Spring High Point Market: Highlights and Trends

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.

Artist Spotlight: Jill Seale

Artist Spotlight: Jill Seale

The creative process is captivating! One must leap off the cliff of “what is”, into a flight of fancy of “what could be.” ~ Jill Seale

JillSealeWallpapers.jpg

We are excited to share an Artist Spotlight on the blog featuring the talented product and textile designer Jill Seale. Bringing her love for design and creativity to the world from her studio in Charlotte, North Carolina. Launching her product offerings at the Hight Point Market in 2017. Since then the Jill Seale Design Studio has won numerous awards and praise in the gifting and home decor industry. Her goal in sharing her designs is to uplift others and inspire with lively patterns and colors expressed through a journey in learning the historic art form of marbling.

Jill Seale products are sold world-wide through manufacturers, fine boutiques and leading retailers. You can see Jill at work and more about her behind the scenes marbling technique here. Melissa Mathe Interior Design has had the pleasure of collaborating with Jill Seale in our room design at the Richmond RSOL Designer House of 2018 and in our client projects.

Here are some of the product offerings in the Jill Seale Design Studio.

We’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Jill Seale and asking her some questions to share with you.

1) How did you get your start in textile design?
Seale: My background is in product design where textiles was a minor part and I've always wanted to design textiles for home. It may be genetic...my mom studied textile design at the Cleveland Institute of Art but got married and that was the end of that! We joke she outsourced it to me. When I studied my passion of paper marbling in Florence I felt I found my unique voice in textiles.

2) We know you traveled to Italy and were inspired to create marbling which led to many of your designs.
What is your favorite part of Italy and why? How often do you get to travel back to Italy?  
 
Seale: While I love all of Italy, Florence owns me. I can't say why exactly but I feel a deep resonance with SOUL. That's the only word I can come up with to describe the feeling. It's the birthplace of the Renaissance and every inch of the city and buildings and art carry an imprint of someone who created, carved, painted, architecturally designed, and built it.  I am especially enamored with the tiny ateliers where artisans create and sell their work. In Italy art is given the proper time it takes to be created with care and craftsmanship. There truly is something about Italian-made quality and it reinforces my belief to honor the care and time good design deserves.  I do an annual pilgrimage to immerse in that way of life and refresh my artist soul. 

3) What do you love most about creating textiles?
Seale: I love: the process of exploration in creating art,  the chance that is involved with that and being present to identify what would make a good design. I love hand-creating a repeat pattern, seeing a pattern come to life in other products such as wallcovering, trays, lampshades, tabletop. I love seeing how designers, furniture, rug, apparel and gift manufacturers envision uses for my designs, and I love bringing the ancient art of marbling and the human element of hand illustration and painting into the home in a prominent way. In other "word", EVERYTHING. 

 4) What do you find to be challenging and also rewarding about textile design?
Seale: I don't even recognize 'challenging' because everything is just part of the process and I roll. If I HAD to say, it's paring down the final selections for each release. Rewarding? By far the relationships with the wonderful people I've met in this industry. It's also rewarding to witness the delight in those who embrace my work and being able to work directly with designers and manufacturers to provide (sometimes custom) uplifting designs and solutions that people live with.  It's extremely rewarding to be able to share this journey with my Mom, as her textile design ambassador!

5) Do you have a favorite pattern that you have created in your designs?
Seale: Each design was selected because I love something special about it, but a design that is extra special to me is Tuscan Sunset which was created in Florence and was my first design selected for my foray into furniture with Wesley Hall Furniture. 

6) What major events do you love to attend to share your products?
Seale: High Point Market has been my launch pad and with two shows a year, it keeps me busy. It is the only show I currently do other than the occasional small gift show. 

 7) Do you have any new products on the horizon that you can share? (Melissa loves her pair of Banksy patterned pants)  Seale: Go Banksy! With my product design background I can't help but always be thinking of new applications (spots on this leopard!) I'm deepening my home decor offerings and have some things in the works for outside of home! Stay tuned!

 8) Any words of advice for designers who are just starting out in textiles?
Seale: Find your own voice. Tell your own story. Don't pay attention to trends - they come, they go.  Everyone appreciates an original vision. Listen to what designers are asking for, but give the unexpected right along with it. 

High Point Market 2018

High Point Market 2018

High Point Market 2018

High Point Market 2018

In developing the room design at the RSOL Designer House 2018 Melissa Mathe wanted to incorporate designs from local and east coast artists and designers. Having been introduced to Jill Seale at High Point Market she was over the moon excited about using the “Banksy” design to help complete her black and white classic contemporary room design. Having custom made roman shades and duvets to outfit the windows and beds. A high topic of conversation during the event room tours.

Using a belgium cotton fabric for the window draperies in the “Mixed Metals” design was the perfect pairing to create interest in our clients office space in their newly constructed custom built home. A lovely balance in the combination of neutral decor and contemporary design.

At the 2019 Las Vegas Market, Jill Seale and Company C launched the preview of the new Jill Seale rug designs introduced in their line. Along with a demo of her technique to show market attendees. An exciting addition to Jill’s home decor product designs.

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

Company C and Jill Seale at Las Vegas Market 2019

We love sharing the special talents and products from designers close to our area and close to our heart. It has been a special treat to develop our relationship with Jill Seale. We hope you enjoy learning more about her designs and why we love them so much.

Cheers,

Melissa Mathe

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

3 Looks To Dress Up Your Thanksgiving Table

3 looks to dress up your thanksgiving table

"I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage." ~ Erma Bombeck

As the leaves have changed and the air becomes crisp it's clear that Thanksgiving is upon us. In planning for the holiday one can be mindful of a well dressed table to make surroundings warm and inviting. Whether you are having friends over for a casual "Friendsgiving" or you look to impress your guests for a large feast. We've come up with three different looks to help you complete your tablescape. So step away from the burlap and fake leaf garland...we're going shiny and fresh this season.

Our first look is "Elegant" and it includes all the bells and whistles you can think of for setting a table. Including things like a beautiful fresh floral centerpiece, colored mercury glass pumpkins and candles...lots of candles. Using a variety of seasonal flowers to arrange such as mums, sunflowers, and eucalyptus adds a rich and vibrant element of bounty to the table. Golden chargers create an jewel effect to add a shiny pop...and don't be afraid to mix metals with your table decor too.

Candle sticks and lanterns are a great way to do this and using varying heights of candles creates added ambiance. Make unique hand-made napkin rings with fresh rosemary and copper wire for an added natural element.

The second look is a more "Casual" inspired table setting using decor items you may already have around your home like a throw blanket and real mini pumpkins. Using low candle lighting with simple hurricanes lined up gives a clean and modern table center where conversation can easily flow. This look is great for having friends over or for that last minute soiree.

Natural paper tags are a simple way to combine a napkin ring and place card element for guest seating with this look.

Let's include the little gobblers in the table looks with a "Kids" tablescape that's fun for everyone. Line the table with inexpensive craft paper as a runner or tablecloth to keep the youngsters occupied while pulling together the final dishes to serve. The kids can draw their own version of a turkey or play games like tick-tac-toe with their neighbor. We've carved out a mini pumpkin to add a pop of color and usefulness for storing crayons on the table.

Cute thanksgiving day inspired paper napkins, plastic forks and paper tag napkin rings complete this easy-does-it look.

We hope you have a wonderful time sharing great food and warm conversation around your table with family and friends this Thanksgiving! We're incredibly grateful to each and every one of you for being a part of our design inspired world.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com