Timeless designs get high marks at High Point Market
Black is the new black
By Tracy Bulla -- Home Accents Today, 4/28/2009 6:46:00 AM
When the going gets tough, the design world reverts to the tried and true: Surefire hits at retail. One way to 
achieve that is via color, freshening up best-selling styles with a new shade (and yes, that includes neutrals, too). The second option is to take classic designs, either traditional or modern, that are essentially timeless and revamp them. (photo, left - Palecek spotlights sea urchin spikes with organic, contemporary styling. IHFC D202)
This season, designers have incorporated both strategies with styles that aim to seduce buyers through simple, classic-driven forms able to withstand the test of time. While the number of overall introductions has dropped, the end r
esult is tight, well-edited collections that star only the best of the best – in short, only looks with a “Love!” consensus made it to market. (photo, right - Currey & Company’s Grotto Collection gets an edgy update in ever-chic black. IOHFC M110)
Selectivity, in this case, is a very good thing; the newest looks blend elegance and a distinctly stylish perspective, along with an understanding that these designs will look just as fresh a few years down the road as they do now.
The color trends this market are divided. On the one hand, there is a 
continuing accent on bright, happy colors (think hot pink, orange and blue) that elevate the mood and promote optimism -- for obvious reasons. (photo, left - Jardins en Fleur reinvents the classic foo dog with a bold wash of orange. IHFC IH202)
On the other, neutrals resurge with typical so
phistication. These color choices offer longevity from a style standpoint, promising an easy-on-the-eyes appeal day in and day out. The new neutrals range from cream, buff and stone to smoky, ashy gray tones with a hint of lilac. But the most trend-forward is a return to black, in itself a classic. Here’s what we like in black: bamboo finished in black, solid black crystal, black glass furniture and accents, and black pottery. (photo right, from The Platt Collections, a tribal-patterned table reflects a luxe look with a glossy lacquered finish. 200 N. Hamilton)
In addition to refreshing designs with color, designers have opted for texture, distinctive finishes and classic motifs. Ceramics received a great deal of attention this season, highlighting relief, crackling and other hand-crafted techniques for a subtle, not showy effect. Touch-me fabrics like slubbed silk, hide, nubby linens and cottons added a hint of luxury. Recurring motifs around market reach back in time, including obelisks, balusters, foo dogs, stripes and all manner of geometric prints. (photo left, African prints, straw and playful embellishments enliven Dransfield & Ross’ exuberant pillows.)IHFC IH 107
A trend toward downsizing emerged, reflected in tiny table lamps. Accent furniture, too, showcases leaner, lower lines, especially in chairs and sofas – low backs, narrower frames and low-to-the-ground seats. Stylish cigarette tables and slim-lined etageres and chests also made an appearance. (photo, right - Geometric motifs create distinctive texture in ceramic lamps from Murray Feiss. IHFC C210)
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