(And why it matters for your home in Alaska)
I just got back from High Point Market!
If you’ve never heard of it, that makes total sense because I hadn’t either until about ten years ago. It’s the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, and it’s where interior designers go to preview new collections, meet with vendors, and explore thousands of pieces of furniture and decor, most of it not available in local showrooms.
In other words, I go to Market so my clients don’t have to spend their weekends doing the same.
Why It Matters That I Go (and How It’s Different From Local Shopping)
Here in Alaska, we have a few great local furniture stores and many of them offer custom ordering options, but what they don’t offer is a personalized design process that pulls everything together for you, start to finish.
At High Point, I source directly from to-the-trade vendors. Many of them are family-owned, American-made, and committed to quality craftsmanship. I sit on the sofas. I compare finishes and construction details. I ask the questions about lead times, availability, and durability.
That means when I recommend a piece, I already know how it feels, how it’s built, and how it will work in your space.
Instead of wandering showrooms or spending hours searching online, you get a curated selection that’s tailored specifically to your home, your lifestyle, and your goals, with all the heavy lifting handled for you.
What’s New (and What’s Fading) in Design
While I don’t design around trends, I do love seeing what’s new, especially when it can be layered into a home in timeless, thoughtful ways. Here’s what stood out this season:
🌿 Mixed Finishes
This is the year of contrast. I saw wood paired with leather, upholstery with metal, and stone alongside brass. These layered combinations are showing up in casegoods, lighting, and even upholstery frames.
🪵 Warm, Medium-Toned Woods
White oak is still beautiful, but its moment as the go-to finish is fading. I saw more walnut, mahogany, and richly stained oak, warmer tones that add depth without feeling too heavy.
🎨 Color Is Back! and It’s Deep!
Everywhere I looked: saturated hues, rich warm tones, and rooms full of personality. Neutrals are still around, but the all-beige-everything look is giving way to more vibrant, expressive palettes.
🛋 A Return to Traditional (In a Fresh Way)
Classic silhouettes, rolled arms, pleated skirts, and even traditional florals are making a comeback, but with updated proportions and playful details. Bouclé, while still around, is definitely on the decline.
💡 Mixed Metals + Statement Lighting
Brass is still strong, but I saw plenty of polished nickel, matte black, and even painted finishes, often layered in the same fixture. Lighting is more sculptural and expressive than ever.
🖼 Art That Says Something
I love bringing art to my designs. The art I saw at market was unexpected and full of character. From bold abstracts to quirky vintage pieces, it’s clear we’re moving toward art that means something.
✨ Quiet Luxury
Quiet Luxury is not about flashy trends. It’s about craftsmanship, beautiful materials, and creating rooms that feel elevated, welcoming, and distinctly yours.
Why My Semi-Annual Trip Benefits You
When you hire a designer who attends High Point Market, you’re getting access to a world of furnishings you wouldn’t otherwise see. But more importantly, you’re getting someone who’s already done the research, who knows what pieces are comfortable, which vendors are reliable, and how it will all come together in your home.
You don’t have to worry about sourcing, matching, measuring, ordering, tracking, or second-guessing. That’s my job.
You get a home that feels cohesive, complete, and totally you—without spending months piecing it together.
