I never really intended to fall in love with our Bischon Frise, Winston. I just thought I could find a way to live with him for the sake of the kids. Yet a year or so after we got him from Southwest Metro Animal Rescue, I was head over heels for this little white dog and I keep tumbling harder with each passing year. The result is that I have gone from believing that people who adore their pets are ridiculous to understanding completely why … [Read more...]

Today’s rounds at the High Point furniture market began and ended with licensed collections. My first stop was at Highland House, where Royal Manor debuted. This line of upholstery and case goods is, “Inspired by Paul Burrell.” Who is that, you might wonder? It is the man who was Princess Dianna’s butler for 10 years. Now do you remember the name? The collection has some really nice pieces, plus a few I don’t think will be … [Read more...]

Today was a typical High Point Furniture Market day, filled with appointments and spontaneous stops in furniture, lighting and accessory showrooms. I saw lots of really wonderful new products. I especially liked the great Belgian linen fabrics at Pearson, and the Egyptian revival chair from Alexa Hampton for Hickory Chair. The days are always long at market. Everyone works well into the evening, moving through a series of parties that … [Read more...]

The High Point furniture market doesn’t start until Monday, but The Trend Curve was already out trend-spotting today. I had a full schedule of appointments, including a quick hello at Rowe Furniture, where I will present The Trend Curve Colors™ 2008 color forecast tomorrow at 5:30pm. Three companies stood out among all the great products I saw and photographed for the April issue of The Trend Curve. Italiana Slaotti was the first. … [Read more...]

Four Hands does a great job of developing and sourcing unique products. When I toured their showroom tonight, I found that they also do a great job of making an eco-chic statement at the same time. Their product line includes lighting encrusted with real sea shells, tree trunks (some are painted Orange) as sculpture and reclaimed railroad ties from India, made into tables. This fits with their stated committment to the preservation of the … [Read more...]

I visited several showrooms today at the High Point International Furniture Market. One of the most significant trends I noticed from directional companies was the appearance of Skin-Tone Neutrals on the scene. They showed up primarily in upholstery fabrics of all kinds. High end maker Hickory Chair called them Nudes. Laneventure didn’t give them a name but they certainly gave them lots of space on their showroom floor (see image). … [Read more...]

It’s raining at 10pm on my first day at the High Point International Furniture Market. Storming, really. I cannot remember ever experiencing a real storm while I have been here for any market, Spring or Fall, in all the years that I have been coming. This one has all the requisites: thunder, lightning, wind and pouring rain. I’m glad I made it back to my hotel before the torrential downpour that has just begun outside my window. But … [Read more...]

I had not gone more than a few feet beyond the entrance to KBIS, the kitchen and bath industry show at McCormick Place in Chicago, when I came to the gigantic Kohler booth. Since I have long admired Kohler products, I was happy to make this stand my first visit. I was shown wonderful products for the bath during my tour. I especially liked the myriad of showerheads shown in one display that featured Kohler’s digital valve or DTV … [Read more...]