Last week was my blogiversary and this week, just returning from the Spring 2016 High Point Market is
my business ANNIVERSARY!
TWENTY YEARS!!!
Alright, technically, it’s next month, but the first time I went to the High Point Market was in the Spring of 1996. When I returned, I was so pumped that I gave my notice to the woman I had been working for and left a few weeks later.
After that trip, I never went back to the market. I started going to the New York Gift-(Now-Crap-Show) and actually, back about 15 years ago, it was pretty good. Then, I joined a buying group where I learned about a lot of different sources. With that and some other local sources, I had enough to run my business.
After several years, I realized by chance that I didn’t need the buying group for a lot of my purchases. I was paying a middleman for nothing. And that’s one reason why I wrote Laurel’s Rolodex.
People would sometimes ask me how I could do my business without going to High Point.
Pretty durned well, actually. Most of the time.
But, even if you see the furniture in person, there is no way that one can remember everything.
One can’t see everything either. It would take months to see everything, but the show is only 5 days.
If you’ve never been there, it is very difficult to discuss just how big the show is.
Alright, I just looked it up.
with over 10 million square feet by roughly 2000 exhibitors throughout about 180 buildings.
That’s how big it is and some of the buildings are HUGE!
A map of the downtown area where EVERYTHING is furniture. When the show is not in session, it’s a virtual ghost town!
Last fall I was selected to go on the Design Bloggers Tour and this spring was extraordinarily lucky to be selected to go on the inaugural Elevate Design Tour created by Adorno Mag.
There were about 15 of us but it varied from Day to Day. I am still not sure why they chose me. Maybe they felt sorry for me? lol But I was amongst interior design royalty.
The most extraordinary experience occurred at the Gala sponsored by Universal To The Trade.
Somehow I was asked to sit at a table with not one but FIVE Icons of Interior Design and Home Furnishings.
From left to right seated. Suzanne Kasler, Eric Cohler, Celerie Kemble.
Sorry, lame but I forgot the name of the lovely woman who’s getting her dress written on by everyone to protest of the HB2 Legislation in North Carolina. (I signed on the hem in the back)
*NOTE: April 25th – Sandy Hughes, a partner at Steelyard Access came to my rescue and identified the lovely woman as Jane Dagmi Editor-in-Chief at Steelyard Access
And then to my left was Christopher Kennedy and to my right the adorable and sickly talented Susan Hable.
Someone pinch me! And everyone was soooo nice too! I really did feel like Cinderella at the ball!
I think I can explain how I ended up at that table.
The next night, I met up with my peeps from the design blogger’s conference at their cocktail party. I met a lovely woman who follows my blog. Apparently, we have lead parallel lives.
And that is why we go to High Point. It’s for the camaraderie and connections more than anything else. At least it is for me.
Sure, it’s fun to see all of the beautiful things in real life too.
I know that lots of people talk about the latest and greatest TRENDS AT HIGH POINT.
Of course, there are always some new things, but it really doesn’t change a lot from year to year. It’s still flowers and color and ethnicity, but still, I saw some way cool things that I want to share with you.
When I started looking at the photos I had taken, I didn’t realize how many there are!
A lot!
To start with, I thought it would be fun to share with you something that a lot of people don’t know about.
[tweet_box design=”default”]High Point is not only the place for what’s new and trending, but for what’s old and exquisite. [/tweet_box]
ANTIQUES baby and some of the best you will find anywhere and at really great prices too!
One of our first stops on the Elevate Design Tour was at Randall Tysinger Antiques, where we were greeted with snacks and champagne. Ahhh… life is so rough. ;]
photo via: Elevate Design Tour on Instagram
Here we are. And that’s Mr. Tysinger in the yellow scarf. The guy behind me is Greg Natale who came all the way from Australia!
The theme of this antique emporium is BIG. As in CASTLE-kind-of-big-and-how-the-hell-did-they-get-some-of-these-ginormous-pieces-in-there?
With a crane, I was told. I suppose if you buy one of these Goliaths, they’ll supply the crane?
Some really gorge stuff.
Wonderful looooooooong Bench. Please don’t ask me what style it is. I forgot to look. Anyone know?
Beautiful French bookcases. Love the Teal!
Some old art, artfully displayed.
***
Next we headed to the High Point Antique and Design Center.
Yes, the High Point Market has a huge antique center which is housed in the historic market square complex. (complex is the word, if you’re trying to find your way around there!)
photo via: Elevate Design Tour on Instagram
We were treated to a wonderful tour by the charming and super talented Justin Shaulis who made everything at the Antique Center come to life. Next to him is the Antiques Diva herself, Toma Clark Haines. Toma is going to be one of our guides when I go to Italy on FRIDAY!
I just snapped away because each booth was more gorgeous than the one before!
Loved the booth of Box Road Antiques
This is the stuff they sell at places like ABC. Only this is wholesale for designers. Sweet.
Peridot Antiques from Savannah Georgia
I wanted to drink those yummy warm, coral-y red walls they were so delicious. The owner said the color is Benjamin Moore Fiesta Orange. But I’m not sure. Fiesta Orange is really bright and a lot more orange than this. Well, anyway, really cool display.
Above and Below – Davon’s Antiques
That is a real Dorothy Draper chest of course. Can I tell you how much I LOVE everything here!
Carol Pollard put together an exquisitely sophisticated, beautifully curated booth
Dang, I forgot to photograph who this belongs to. Yes, I wanted to take this Chinoiserie beauty home!
These Murano Glass Lamps are a showstopper in Nancy Price’s striking booth
Justin said that he had been coveting this enigmatic painting from The Dead Artist’s Gallery. Yes, that’s right. The Dead Artist’s Gallery. Is that Venice?
Tapestry above and vignette below by French Touch Antiques
 ***
Well, this is just a sampling of some of the old trends at the High Point Furniture Market.
Special shout out and endless thanks to Sara Ledterman and her hard-working team from Adorno Mag who put this whole thing together.
Stay tuned and see how many of the new “trends” mimic the old ones. That is what I live for!
xo,
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29 Responses
Sounds like a great trip, Laurel. You were hobnobbing (sp?) with the famous of our industry! What a wonderful opportunity. Beautiful images.
Hi Carla,
It really was. I felt like Cinderella at the ball. I even lost a “slipper.” Well, not exactly a slipper. But my ONLY pair of comfortable shoes. (it must’ve happened when I changed into my uncomfortable but pretty shoes. ) BTW 95% of all shoes, no matter what are uncomfortable for me. Two people lent me theirs. Then, I went to Payless to buy a pair that were comfortable but half a size to big!
Just want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog posts Laurel!! I’m catching up and read three tonight. Besides being amusing they are so informative…thank you!!! I’m a home stager and after reading that post I couldn’t agree more…lol!! I hope to get your Rolodex soon. Roberta 🙂
Hi Roberta,
Thank you so much. I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts. I’m working on a paint collection and have a chapter on the best colors for home staging. A few of them might raise an eyebrow or two. But I stuck to the old standbys largely. I just have three at the end that are darker neutral colors. I don’t see anything wrong with doing a handsome color like that in a library or den. But of course, it totally depends on the home. Style, Location…
Laurel,
Such a fun fun fun report! I can feel your happiness at being at High Point in your writing. Happy for you and for all your awards that you have received this year so far!!! I am really looking forward to all the cool pictures you post and the the coordinating information.
I noted in the news this week that the Obama’s were visiting Prince William, and his lovely wife Kate, in their Kensington Palace apartment and it showed the beautiful traditional drawing room where there were entertaining. Do you think this will cause a rapid switch from modern design seen now to a more traditional or eclectic design? Would love your opinion on that please.
Also I have been going throught your posts and blog information looking for the Farrow & Ball paint colors that you coordinated with the Benjamin Moore Paint Deck. I seem not to be able to find it…..can you direct me please?
Enjoy Italy. I am truly jealous because of your energy to go there and really appreciate it! Ciao!
Thanks for all you do and the info you so freely provide.
Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for your sweet note. If you ever want to find something, there’s a search box in the blog sidebar and it really works. You have to scroll down a bit to find it. But this is the link for the post. https://laurelberninteriors.com/benjamin-moore-paint-colors-matched-to-farrow-and-ball-2015/
As for if there will be a return to more traditional/eclectic design. Well… it’s still here! But I know what you mean. Sometimes it feels like everything is either gray or practically dayglow colors.
But I for one would love to see more in the way of classic designs. However, it’s a slow mover. The reality is that trends in the furniture market do NOT shift quickly.
I am heartened to see however, that wonderful designers like Suzanne Kasler and Celerie Kemble are designing furniture that’s human scale and doesn’t look like a hippopotamus just landed in the living room!
As for energy to go away. Believe me, it’s not always there, but I’ve discovered that getting more rest helps. And with that, I best get me off to beddy bye.
I’ve spent years being jealous of other people going here and there… One step at a time.
The shifts in life don’t happen that fast either. But for me, it’s the motion forward, not the speed that matters.
Fortunately, I’ve had some strong tailwinds recently. xoxo
Laurel:
I’m late checking in but WOW! What a great report! Thank you so much. Those of us in the provinces hang on your every post. I am so grateful.
Surprised to see in the background of the Tysinger photo, Michelle Nussbaumer, a wonderful designer based here in Dallas. I think she’s launching a fabric line soon if not already. Such fun.
And you deserved to be seated with all those high-flying design talents because you are also talented AND real And generous! So happy for all your success and so grateful you are taking us all along on the ride.
Can’t wait to hear about your trip to Italy.
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
You’re so sweet and yes, that’s Michelle and she is as nice as they come. I’m ashamed to say that I wasn’t familiar with her work, but holy crap, I checked it out and she’s the real deal. Just gorgeous–opulent but in a very classy way!
For a while, I really was living under a rock–raising my two high-maintenance boys and just trying to eke out a living. It’s so wonderful to finally be able to get out and be with people, do things and go to fascinating places. I’m just not quite used to it yet.
And this is funny, but even though I’m a 30 minute train ride into Manhattan, where I live feels like the provinces! It is surprisingly NOT sophisticated around here and there are folks in these parts with some serious bucks. $ and taste do not necessarily go hand-in-hand.
Happy Anniversary, Laurel! It was such a thrill to meet and chat with you in HP at the French Heritage Elevate event. I’m sure all of your readers who’ve met you agree that you’re every bit as charming in person as you are in the blog!
Just wanted to let you know that “the lady with the HB2 dress” in your first pic is my amazing colleague Jane Dagmi. She’s our editor-in-chief at SteelyardAccess and one of the most creative people you’ll ever meet!
Love all the gorgeous photos–thanks for a great post and the great blog!!
Oh thank you Sandy! I was hoping someone would come to my rescue! I will make the change. It was wonderful meeting you too! I had a terrific time in HP!
The antiques are my favorite part too Laurel. . One caveat though, in my personal experience shipping home can be costly! Best to get a quote before you buy!!
Xx,
Lynn
Thanks Lynn. Good to know. I learned my lesson when I had an armoire shipped from France. Don’t ask. I wish I had known Toma back then!
Happy anniversary Laurel! It was one happy day when I found your blog several months ago. I love your writing style and your gift for decorating.
So glad someone finally talked about all the great antiques at the High Point Market. Next time you go, you must visit Added Oomph, it is located 500 North Wrenn Street, they specialize in English and French Antiques. It is owned by an extraordinary women named Barbara Plott, who travels the world finding things for her shop. She is a terrific resource for designers, her prices are good and she has the most interesting things.
She has been showing antiques at High Point Market for 38 years and I believe she was the first antique dealer to ever show at market. You must meet her!
Laurel, I discovered your blog through a fellow designer in Wichita, Kansas, Mitzi Beech. I absolutely love it! Your writing talents are wonderful, down to earth and just plain FUN! Yes, we love interior design and all related things in the Midwest!
Would love to meet you…maybe at the next High Point market.
Happy, happy anniversary! How serendipitous that your Venice trip is in a few days. All the more reason to celebrate.
I love this antiques tour! Wonderful! Those Murano lamps! You’ll be near their mother-ship in a week. Take lots of photos. Have a wonderful time.
LOVE this blog post! Was that Lonni Paul on the tour as well? I met her shortly after her last episode on HGTV’s Design Star aired. She is such a gracious, lovely person. Styling booths for antique galleries is an art unto itself, and fun to look at. All my best, Julia
Hi Julia,
Indeed that is Lonni Paul who’s as you said, completely gracious, lovely and unassuming.
There are stylists and designers I know who do that as a sideline for some of the small not-antique furniture companies. One of my favorite booths is Dunes and Duchess whose line keeps growing and growing. But Stacy Kunstel, the owner, is a stylist and one of the best there is. I’ll be posting some pics later from there. They painted their walls navy and it made everything look amazing!
Oh my! Thank you for responding, Laurel!!! LOVE the story behind Dunes and Duchess – and their lighting! Looking forward to your next post…actually, ALL of them!
I think ‘alright’, is all right. Discuss.
No, pick me! I’m an editor but I would never comment to a blogger on a spelling or grammatical error any more than I’d tell someone at a party that their shoes are all wrong for their dress. Editors wait to be asked… although we may run roughshod over our own family at times.
The very informality of a blog invites the kind of positive comment I made. Bloggers generally welcome exchanges. The generally sophisticated tone and usage in Laurel’s writing makes such a usage stand out and draw attention from the substance of the remarks. I am a new fan of this blog, also an editor, and a professor of English, and I personally would welcome such comments. I would also feel free to take or reject them. Had there been a private way, I’d have chosen that.
May I call your attention to an often misspelled word that appears in your blog frequently?
There is no word “alright.”
It’s “all right.” Two words. Always.
Perhaps the usage stands out so to me because the blog is so generally sleek and well written.
Thank you for a classy blog.
The use and spelling ‘alright’ according to Merriam Webster is almost as old as ‘all right’ and it’s usage dates back to 1810. While many consider it wrong, it has its defenders and its users. It remains in common usage especially in informal writing and fictional dialogue. I think a blog qualifies for an informal setting. I conclude that Laurel’s use of alright is quite alright ( and all right ) in this setting !
Thanks Maggie. I misspell lots of words here, I’m sure. I frequently say “wanna” which clearly isn’t the Queen’s English. lol
Thanks Gaye. I learned it as “alright.” and my Draconian spellchecker must’ve learned it that way too. Would you like to be my editor? I could use one!
Laurel, I see from several comments below that such a comment strikes some as negative commentary. I neither saw nor intended it that way. I don’t read a lot of blogs, but I look forward to yours, often reread them. The usage struck my eye as out of sync with the generally high tone of your work. No matter what Merriam-Webster says in whatever edn, “all right” is preferred by publications such as yours. I would be delighted to be your editor any time you think you need one. Then I’d have the treat of reading your postings early. Pardon me, if I overstepped.
Hello Laurel,
Greg Natale interior dessign royalty here in Australia. To those of us who appreciate all things decor and design he is a household name. Such a talented man and in my dreams I could afford his services however I do have one of his gorgeous cushions. Love reading your blog Laurel.
Hi Alison,
And what a delightful, down-to-earth gentleman too! I had breakfast and lunch with him the first day.