I once again find myself in High Point, North Carolina. Lots of people complain about coming here during Furniture Market time. The biggest issues are the way the prices of rental cars and hotels jump, and what an imposition it is to be forced to pay for five nights in a hotel when you only need three—and the stay will be charged weeks before you arrive. Getting into a restaurant can be difficult, too.
Still, I am always happy to be here.
I have been coming to High Point twice a year for this market since I was about 25 years old. Over the years, I have developed friendships that deepen every six months when we see each other again. Telephone conversations and emails in between are rare but that doesn’t seem to matter. I look forward to seeing my twice-a-year friends.
I also look forward to seeing how showrooms are designed. Some companies seem to do no more than line product up in a space while others work hard at providing a decidedly different atmosphere. I like what Thief River Linen, a Minnesota company, does with their compact space (IHFC H443). Raymond Waites packs the products he designs for Laneventure (IHFC C867) into a small area, too, but it always gives you the feeling that each piece is a “find.”
Of course, there are so many more people and places that I admire. I’ll be keeping up a hectic schedule seeing them all in the five days ahead.
It won’t be all work, though. I’m going to have some fun on Friday at the Century showroom (Market Square – 5th floor). A local television station, Fox 8 TV, has asked if I’ll do an on-camera interview about market trends. Century was good enough to let us use their space. I know that this is quite a favor since their new introduction of furniture designed by Brit Kelly Hoppen is sure to make this showroom one of the must-see stops for everyone at market.
On Sunday at noon I am giving a talk for The Interior Design Society. Faye Laverty, the association director, was the first person to ask me to speak in High Point many years ago. I am grateful that she keeps asking! My talk is titled New Times, New Trends: A Dozen Décor Directions for 2006 – 2007. Cathy De Bono and Laura Colón from my office will be with me, so if you are in High Point, come by and say hello to all of us. The location is posted in the buildings.