We recently returned from a trip to High Point Market, which is the world’s largest home industry trade show. Always staying on top of what’s hot in interior design for our clients, we especially love attending this show because it is THE place to go to get an in-person look at the latest trends. There is literally 10 million square feet of space covered with decor pieces from around 2,000 vendors! We definitely got our daily steps in (plus some) searching for fabulous finds for our projects. Curiously, the trends we discovered as we strolled from showroom to showroom, and vignette to vignette, underscored the larger overarching trend we’ve seen evolving since the pandemic: transforming homes into sanctuaries.
Up until a few years ago, a designer would introduce their look into a client’s home. But after spending so much time cocooning over the last couple of years, people are realizing that they want their homes to be a place of refuge, where they can relax and unwind surrounded by carefully curated items that have meaning, make them happy, and represent who they are.
While this concept became popular during the pandemic, the tumultuous times in which we are currently living have us craving comfort even more now. We want to escape the stressors of daily life – and even the hustle and bustle of travel – within our own homes. At The Red Shutters, we feel the home should be a space to maintain a sense of mental health through design that provides positive emotional energy. While this may be a new overarching trend, it has long been the foundation of our principal designer Marina Case.
“I strongly believe your home should tell your story, not that of the designer,” says Marina. “I always want my client’s homes to reflect their passion, style, and lifestyle. My designs are about what matters most to you, so you feel cozy, comfortable, and enveloped in your home the minute you walk through the door. I believe your home’s design plays a role in your mental health, which is a topic near and dear to my heart as my mother suffered with mental health issues.”
The Hot Products and Trends at High Point
Here are some of the trends and products from the High Point Market that we think can help homeowners tell their stories.
Changeable Art Displays
Nothing is more personal for your home’s design than art. It expresses who you are and what you love. One way we like to create personal art for our clients is by transforming children’s drawings into modern pieces of art on a large canvas. Such pieces truly tell a client’s story. These changeable art displays from Wexel Art are another great way to showcase your favorite drawings, photos, and even music collection – and change them on a whim! You can swap out the art without taking the frames off the wall.
Murals
Traditionally, murals were commissioned, custom-designed as either wallpaper or directly painted onto a wall, which can be quite costly. Now, you can find fabulous pre-created murals, which are a more affordable way to tell your story. I like to use landscapes that represent where the homeowner currently lives or their cultural history.
Recliners
There’s nothing like a recliner to create a cozy space to relax and unwind – but you don’t want this piece of furniture to detract from the overall feel of the space. Luckily, manufacturers have taken note and developed reclining chairs that are equal parts comfy and stylish. Whether you lean modern or traditional, mid-century or transitional, there are recliners that will fit your style – and the available options will blow your mind.
Vinyl Floor Cloths
These floor coverings are a fabulous alternative to traditional rugs. Vinyl floor cloths are soft under foot, moppable, and most importantly, stylish. They add a warm layer in a space, while protecting wood flooring. Plus they are easy to maintain – just wipe up spills. We love all the patterns and colors available from Spicher and Company, which is a division of the Williamsburg Brand.
Game Tables
Spending time at home should not just be relaxing, but also fun. Lots of game tables popped up at market, from poker and ping pong tables to shuffleboard and pool tables. There are so many stylish ways to create areas for entertaining or spending quality family time.
Color
Known for our use of bold pops of color, we were thrilled to see that happy hues are in and blah beige everything is out. Whether it is in art, textiles, accessories, or furniture pieces, people are realizing that they want color in their life. But, there is an art to balancing the bold. A designer can help create the right balance for the room.
Natural Elements
While color is hot, so is incorporating more neutral, natural elements. There is something so calming about bringing the outdoors in; it just grounds you. Organic items evoke a feeling of calm within a space – something everyone could use during these times.
American Products
While we love global influence, we also have such strong ties to our country’s history – hence our #historywithstyle hashtag and enduring relationship with the Williamsburg Brand. We heavily source American products and have recently formed relationships with impeccable cabinet shaker makers. The craftsmanship and simplicity of the shaker style make it a fabulous addition to any decor.
Ready to Get Started Transforming Your Space?
There are so many ways in addition to pattern to breathe fresh life into a home. View my Portfolio to see more examples of my interior design projects and follow us on Instagram for more interior design inspiration.
