Spring High Point Market: Highlights and Trends

Spring High Point Market: Highlights and Trends

“Spring is a time for plans and projects.” ~ Leo Tolstoy


It’s Spring… and the time of year that Mathe Design visits the High Point Market in North Carolina, a bi-annual market where furniture and lighting manufacturers, show designers from all of the world what’s new and noteworthy. This event is always memorable and a whirlwind of excitement from top to bottom. Filled with appointments with local reps., visiting showrooms, seeing demonstrations, and hearing keynote panels it’s a sure thing that you leave full of inspiration and needing an Epsom salt foot soak. After seeing the latest and greatest we’ve collected some ideas on what we are seeing for trends this year.

Trend: Lucite

Lucite is everywhere! It’s very interesting how the focus of lucite seen on different applications has shifted this year. We noticed this at market on console panels, chair legs, bed rails and pulls. This look intensifies the appeal of a piece of furniture to be more eye catching, custom and luxurious.

Trend: Mixed Materials

Whether it’s mixed metals, natural materials or inlays… you name it a mix of materials was definitely noticed. This treatment creates a uniqueness that draws interest to something new and different to feast your eyes on.

Trend: Natural Materials and Wood

Natural Materials are really having their moment in Interior Decor… being used in new and inventive design applications taking them to the next level. Making a statement in so many areas of furnishings with lighting, chairs, tables, chaise lounges, beds, side tables, wall decor and more. We’re highlighting some new and different things that caught our attention to potentially weave into the Mathe Design classic contemporary style. Live edge wood tables and organic wood looks were also showing a presence with mirrors and table bases bringing added texture into a room design.

The natural material lighting became a whole new experience with different rattan, seagrass, cat tail and the hand woven techniques used. We learned about the added Eco-friendly lighting designs to be friendly to the environment and sourced in non-harmful ways. The fabrication involves a lower level of energy, it’s biodegradable and also non toxic. Generally speaking this material has a long life and is sustainable. We think these incredible designs are yet the best part of these materials.


We also noticed some unique ways that natural materials and wood were used in the design of furniture pieces. Such as woven benches, small round wood stacked vertically used to make side tables. You can see some of these creative examples below.

Trend: Jewel Tones

In every corner at market there were groupings of jewel tones popping up in oranges, blues, reds and purples on art, rugs, fabrics and pillows. A unique way we saw these jewel tones being used was in the use of colored mirrors. Imagine looking into your bathroom mirror as if you are the centerpiece of a finely cut emerald. Who is the fairest of them all, now? You.

And rugs are even more luxurious with these rich jewel tones. Allowing them to really ground a space bringing it to life.

Trend: Nesting Tables

A highlight to mention were unique nesting tables that are more of a horizontal format then the widely seen vertical grouping that can slide out creating a layering effect. These unique nesting tables are beautiful and have a sense of timelessness to them. They add flexibility and character to your living room.


Spring High Point Market is a definite highlight of the season for designers. We’re excited to share with you the new finds and exciting inspiration that Mathe Design spotted while trend watching there.

Cheers to Spring!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

Go Green!

Go Green!

The earth is what we all have in common ~ Wendell Berry


As an Interior Designer I have an opportunity to play a part in helping the environment by creating healthy, non-toxic spaces for clients that desire it. More and more people are becoming aware of these practices and demanding materials in their home or office that are environmentally friendly and good for the health of the people using the space. Not everyone may know what “Eco-friendly” or “Green” design is and how it can be achieved. Green or eco-friendly interior design focuses on the improvement of indoor air quality as well as reducing the impact that finishes and furnishings have on the environment. Here are some basics of what Mathe Design can offer in sourcing safe finishes, materials and furniture as well as tips to show benefits for greener living.

Lee Industries

Lee Industries

As a LEED Accredited designer, eco-friendly design practices are important and part of the Mathe Design philosophy. While working on a great number of green projects in Hospitality design, I’ve had the opportunity to have hands on experience in the high standards of sustainable design practices. While bringing these ideas into residential design is excitingly increasing it is a pleasure to share with my clients alternatives for healthy environmentally sound options.

PAINT

Choosing products with low to no VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) or chemicals that give off sometimes harmful gas into the air, is the basis to start from in improving indoor air quality. Select zero-VOC or low-VOC paints like Benjamin Moore’s Natura line which comes in many colors. This zero-VOC, zero-Emmisions low odor interior paint is an acrylic blended latex coating designed for application to a wide variety of surfaces with a durable, washable film. When this is being installed you won’t experience that “fresh paint” smell. This is a great product to use in children’s bedrooms and spaces - their systems can be more sensitive to harmful chemicals.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore

UPHOLSTERY & FABRICS

Mathe Design offers clients access to fabrics and custom upholstery made with organic materials, made in the USA. Using products that have recycled materials from a regional plant all play a role in making an environmental impact. Supporting local businesses by using local workrooms for custom drapery and upholstery will also continue to reduce our carbon footprint.

FURNITURE & WOOD

Companies like Lee Industries and Bernhardt Furniture are dedicated to using natural materials to upholster their products with. Standard upholstery goods are made with petroleum-based man made materials. Containing highly flammable ingredients and often treated with flame-retardant chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of health problems. By offering access to furniture companies that are dedicated to using natural materials like organic wool and natural latex clients can be set at ease that they are making a quality purchase and decision. Many environmental fabric and furniture companies include recycled materials from pre-consumer and post-consumer wastes in their eco-friendly practices.

Look for solid wood materials made with basic wood joinery that ensure a stronger bond and uses less adhesives. Avoiding furniture made with particle board or MDF held together with resins, glues and binders that often times contain formaldehyde which can cause allergic reactions and is known to cause cancer in animals. Investing in quality constructed furniture will in most cases create a longer lasting use life cycle, reducing the need to get rid of furniture more often. Choose woods for cabinetry, floors and furniture that are reclaimed, locally milled and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, meaning that they support responsible forestry practices to help protect forest ecosystems by harvesting sustainable wood.

“We want to go beyond simply complying with environmental legislation and regulations; we want to become leading supporters in our community and industry ~ Alex Bernhardt, Sr., Chairman and CEO, Bernhardt Furniture Company”
Bernhardt Furniture

Bernhardt Furniture

RUGS

Select alternative choices such as natural fibers in wool, cotton, or jute over synthetics. Wool is naturally fire retardant and absorbs moisture as well as captures dust or pollen, reducing humidity and allergens in the air.

While synthetic rugs are quite often made from nylon, acetate, or polyester materials. Highly flammable man-made fibers are often treated with synthetic chemicals to reduce flammability, increasing the potency of toxic gasses releasing into the air of your home which may cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea.

SIMPLE INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS TO GO GREEN

1) Conserve water use by being observant of your daily water usage, opting for dual flush toilets and low-flow high efficiency aerator faucets. Like this Kraus CarboFlex™ Pull Down Kitchen Faucet which provides great design with California Green compliency.

Krauss

Krauss

2) Plants can improve air quality. In the 1980’s the NASA Clean Air Test showed that certain plants help filter harmful toxins and pollutants in space stations. We’ve shown three plant options from their list below; the boston fern, variegated snake plant and the peace lily. Plants are also a great way to add natural elements indoors to any design space.

3) Enhance your air handling efficiency by investing in a HVAC system that can sense when no one is home to conserve on heating and cooling costs. Using eco-friendly furnace filters that are made from environmentally responsible materials and have a MERN high rating level along with maximum airflow rating can help to minimize energy consumption while maintaining a high dust holding capacity.

Eco-Friendly-HVAC-1024x504.jpg

4) As an added bonus, you may qualify for tax credits for your efforts to design with the environment in mind.

Mathe Design is dedicated to providing safe environments to clients. If you have any questions about how you can “Go Green” in your Interior Design spaces feel free to reach out through the mathedesign.com contact page.

Cheers,

Melissa Mathe