Accessories Take Center Stage at High Point

A special report from Giftware News columnist Marilyn Nason

What was the single most important trend at the century-old semi-annual Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. April 20-25? Accessories. Just as the gift industry has seen a resurgence in home decor items emerging as a key category, so, too, did buyers attending the High Point clearly identify everything from mirrors, rugs, pillows, lamps, wall decor, decorative boxes, garden accessories as on the top of their shopping list.

As furniture retailers focused on select case goods and sleep surfaces for that segment of their core customer base, they also sought those decorative accessories and home furnishing items that help augment the sale and bring customers back to find decor accessories to highlight a room with spot color/patterns only decorative accessories and home decor items can provide.

Oopsy Daisy and GreenBox Art (San Diego, CA) set the tone with whimsical designer table lamps for kids with bright solid-colored bases topped by shades with eye-popping patterns and cartoon-like drawings of horses, giraffes, elephants, birds, peacocks, prop planes, plus random patchwork patterns and imaginative floral displays.

Oopsy Daisy

French Heritage followed the same bold bright color concept in their large round-shaped Dune Mirror, an attention-getter with stylized design wide circular patterned frame ringed with baby blue trim. The same matching bright colors highlighted their three-horizontal drawer Dax Desk with semi-circular metal legs described as a free-flowing design "that never quits". The carefree design encourages the owner to turn the desk into a play area while still letting it function as a desk.

C.R. Laine took a more conservative approach to its accessory pieces with its new Dasha Leather Metal Base Ottoman featuring dual-crossed legs topped by a rectangular shaped (40W x 22D) Deer Run Snow leather upholstered top. Thanks to this off-white leather, the ottoman will be at home anywhere and an eye-catcher, with its prominent double-crossed metal legs and rectangular seating area.

Attention to intricate metal legs also highlighted the Novel console table from Zuo Modern Inc., San Leandro, CA. Made entirely from 100% stainless steel high rise support beams, the rectangular table shows the challenging direction upscale home decor items are taking with metals in specific designs.

Maitand-Smith black and white box with brass accents

Heeney Co., Atlanta, was a winner with its Grape Vine Orbs. Available in three sizes, the round open work woven combination of grape vines intricately interwoven into and around old-fashioned chicken wire, opens in the middle to provide ample space for twinkle lights, blossoms, sculptures, then latches tight, so the orb can attract attention coupled among an array of container plantings or freely hanging above a backyard picnic area, game table, fountain or serving as a dramatic centerpiece.

Several exhibitors took poufs, introduced last market, to the next level as a major room accessory, with brighter, bolder, more dramatic color and pattern combinations, as well as dominating textures and embellishments. In many cases, the same look colorways were carried out in companion pillows, throws, rugs for a powerful decorative effect in a family room.

To really create a dynamic accessories statement, several designers suggested picking a major color from this combination to highlight a mirror, providing an even greater room effect.