Colors come out in full force

It was a something-for-everyone market feast in furniture at the International Home Furnishings Show in High Point, NC, in April.

The fascination with things British continued. But at the same time, dressed-up looks, comfortable casual and sleek contemporary all had significant presences.

In upholstery, sectionals and modulars with a wide variety of flexible pieces made an important statement in both traditional and contemporary. And in a flashback to tradition, the chaise moved front and center as a special piece.

The trend to smaller-scale pieces that began with the October 2000 market was widespread, as suppliers moved away from the McMansion-scaled pieces that powered the market for several seasons.

Color also returned to the upholstery fabric palette with reds, blue, yellows, greens — and yes, purples — taking center stage.

Natuzzi featured a highly versatile modular sofa with definite Italian derivation, designed by Studio Bellini and covered in the company's exclusive velvet-like microfiber, Dreamfiber.

Ello mixed high style with extraordinary function in a wall unit that concealed a large-screen TV.

Bernhardt created a shapely chaise and covered it in a warm pearlized sage velvet — overall an understated but opulent statement.

LaneVenture continued to bring fresh looks to bamboo and rattan this market with a South Seas look called Kingman's Reef Collection by "Cabana Joe" from California surfer/designer Joe O'Brien.

In lamps and accessories at High Point, things British were moving in the direction of Edwardian with lots of gilding, rich coloration and opulence. John Richard enhanced the Harrods Collection with an ornate lamp that mixed painted sconces with an elaborate base. And a British influence also is spotlighted in a hand-painted tinware tray table from Colonial Accents.

As a decorative accessory, unusual boxes never seem to lose their appeal, as was seen in the wrought iron grille chest from The Foundry. And in the contemporary mood, Dansk Lighting featured Multi Cobra, a multiple goose-neck lamp with white or blue frosted shades.

Meanwhile, at the New York Tabletop Market, while white continued to be a dominant statement, it often was tipped with color or shown in embossed effects in white-on-white versions. The all-white story from Villeroy & Boch was freshened in New Wave, which featured square shapes with wavy edges. Pinks and greens in pale shadings continued as important colors, and metallics, especially platinum, were highlighted in matte and shiny versions. Amabel from Portmeirion mixed the pink story in roses matched to a plaid. In glassware, the news was in contemporary design and lots of color. Among the more innovative was a collection of lead crystal — Planar — from Nambe designed by Karim Rashid and featuring unusual shapes in bowls and vases. The Waterford W series featured clear uncut pieces with new shapes, shape-within-a-shape detailing and crystal faceting in crystal vases, candlesticks and bowls.