Guest Blog By Lauren Clement, Lauren Nicole Designs
We came, we saw, we snapped photos—all for you!
High Point Market, the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, brings more than 75,000 people to High Point, North Carolina every six months. As an interior designer, I think High Point is better than Christmas. I get to scout out all the new collections, meet with my favorite brands, and curate the best of the best furnishings and accessories for my clients.
With 11.5 million square feet of showspace, my team and I had to be strategic in planning our schedules. We mapped out our journey and off we went. Throughout the days exploring the showrooms, we saw three standout trends you need to know when planning your next room makeover! Hint: they were blue, clear, and patterned all over!
1. Blue (Da ba Dee Da Ba Die)
It’s no secret I love using cool tones in my designs. So let me tell you, we hit the jackpot at High Point. We saw accent chairs, credenzas, artwork, and benches all in this fabulous hue. More specifically, shades of deep teal were everywhere. Sherwin Williams has even named their 2018 Color of the Year “Oceanside,” a collision of rich blue with jewel-toned green. This coming year, we’ll definitely be seeing blue—from furniture to accent pieces, it’s one of my favorite ways to brighten up any space.
2. Clearly It’s Popular (*pun intended)
Our second scoop we have to share for you is all about lucite. This acrylic-based material is most often seen used as a small accent in accessories and cased goods. Ladies and gents, for 2018 it’s all about using lucite in BIG ways. We spotted barstools, lighting, benches, side tables, mirrors, and even furniture that incorporated lucite in new and creative ways. One of my favorite brands, Gabby Decor, showed some really fun pieces, like the chair I’m sitting in here.
3. Into the Wild
While one might argue that animal print is a “neutral” and never goes out of style, we’re here to tell you that these exotic prints are hotter than ever. What’s new and fresh about animal prints? We discovered it’s all in how you use it. We spotted the wild trend on the back of a desk chair, wrapped over throw pillows, in small accessories, and an accent chair. Clients who love animal prints love to take risks with design, so we’re on board for this fun way to incorporate a bold statement in any space.
