I aim to fill my space with a cozier fabric, durable, and perhaps with some motion features. I also have designed many spaces that utilized these features as well.  I am also loving the feel and looks of the newer texture weave fabric and checked out a few swatches in some lighter tones of beiges, greys, and greens!

I visited the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, over the summer on vacation, (a blog for another time!) and admired how that part of the world lives and incorporates 'Hygge' as a lifestyle in their homes. Shopping was a treat for me as well, and I picked up some inspiration that I want to add to my current home's renovation for sure!

Here's a few from High Point Market that caught my eye, plus I was able to "sit-test" quite a few as well!

While none of these were motion pieces, my husband and I are still sorting it out, over what will work for our space if any. We would at the least like a moveable headrest so as to be able to watch the screen or relax.

In addition, we are of the shorter human species and would like room to curl up but also rest our feet on the ground so as not to dangle! There are so-so many factors to consider when outfitting your home with just the right sofa. Make sure to reach out to me for my services in this specialty. I have outfitted thousands of different models in an array of various fabrics for all kinds of people!! And while I absolutely love to explore all the options I can by no means rush this part of the process, which is why I still haven't found just the right "one"! Another reason this might be a lengthy process, is because I will most likely need to custom build one, which could take a few months...yikes!! Well, that is kind of the norm from the manufacturers these days. Also shipping imports take some time as well, if ordering from overseas.

With only 3 weeks away to the "Reveal" of this One Room Challenge, I just might have to accept the fact that I will not finish as planned! But I will try to complete as many installs as I can, so there should be some WOW! factors coming soon--

Decor and more...

Another treat to shopping the High Point Market is some of the more artistic handicrafts on display, and this year there was a new installation exhibited on a new floor of the Market Square. Originally, Tomlinson chair manufacturer operated their business there, and now it is housed with many of the famous fabric, furnishing, and decor distributors.  Finally, NC's very own Seagrove Potters are represented there so this was fun to see along with many, many more!

Trends!

One of the educational events I was able to slip in at HPMKT was given by the acclaimed Trend Ambassador, Patti Carpenter. It was such an inspiring seminar, and it got me to thinking how it could aid in the refresh of my home and make it more current. I also serendipitously ran into Patti at a lunch hosted by the showroom Caracole and enjoyed meeting and talking with her there as well! These first two photos are from her exhibit display at the International Home Furnishing Center.

Take a look:

Lots of organic shapes and materials are on the rise as well as sustainable products and processes along with lots of repurposed and reconditioned materials all contributing to a world of circularity. I am always on the lookout for what's new and what is old again. Let's discuss this more at length sometime!

On a Side Note...

I visited a new paint and surface showroom locally, that housed Farrow and Ball, and I learned of a paint shade highly sought out! And you guessed it, it was from the grey family :)) I think this will highlight my fireplace surround and bring some grounding to my Great Room. If only I could raise my magic wand to apply! Let's just wait and see...

...from the light of my home to yours,

* Deb *