High Point Market Authority: A Journey of Inspiration and Connection
This October, our KED Interiors team embarked on an annual trip to the epicenter of interior design innovation—High Point Market in North Carolina. Occupying over 11.5 million square feet, this event isn't just colossal in scale; it's where design ideas are born and bred.
For us, High Point is one of the culminations of our year, but it is also a week that we are intensely focused on the future. First and foremost, we are there on behalf of our clients. This is a week we use to visit esteemed partners, test out furniture quality and design, and source the exceptional pieces that define our custom home projects. It’s a time to explore all that is new in interior design, from function to build, color, materials and more. During our visit, our team visited over 50 showrooms, including lighting, furniture, accessories, art and up and coming newcomers in the interior design space. We check in on trusted partners, ensuring quality remains high level, while exploring new ideas and additions to our interior design options.
Beyond visits to the showrooms, High Point offers a tremendous learning opportunity. In the bustling halls of education and networking, we found the pulse of High Point Market. The KED team not only attended a number of networking and panel discussions, we also had the privilege of participating as panelists. Katie Wozniak, principal of KED, was chosen to participate in two different panels this year, sharing her expertise and the knowledge she has gained in over 20 years in the industry. We not only share our point of view, we also get enjoy hearing from other esteemed designers. Every discussion and every shared insight is a spark that kindles innovative designs we eagerly bring back to our clients. These forums didn't just offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs); they were a wellspring of fresh perspectives and enduring inspiration.
Here are a few of highlights from High Point Market 2024.
Event Highlights
Overall highlights include our opportunities to spend time with other designers and industry leaders, which includes both networking and educational events, as well as showroom Grand Openings, product launches and parties.
The Art of Branding: This CEU-accredited panel was sponsored by The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Held in the Suites of Market Square, this panel welcomed interior designers to learn from Katie, as well as other ASID accredited designers discuss how their brand and business has evolved.
Navigate Your Practice to Solid Ground: The second panel that Katie participated was designed to offer new and up and coming designers the ability to hear first hand, how Katie and a select panel of designers from around the country have relied on best practices in marketing, sales and management to elevate and grow their business.
DAA Awards: This year we were thrilled to attend the inaugural Diversity Advocate Alliance Awards Presentation, which recognized three stakeholders within the home furnishings industry who exemplify characteristics that demonstrate a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) is dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting diversity by cultivating a welcoming environment and expanding the representation of the BIPOC community within the home furnishings industry and its leadership and we look forward to supporting this important group in the future.
Bernhardt Party: Moving on to the parties! Our team was able to cut loose after a long day at the Bernhardt showroom, which was transformed into a Moroccan-inspired oasis. Co-hosted by Elle Decor, the event welcomed over 700 guests. Read more about this event at Elle Decor.
Bell Biv Devoe: The culmination of our five-day exploration was a nostalgic dance party featuring Bell Biv Devoe. Regardless of age, the entire KED Interiors team enjoyed a trip down memory lane with hits from the '80s and '90s.
Design Highlights
The Art of Detail: Trim, Tassels, and Fringe
This year, the devil was truly in the details. We saw how skillfully applied embellishments could transform the mundane into the magnificent, making each piece a testament to the power of thoughtful design.Illuminating Innovation: Lighting Takes Center Stage
Lighting solutions were a standout this season, with designers embracing bold metals, natural materials, and inventive forms. These pieces are more than functional; they're statement makers that redefine spaces. Art Deco lighting is coming back, along with colored glass and just a real explosion in new vendors, products and choices. We love using lighting as a way to personalize a space!Blush: The Enduring Neutral
Blush tones have evolved from fleeting trend to foundational hue. We observed its application in everything from plush sofas to entire rooms painted in hues ranging from tender pastels to deep pinks, proving its versatility and timeless appeal.Movement, Shape & Texture
At every turn we discovered pieces built with a sense of movement and texture. Texture was on full display at Palecek, where we fell for the gorgeous lighting and furniture handcrafter with natural materials. The Loiloi showroom was another highlight. We loved exploring the textured wall art and rugs during our stop at this lovely showroom. On sofas, chairs and even accent pieces, textured, fuzzy, boucle materials continue to pop up in many showrooms. Finally, we need to share this little gem; curves! Yes, we are seeing so many curved and rounded sofas and chairs.
Natural Stone:
We also spotted natural stone around almost every corner at High Point. Used as table tops, decorative accents and crafted into furniture pieces, natural stone has definitely made it’s move into the interior of the home. There are many reasons we love seeing this. First, natural materials really ground a space, brining a sense of nature into the home. But we also love it’s “one of a kind” exceptionality. No piece looks alike, making it a personal addition to our clients homes.
Showroom Favorites
While it’s impossible to pick a favorite, below are a few more showroom highlights from High Point Market, Fall 2024.
As we reflect on our enriching journey to High Point Market, our excitement to transpose these insights into the beautiful, functional spaces we craft at KED Interiors is palpable. These experiences not only invigorate our designs but also ensure that every project is a unique reflection of our clients' dreams.
For those intrigued by the potential of transformative design, or to simply explore our meticulously curated collection of home accents and decor, we invite you to contact KED Interiors or visit our boutique, KED at Home, in Barrington. Our doors are always open for you to discover how we can turn your vision into reality. For a personal consultation, please reach out to us at 847.381.9892.
High Point Adventures
There was so much to explore and the KED Interiors team did our best to take it all in!
