To say there was a lot to see and do at High Point Market Spring 2015 is an understatement. As you’ll recall, I made a few predictions about the trends I expected to see this market (you can see those predictions here, here and here). While I’ll be sharing more details about my official Style Spotter picks in the next few posts, today I wanted to share with you six trending categories that showed up in a big way at High Point Market Spring 2015! One of the trends I was really hoping to see this market was a continuation of growth in the area of multifunctional pieces. I jokingly called these products the “Swiss Army Knives” of our industry. Why is this trend so important? More and more,  I believe that our clients are looking for unique designs that also have a high value proposition. Products that serve multiple functions allow our clients to maximize their spaces while bringing elements into their homes that support their busy lifestyles.

Similarly, products designed for small spaces are becoming increasingly important. Whether it’s the sophisticated urbanite who is short on space or the historic homeowner who needs to make a big impact in a small-ish room, having a wide selection of options that gives the homeowner optimal functionality while taking up a small footprint is key! We saw this demonstrated at Market with the introduction of more lightweight, yet durable pieces with narrower profiles. Today’s clients want more than just the “designer look” for their homes.  They also want the guarantee that they can actually live in the space. Durable fabrics, forgiving woods and low-maintenance finishes are being introduced in larger quantity in the brands and product lines we’ve come to know and love. Think big impact design elements that are fabulous as well as family friendly! High-performance fabrics that are stain-resistant, long-lasting and durable. Individuality, customizability…these are two of the benefits clients come to look for when hiring a design professional.

This Market, we saw seeing more and more opportunities for customization which means greater creativity for designers. Larger selections in fabrics, finishes and colors expand our tool box and allow us to bring together truly unique spaces for our clients. We’ve also seen greater emphasis placed on using sustainable, eco-friendly and even hypo-allergenic products. There’s a debate currently going on about flat design versus realism in terms of graphic design. Well, in interior design the bar has definitely moved toward realism and visual texture. Although we definitely see a leaning toward mid-century modern design with its inherent clean lines, we also noticed sleek curves and concentric circles. Natural elements like agate, limestone and alabaster were spotlighted in furniture pieces, lighting and accents. Finally, the wood finishes and inlays at this market were impressive. Well, there you have it! Seven important design trends from High Point Market Spring 2015.

Which trend is your favorite? Clover Table In Dark Brown And Oil Rubbed Bronze Draper Drum Table In Black And Gold Sete Tray Table - Cream Draper Cube Table In Black And Goldchandelier cristal d'arquesOverall: 7.4'' H x 3.85'' W x 3.85'' Dchandelier saint ursanne Overall Product Weight: 1.2lb.waterford chandelier ebay Crystal Candlestick (Set of 2) Overall: 14.5" H x 16.25" W x 5.12" D Overall Product Weight: 2.8lbs Overall: 16.5" H x 13" W x 8" D Crystal 2 Light Wall Sconce by One Allium Way Candle Compatibility: Holds 2 Standard Wax Treviso Crystal Candlestick (Set of 2) by Marquis by Waterford Glimmer Medium Candle Holder Overall: 7.1" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D

Overall Product Weight: 1.5lbs Pieces Included: Set of 2 candlesticks Triumph Crystal Candleholder (Set of 2) by Godinger Silver Art Co Crystal Votive (Set of 2) Overall: 13.75" H x 6" W x 6" D Overall Product Weight: 1.19lbs Metal Branches Candle Holder Crystal Rod Candle Holder by Lazy Susan USA Overall: 2.375" H x 3.5" W Overall Product Weight: 1.7lbs Tornado Crystal Tealight Holder Overall: 2.63" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D Overall Product Weight: 1.2lbs Crystal Reversible Candlestick (Set of 2) Overall: 2.3" H x 4.75" W Overall Product Weight: 1.76lbs Overall Height - Top to Bottom: 7.5 Overall Product Weight: 3lbs by Israel Giftware Design Overall: 3.5" H x 5" W x 2.5" D Overall Product Weight: 3.17lbs Overall: 20.7" H x 12.7" W x 13.6" D Overall: 2.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D Overall: 2.2" H x 5" W x 5" D Overall Product Weight: 0.77lbs by Donny Osmond Home

Eko 3" Glass Votive Overall: 10.25" H x 6.5" W x 6.5" D Overall Product Weight: 9lbs Overall: 12" H x 3" W x 3" D Summit Candlesticks (Set of 2) by Reed & Barton Sheridan Crystal Candlesticks (Set of 2) Harlow Crystal Candle Holder Overall: 22.25" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D Euron Metal Candleholder (Set of 2) Overall: 19" H x 13" W x 13" D Overall: 2.5" H x 4.375" W Overall Product Weight: 2.29lbs Overall: 4.5" H x 3.6" W x 3.6" D Pieces Included: 2 candlesticks Orient Candlesticks (Set of 2) Overall: 16.1" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D Overall: 2" H x 2" W x 2" D Pieces Included: 2 Crystal tea lights Crystal Tea Light (Set of 2) Overall Height - Top to Bottom: 8.75 Crystal and Glass Candlestick (Set of 2) Lismore Candlesticks (Set of 2) Overall: 4" H x 8.875" W Overall Product Weight: 6.61lbs Polaris Crystal Votives (Set of 3) Overall: 2.625" H x 3.75" W Overall Product Weight: 1.87lbs