I've already been in High Point a lot this year (nice to live so close to the furniture capital of the world), but this week was the really big show--the International Furniture Market--where the whole world shows up, so back I went with some fun design buddies in tow.

We saw a whole lotta stuff.  Weird, funny, boring, questionable and fabulous stuff.  I go mainly to train my eyes on what's about to appear in the stores, to enjoy all the display artistry and to people-watch.

Animal themes were everywhere.  I saw these french bulldogs early in the day.  Gosh they are so cute.

It's a long day with a great deal of walking.  I "test" as many sofas as possible!

From what I saw in many showrooms, glass tops are coming back strong on coffee and end tables.  Very pretty and visually lighter than all the reclaimed wood tops of the last couple of years.  But I still love tops that can take more abuse than glass--like the hammered zinc in the above photo.

Here's a close-up.  Looks like jewelry to me.  I love it and might order exactly this one for my Living Room.

This is called a "live edge."  It's a natural, polished finishing touch to a wood top. Saw it in many showrooms.  Nice, nice, nice.

This wine rack is a clean look and saves space!

Here's the short version.  Is that enough wine for you?

I saw quite a bit of this kind of "art."  Quotes across canvas, painted on barnboard, cut out of metal.

This door mat is a great example of how a very small thing can add personality to your home.  I'd be smiling before I even knocked on the door!

The color blue was everywhere.  Not teal this time--cobalt, sky, denim, indigo.  BLUE.  Very nice to see.

For the 2nd Market in a row, Bassett Mirror Company gets my vote for best showroom design.  Their use of wall paper, bright colors and sparkling mirrors always feels so good!

Oh, the crafty girl inside of me loved this laser cut paper screen!  A very affordable way to get a unique look.

These lanterns are made of paper and have lights inside.  The rep said they could go on a screened porch (of course they could!), but I could tell the thought made him nervous.  I'll have to invite him over to mine.  These are very substantial and just gorgeous.

Guildmaster makes this lovely bed.  It combines a couple of trends nicely, creating a look that will last.

A couple of chests and artwork, from Guildmaster.

This chair was a great find.  Many clients have the TV over the fireplace (a curse, if you ask me).  They are always looking up to watch, which isn't the most comfortable position.  When you sit in this chair, that position is fully supported!  The back is high enough to rest your head comfortably AND it rocks.  I can't remember if it swivels, but it might.  Great leather chair!

Towards the end of the day it was time to test out some more sofas!  Here we are, the 3 tired decorating amigos at Joybird.  I love mid-century design, don't you?

I've got more, but have got to end this post.    It was a great day.  Now I need to incorporate all the new ideas I saw into projects, which is the best part of going to Market!

Ciao,

Anne