Highpoint Market Highlights: Observations for Spring 2023 and Beyond

Twice a year, designers flock to Highpoint Market in Highpoint, NC (aka the furniture capital of the world) to see the latest in design–from furniture to fabrics, prints to paint colors. Designer Philippa Radon noted some of her favorite finds and key insights into what we'll be seeing in color and design in the coming year.

Moroccan Influence

Though usually seen with bold color and bohemian styles, we are now seeing Moroccan designs integrated into more traditional sensibility to add an earthy, worldly element. It will be especially prevalent with rugs, tribal-style prints (with more Spanish flair than African), on furniture, and in the home accents market with the expanded use of zellige tile on table tops & counters - not just walls and hand-painted earthen dishware.

Tiramisu and Texture

Our C2 Color of 2023 is a classic earthy color that's here to stay. View the Color of the Year Collection here.  

Muted Color Palettes

 Image via LUXE Interior & Design/ South + English

Dusty, muted palettes dominated the show like pale dirty pinks that leaned toward lavender, and muddied greens were present in all their glory, with the popular hue being a "dirty chartreuse" reminiscent of a saturated pea soup. While perhaps not the most appetizing color on its own, it comes to life in fabrics and on furniture, especially when paired with soft coral pink, blue-grey, cream, ebony, and bone.

Mixed Design Styles

Image via Decorilla

Instead of seeing a dominant style of decor (like the Nordic/Japandi minimalism or cozy Cottagecore of years past), we are witnessing an eclectic, layered mix of them all, resulting in a decor style that feels more personal. Vintage styles are being thrown into the mix through old metalwork and reclaimed painted wood, so the upcycling trend is still going strong–and likely here to stay. Furniture, in particular, is being accented with wood and metal frames, presenting looks that range from industrial chic to modern and sleek with an Art Deco vibe.

Painted Furniture  

Cerused wood, bleached wood antiques are keeping in step with the upcycling/vintage theme as well as the use of wallpaper on furniture. Antiques are no longer dismissed as dated and cumbersome but are reemerging as reinvented key furniture pieces for a room; this is reflected from the high-end showrooms like the Swedish furniture line Lief down to bottom-line furniture price points like Fifty West.

Slip Covers 

Your favorite 90s Rachel Ashwell decor, "shabby chic," is back but with more polish and detail. Slipcovers in solid colors and primitive block prints are popular for relaxed, easy living and are perfect for pet lovers.

Boucle

We've seen it emerge in the past few years, but it's still very popular in many colors, especially soft whites, oatmeal, emerald/jade green, teal, and paprika – a core color palette to look for in 2024. 

Pippa's Favorite Showrooms

Ambella, BlueOceanTrading, Lee Furniture, Boho Intriguing Objects, Schwung Designs (wow!) Trica, FiftyWest (quality pieces at a great bargain)!