Fall Interior Design Industry Report

High Point Market is a wrap for 2020, and we have to say: the city and Market Authority did a fantastic job during these strange and unusual times! 

Visitors were required to undergo daily health screenings before entering showrooms, and the grounds were set up for social distancing. Many showrooms operated by appointment only, while larger showrooms were able to allow some walk-ins. The Market also provided masks, personal bottles of hand sanitizer, and sanitizing stations throughout the facilities, and an army of staff kept things spotless. 

We missed catching up with fellow designers over meals and parties, but the safety precautions were much appreciated by attendees and High Point residents. We also appreciated the meal vouchers that we used at local food trucks! 

We noticed a lot of collaborations, which we thought was an appropriate theme for this special edition of the DSA newsletter.  Even though COVID is keeping many of us apart, designers are still finding ways to team up, inspire one another, and bring new lines to life. We hope you enjoy the photos, observations, and interviews and look forward to returning to High Point in the spring. 

Natasha Lima-Younts 

President

Loyalty Ambassador

Designer Society of America

Beware curves ahead. Many showrooms boasted furniture featuring curved lines, luxurious fabrics, and delicate fabrics. Two looks we loved: duo-chromatic lamps at Noir and a sexy curved sofa from Diamond Sofa.

No one does it like Ralph Lauren. The butter-soft leather, wood, and metallic accents in his equestrian collection are definitely swoon-worthy. 

When it comes to color, think small-scale. Add a bright print or pattern in the form of pillows, chairs, or drapery instead of a larger piece that may become outdated. Carson Chair Thibaut Furniture

Creativity Meets Manufacturing Capability: 

One of our favorite showrooms in High Point is Theodore Alexander. Founded in 1996 by Paul Maitland Smith, this luxury brand's retailer network spans far and wide, and their manufacturing capabilities are exceptional. 

The brand partners with several designers, but one that caught our eye was Alexa Hampton's new 60-piece collection. 

Hampton, who is the daughter of legendary Mark Hampton, began her design career at an early age answering the phone, returning samples, and doing grunt work at her father's company. She eventually worked her way up to the junior and senior designer, then took the reins of the firm after her father's death in 1986. 

The partnership between Alexa Hampton and Theodore Alexander makes perfect sense. TA works with esteemed artisans and master crafters to produce one-of-a-kind designs that are rich in complexity and detail. They allow their designer's space to create pieces that give distinction to their client's spaces, and their unique manufacturing capabilities attract some of the world's most influential designers. 

We spoke with Hampton via telephone at her Hamptons home—where she was quarantining after Market's close—to learn more about the collaboration. 

Designer Society of America: How did the collaboration between you and Theodore Alexander come to be? 

Visit the Currey & Company Virtual Showroom

The collaborations in the Currey & Company showroom were almost too many to count!

If you've ever been to their High Point showroom, you know that Currey & Company is known for their Southern hospitality and friendly reps. Though COVID put a damper on the traditional breakfast and jovial showroom gatherings, the company's high hospitality bar lives on. Special shout out to Brownlee, who showed us around and told us about some of the products on the showroom floor (we especially loved the pieces made from oyster shells and recycled glass). 

Currey & Company creates timeless furnishings; many are inspired by the beauty of nature and legacies past. Their work reflects a commitment to meaningful design and often incorporates historical details and natural materials. They strive to be a company that is easy to do business with, invest in inventory so that orders deliver on time, and real people answer the phone (and your questions!) when you call. They also have an up-to-date website with a current catalog. Currey & Company has permanent showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, New York, and High Point.

Visit the Currey & Company VIRTUAL SHOWROOM

Walking around the Chaddock showroom, something stood out: an open expanse with a central display of plain white chairs smack dab in the middle of the showroom. On the wall, paint colors and finishes illustrated how several types of chairs could be customized. Surrounding the space were entrances to additional showrooms where colorful and traditional collections provided an inviting juxtaposition to the crisp, white space.

But chairs are only the beginning of Chaddock's customizing capabilities. Known for storytelling and American craftsmanship, the brand is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the furniture design and manufacturing industry. Their expansive collection of furniture includes Chaddock branded designs, plus exclusive partnerships with renowned designers Mark D. Sikes, Larry Laslo, Mary McDonald and David Easton.

Nearly 90 percent of Chaddock furniture is made in Morganton, North Carolina. Most case goods may be personalized in over 70 wood and paint finishes, and upholstery is hand-tailored in hundreds of fabrics and trims, plus COM/COL. Designers are also invited to change dimensions, specifications, hardware and finishes to create truly unique designs. Chaddock lead times are among the best in the industry: 4-7 weeks for standard wood and upholstery, and 10-12 weeks for custom.