Cover Story: High Point brings art to the everyday
By Kara Cox -- Home Accents Today, 10/1/2005
Once stark and cold, contemporary design is warming things up in High Point this fall with sculptural interest and subtle artistic influence. While decorating with gallery pieces is a passion for many high-style types, this look allows art into the homes of the not-so-rich-and-famous with practical home decor offering sculpted forms, unusual patterns and avant-garde materials.
With the continued surge in popularity for interior design and renovation shows such as Trading Spaces, Extreme Home Makeover and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, consumers are paying more attention to their homes and how the interiors reflect on the homeowner. A commissioned portrait may not fit in the budget, but an interesting statue or offbeat table lamp may provide the room with a sense of eclectic style. While many think of a cocktail table as simply a place to rest a glass, a puzzle-piece design offers an eclectic showcase for creativity and interpretation of form.
Swirling mosaic wall decor, multi-dimensional bedding and sculpted metal strike a balance between useful designs and aesthetic panache. A neutral color palette helps the look remain modern and hip with wood tones mixing naturally with greens, blues and tans. Modern design softens the edges this market geared toward a consumer looking for unique form and practical function.
While this architectural look is one way to go this market, four other style trends have caught our eye. Classic design remains strong with two distinct directions appearing in fall introductions. They each stem from different eras and locales, but both borrow heavily on the basics of traditional design. A grand elegance is evident with French influence offering damask patterns, intricate wood inlay and gilded finishes. Embellishments lean toward the heavy side, as fresh colorways such as pistachio, turquoise and coral red keep the look current.
A return to the classics digs a little deeper this fall with antiquity-laden looks unearthing artifacts with a truly excavated sensibility.
Urns, benches, and symbolic designs borrow style cues from the Greco-Roman period while mosaic treatments offer a return to centuries-old design. Black and gold hues lend a rich tone to these found treasures.
Asian designs are reinterpreted this market with a subtle Japanese influence. Feminine detailing is apparent in floral blooms, delicate motifs and kimono-inspired treatments. Red becomes the predominate color as indigenous materials like bamboo and palm blend with sleek black surfaces in a modern mix of nature and design.
A hip, happy vibe emanates from the mod chic look with elements reminiscent of the '60s and '70s. The trend borrows a dose of glamour from the Hollywood Regency era with geometric shapes, tailoring and repetitive elements noting the style. Sleek materials such as wood, shell and lacquer as well as a clean white palette keep the style cool and posh.
The five exclusive market sketchbooks pull these looks together for an insider's look at the newest finds in High Point. Borrowing from a wide range of styles, eras and locales, there is sure to be something to fit everyone's style needs.
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