We are just back from an exciting trip to the October furniture market in High Point, NC. These shows are held twice a year, in April and October. Buyers, interior designers, and members of the media descend on this town, which boasts 13,000,000 square feet of showroom space
in 180 different buildings!
Comfortable shoes and a good map are a must as showrooms are so spread out. As you can see, the entire downtown has been converted into showrooms and warehouses that are open to the trade.
The show is overwhelming and exhilarating at the same time. It is impossible to see it all, no matter how hard you try. Every manufacturer goes all out to showcase their merchandise and it is a delight to see. The challenge is to discern the trends and then cherry pick what is best for our customers.
One of the trends that I loved was the prevalence of the color blue, which we saw in every imaginable shade! I had been seeing this trend play out in magazines on the newsstand.
Veranda July-August 2012
Country Living July-August 2012
House Beautiful featured blue on the covers of the September 2012 and October 2012 issues.
In addition, the September issue of House Beautiful featured a color report based on a survey of more than 4000 people. Interior designers, readers, and industry professionals weighed in on their favorite colors.
Can you guess which color has captured America's heart?
Even Restoration Hardware, known for its totally neutral palette, has added a single color to its repertoire. The color?
You guessed it!
So, it was only natural that we would see so much blue at market. From upholstery to accessories, blue has clearly arrived!
Blue + Industrial. I want this light fixture with blue print panels!
Upholstery manufacturers showed blue in lots of ways.
Blue leather!
Blue leather in lots of fun shades!
Navy and turquoise are so gorgeous together!
Blue + Ikat + Animal print = Love! (More blue leather, too.)
Gorgeous!
If blue leather or fabric upholstery is too big a commitment, then consider adding throw pillows in your favorite shade of blue. Our slipcovered Klaussner sofa would be the ideal backdrop for these colorful pillows.
Case goods manufacturers were also surfing the blue wave. We ordered this gorgeous Chippendale cabinet in a soothing robin's egg blue. I can't wait to get this at the store!
Sometimes the blue was a calm backdrop on the walls, as you see here..
.
...and here.
Other times it was a pop of color in an otherwise neutral setting.
In case there was any uncertainty about the trend, this showroom had blue walls, blue upholstery, and blue accessories!
You can be sure that we ordered our fair share of blue, as well as every other color of the rainbow. Our first market order just arrived and shipments will be coming in regularly. Make plans to stop by soon and get the blues at WFO!
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