Home furnishings feature more ornate look at High Point

-- Home Textiles Today, 12/4/2000

Opulent, elegant and formal were the signature definitions of furniture introduced at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC, in October.

The more dressed up look that had been emerging over several markets appeared in full bloom at this market, propelled by what some are calling an emulation of the British upper crust as well as an increasing fascination with the embellishments and curves of traditional French designs.

Concurrently, there was a new energy in contemporary, very Italian in influence and bright and colorful in impact.

Across all home furnishings lines was a continued interest in animal skins and Asian influences.

Overall, the market produced pieces, whether in case goods or upholstery, that were smaller in scale than in previous years.

Laneventure captured the mood of the lighter scale with its new sectional sofa, another emerging furniture style, which mixes a variety of materials including reclaimed teak and abaca.

While still creating an imposing presence, the elegant damask-covered camel back sofa, with its exaggerated flare arm from Century, offered a respite from the overstuffed look with its slimmed-down lines.

Prints still played a minor role as a furniture cover, but when offered they were special-more like jewelry to be set off on special frames like the toile sofa at Pearson.

The British are coming-or so it seemed with the buzz created by the Harrods Fine Furniture Collection that debuted at Highland House, the first licensing program from the venerable London retailer that embraced a full menu of upper-class British design elements.

Urbana introduced a series of upholstered starfish in bright colors designed for Gen X and Gen Y or just the young at heart.

And sneaking back onto the fashion scene after a respite of many years, daybeds reappeared as seen in the elaborate metal style from Fashion Bed Group.