Trends from High Point Market: Bold, fearless and flirty with a touch of Bohemian

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press • November 14, 2015

Once again I was at High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina. That glorious Disneyland for interior designers.

Trying to cover 11.5 million square feet of show space and tens of thousands of new product introductions. I was there along with 75,000 other designers and buyers in 180 buildings that provide dazzling displays of thousands of everything beautiful for your home.

If you can't find it here, it likely doesn't exist. Despite the miles that I put on my new, sensible walking shoes, I couldn't possibly cover all of the showrooms filled with gorgeous, pretty things. But I tried.

Upholstered seating with clean lines, bright color tones and bold patterns feature geometric and abstract designs. Sleek and comfortable sectional seating is iconic to mid-century styling and is functional for entertaining. From Lexington Home Brand's Take Five Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Lexington Home Brands.

Market, as it is called, takes place for one week each fall and spring. There are opportunities to take courses from experts and chances to meet favorite designers and television personalities. As a Fort Myers interior decorator, this is where I go for design inspiration. To look for new ways of creating beautiful rooms and to shop for my clients who are looking for something new and fresh. Whether it is an eclectic piece to be used as a focal point in a room or for to shop for furnishings and accessories for an entire home.

So take a trip with me as I offer a peek at a few of the amazing, edgy, stunning new trends that I saw at Market. You will soon be seeing these in your favorite retail spots and magazines.

The day before Market, I had a chance to visit Furnitureland South and had a little sneak preview of what the coming trends would be. Ron Bristow, Lexington Home Brands showroom manager, summed it up: "a touch of mid-century modern, clean lines and scale, animal prints, geometrics."

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A chic ottoman with a brass-plated stainless steel base and polished acrylic legs, upholstered in Australian sheepskin. From Lexington Home Brand's Take Five Collection.  Photo: Courtesy of Lexington Home Brands.

And this set the tone for what was to come.

My Favorite Trends:

• Singing the blues: from the most muted shades to the most vibrant sapphires and indigo tones.
• Less is more: a minimalist approach to upholstered chairs with open backs and arms. Sexy!
• Fashion forward: Home interiors are following fashion more than ever. If it's on the runway, plan on seeing it in your favorite shop or showroom very soon.
• Gold rush: It's back and there's lots of it. Furniture, lighting and accessories.
• Color, color, color: fearless color.
• Mirror, mirror on the wall: and mirrored furniture.
• Go natural: quartz, agate, natural materials in lighting and furnishings.
• Practical, streamlined and sexy: Comfort with a flirty flair. Redefined mid-century modern.
• In the pink: Variations in tones with hues from the 1980's.
• Go wild: Animal prints and faux fur on everything!
• Organic: Textures and patterns that reflect the outdoors and landscape. Tranquil colors that make us feel calm.
• Decadence: Lots of luxury and vintage glamour with nods to European tradition.

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A nod to decadent luxury and vintage glamour with a deep sense of nostalgia. ReflectingEuropean tradition, the trend is feminine and indulgent. Photo courtesy of Surya.

• Art walls: for photos or a collection.
• Forget plain and boring: Patterned lampshades for indoors and outdoors.

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Inspired by the colors and artisanal designs of African tribal textures, this Kuba collection from Surya is expressive and free spirited with a sense of cultural heritage passed down through generations. Photo courtesy of Surya.

You don't want to change your entire home because of trends. But a few touches here and there will give it a fresh look. And who doesn't want that?

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator. Her column, Home Inspirations appears the first Saturday of each month. Visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 949-1808 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

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Travels: Living like a local on the streets of San Francisco

I have always wanted to live in San Francisco.
 
Of course I have also wanted to live in London, the Cotswolds, Zurich, Key West, Mendocino, New York  and a long list of other places that have captured my heart.
 
But San Francisco is a place that has always made me wonder what it must be like to live in this beautiful, vibrant city. So I did. Sort of. 
 
My home away from home for four great days was the Loft on Lombard. Located at the foot of Telegraph Hill and historic Coit Tower, this condo is part of the worldwide selection of great places that HomeAway offers that make you feel like you are living like a local no matter where you travel.  It is the best way to really feel like you are part of a city for a few days. 
 
Offering all of the amenities of a high rise city lifestyle, this warm and comfortable 600-plus square foot loft gave me a peak of the Bay Bridge. Across the street is the historic Del Monte building.  It was the best reservation I have ever made. For me, it is always about the décor, wherever I go.  This little slice of San Francisco had it all.  A terrific window seat that frames the window and views. A contemporary kitchen  with  state of the art appliances and Ceasarstone countertops. The living room has high ceilings and contemporary furnishings. There are lots of books on architecture and art. I was right at home. 
 
It was only a short two block walk to the cable car and from here I could go anywhere. China Town.  Union Square. I left the car in the garage and walked to Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli square, the Embarcadero, Pier 39. Five minutes from my favorite Fog City Diner. I went to the market. Walked the streets. Ate seafood on the Wharf. Felt like a local. I liked it.