Spring High Point Market: Highlights and Trends

April 15, 2019 Melissa Mathe

Spring High Point Market: Highlights and Trends

“Spring is a time for plans and projects.” ~ Leo Tolstoy

It’s Spring… and the time of year that Mathe Design visits the High Point Market in North Carolina, a bi-annual market where furniture and lighting manufacturers, show designers from all of the world what’s new and noteworthy. This event is always memorable and a whirlwind of excitement from top to bottom. Filled with appointments with local reps., visiting showrooms, seeing demonstrations, and hearing keynote panels it’s a sure thing that you leave full of inspiration and needing an Epsom salt foot soak. After seeing the latest and greatest we’ve collected some ideas on what we are seeing for trends this year.

Trend: Lucite

Lucite is everywhere! It’s very interesting how the focus of lucite seen on different applications has shifted this year. We noticed this at market on console panels, chair legs, bed rails and pulls. This look intensifies the appeal of a piece of furniture to be more eye catching, custom and luxurious.

Trend: Mixed Materials

Whether it’s mixed metals, natural materials or inlays… you name it a mix of materials was definitely noticed. This treatment creates a uniqueness that draws interest to something new and different to feast your eyes on.

Trend: Natural Materials and Wood

Natural Materials are really having their moment in Interior Decor… being used in new and inventive design applications taking them to the next level. Making a statement in so many areas of furnishings with lighting, chairs, tables, chaise lounges, beds, side tables, wall decor and more. We’re highlighting some new and different things that caught our attention to potentially weave into the Mathe Design classic contemporary style. Live edge wood tables and organic wood looks were also showing a presence with mirrors and table bases bringing added texture into a room design.

The natural material lighting became a whole new experience with different rattan, seagrass, cat tail and the hand woven techniques used. We learned about the added Eco-friendly lighting designs to be friendly to the environment and sourced in non-harmful ways. The fabrication involves a lower level of energy, it’s biodegradable and also non toxic. Generally speaking this material has a long life and is sustainable. We think these incredible designs are yet the best part of these materials.

We also noticed some unique ways that natural materials and wood were used in the design of furniture pieces. Such as woven benches, small round wood stacked vertically used to make side tables. You can see some of these creative examples below.

Trend: Jewel Tones

In every corner at market there were groupings of jewel tones popping up in oranges, blues, reds and purples on art, rugs, fabrics and pillows. A unique way we saw these jewel tones being used was in the use of colored mirrors. Imagine looking into your bathroom mirror as if you are the centerpiece of a finely cut emerald. Who is the fairest of them all, now? You.

And rugs are even more luxurious with these rich jewel tones. Allowing them to really ground a space bringing it to life.

Trend: Nesting Tables

A highlight to mention were unique nesting tables that are more of a horizontal format then the widely seen vertical grouping that can slide out creating a layering effect. These unique nesting tables are beautiful and have a sense of timelessness to them. They add flexibility and character to your living room.

Spring High Point Market is a definite highlight of the season for designers. We’re excited to share with you the new finds and exciting inspiration that Mathe Design spotted while trend watching there.

Cheers to Spring!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

How To Warm Up Your Space With Layering Texture

February 4, 2019 Melissa Mathe

How To Warm Up Your Space with Layering Texture

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus

While winter has settled in quite nicely and the frigid temperatures are chilling to the bone. The comforts of home call for a much needed cozy retreat. As the days are getting darker faster and after the holidays have ended…interior spaces can seem a bit barren and cold to the senses. The perfect time to warm up your spaces using layering and textures to fill in those empty spots and gather around the warm fire. In adding elements of woven texture, wood, leather, velvet and furry finds you can transform your interiors to settle in to with ambiance and comfort.

Creating those zones to curl-up in is essential to our desire in hibernating when the chilling temperatures are too hard to bear. The perfect time of year for hot cocoa and a great book covered up in a chunky textured throw blanket…ahhh! We’ve sourced some pillows and throw blankets with different patterns and feel. It’s hard to say no to a super soft faux fur blanket in the middle of winter.

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Mathe Design

Pine Cone Hill

Layering rugs is a sophisticated way of adding texture and softness on floors to ground defined spaces. This look is achieved with combining hand woven, hand knotted, sheep skin and cowhide rugs on top of each other. Which is just what the toes need to stay warm when walking on floors that seem icy cold.

On those days and nights when everyone is gathered around for a movie or game night… having soft surroundings to sit on makes the company want to stay a while.

Filling in corners with lanterns and ginger jars adds those special design touches to make a room not feel too empty. The fireplace takes center stage during cold months… having stylish functional accessories to hold firewood and blankets is key. The glow of candles especially helps to create an ambient glow at night to warm the soul. This can simply be done by hanging candle sconces, adding candleholders and hurricanes around the house to fill with luminous candlelight.

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In the dining room covering chairs with slipcovers and adding in elements of nature can give the room warmth… like adding an extra sweater or coat to your room. Play with different patterns to find your style “simple and elegant” or more “cozy cabin”. Using woven and wool fabrics can make a clean and smart looking winter style statement.

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We haven’t forgotten the much needed layers in the bedroom either. Velvet quilts and furry throw pillows speak for themselves saying “get under the covers”… and can be great seasonal decor items to swap in during the winter for staying warm in bed. This hand knotted rug adds comfort under the feet while another tip is to add simple clean white ceramics… in the form of stools and vases to give a room a boost of freshness.

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We hope you enjoy using these tips on layering different textures in your own home to stay warm this winter season. Soon enough it will be spring… but for now we’ll light a candle, read a good book and enjoy the cozy evenings while they last.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.