Decorating Guides
15 Design Trends Spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market
Warm palettes, curves and organic influences reigned at the influential trade show, but the trends didn’t stop there
Rounded shapes and warm, earthy tones and textures remain hot, but upbeat color combinations and traditional furniture are on the rise. These are just a few key takeaways from the spring 2022 High Point Market, a trade show in High Point, North Carolina, that showcases the latest trends and designs in home furnishings and decor.
Curious about what your designer or favorite retailers have in store for your home in the coming months (or, in some cases, what you can find online right now)? Read on for 15 trends that stood out at the April 2-6 event.
Curious about what your designer or favorite retailers have in store for your home in the coming months (or, in some cases, what you can find online right now)? Read on for 15 trends that stood out at the April 2-6 event.
This moss-colored Luna rug from Bobby Berk by Karastan, introduced at the market, is a great example of the warm, earthy tones that dominated many of the showrooms. Chalky greens and blues were ubiquitous too.
Shop for a rug on Houzz
Shop for a rug on Houzz
2. Curves Ahead
Over the past year-plus, rounded silhouettes have come to dominate both upholstered furniture and casegoods, appealing to our collective desire for coziness, and the trend showed no sign of reversing at the spring market.
Boucle continued to be the fabric du jour for these plush, overstuffed and often oversize pieces, with velvet (like the sharkskin velvet covering the gorgeous new Arteriors Turner chaise seen here) coming in a close second. But some manufacturers are dipping their toes into looser, nubbier boucles and experimenting with pattern instead of sticking to the white boucle we’ve seen in the past few seasons (though there was still plenty of that).
Over the past year-plus, rounded silhouettes have come to dominate both upholstered furniture and casegoods, appealing to our collective desire for coziness, and the trend showed no sign of reversing at the spring market.
Boucle continued to be the fabric du jour for these plush, overstuffed and often oversize pieces, with velvet (like the sharkskin velvet covering the gorgeous new Arteriors Turner chaise seen here) coming in a close second. But some manufacturers are dipping their toes into looser, nubbier boucles and experimenting with pattern instead of sticking to the white boucle we’ve seen in the past few seasons (though there was still plenty of that).
This new-for-spring Alfonso Marina Montagne coffee table is a sophisticated example of how designers are exploring rounded, organic, sculptural forms in both the tops and bases of their wooden furnishings.
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3. Natural Evolution
The moves toward organic shapes and earthier color palettes connect to another major trend: biophilic design. Loosely defined as design that improves quality of life by connecting people to nature, it’s been big since the onset of the pandemic, but its expression in decor and furniture has continued to evolve. The early tropical and jungle motifs and more recent pastoral and floral motifs are still evident in showrooms, but now, according the market’s TrendWatch program (and our own radar), eyes are turning to the forest, and particularly the forest floor.
Family-owned company Phillips Collection, which has specialized in nature-inspired organic-modern furnishings for four decades, showed a variety of new furniture and art pieces right in line with the trend, including birch leaf wall art (shown here in copper) and this coffee table made from ethically sourced wood wrapped in black iron.
The moves toward organic shapes and earthier color palettes connect to another major trend: biophilic design. Loosely defined as design that improves quality of life by connecting people to nature, it’s been big since the onset of the pandemic, but its expression in decor and furniture has continued to evolve. The early tropical and jungle motifs and more recent pastoral and floral motifs are still evident in showrooms, but now, according the market’s TrendWatch program (and our own radar), eyes are turning to the forest, and particularly the forest floor.
Family-owned company Phillips Collection, which has specialized in nature-inspired organic-modern furnishings for four decades, showed a variety of new furniture and art pieces right in line with the trend, including birch leaf wall art (shown here in copper) and this coffee table made from ethically sourced wood wrapped in black iron.
Although apparently inspired by a desert landscape, this rug from Unique Loom’s Tucson collection seems to capture a trend within a trend with its colors and bark-like texture.
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11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
4. Sustained Interest
Naturally, an interest in renewable resources is, at least in part, driving these motifs. We hope it’s not just a trend but rather a seismic shift in the industry. After all, beautiful design and sustainable materials are not mutually exclusive.
Case in point: This coffee table is made of bamboo, a fast-growing plant that releases about 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees, according to scientific sources. Its sustainability-minded manufacturer, Greenington, showed a wide range of bamboo pieces with clean, modern lines.
Also keep your eyes peeled for more products upholstered in vegan leather derived from mycelium (fungal threads found in places like rotting tree trunks), a sustainable and now scalable animal-leather alternative.
Naturally, an interest in renewable resources is, at least in part, driving these motifs. We hope it’s not just a trend but rather a seismic shift in the industry. After all, beautiful design and sustainable materials are not mutually exclusive.
Case in point: This coffee table is made of bamboo, a fast-growing plant that releases about 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees, according to scientific sources. Its sustainability-minded manufacturer, Greenington, showed a wide range of bamboo pieces with clean, modern lines.
Also keep your eyes peeled for more products upholstered in vegan leather derived from mycelium (fungal threads found in places like rotting tree trunks), a sustainable and now scalable animal-leather alternative.
5. Grass Is Greener
Hot now for several seasons, furnishings made from (or wrapped in) natural woven materials remain on trend, in part because fast-growing grasses can be sustainable and renewable. Caning, ropes, wicker and other woven textures were ubiquitous at the market, sometimes mixed with other materials or painted for a spring 2022 update.
This woven Cypress accent table from McGuire Originals is available in matte gunmetal as well as a clear coat.
Hot now for several seasons, furnishings made from (or wrapped in) natural woven materials remain on trend, in part because fast-growing grasses can be sustainable and renewable. Caning, ropes, wicker and other woven textures were ubiquitous at the market, sometimes mixed with other materials or painted for a spring 2022 update.
This woven Cypress accent table from McGuire Originals is available in matte gunmetal as well as a clear coat.
6. Hot Stone
Continuing the earthy theme, real stone, chalky stone-like plaster, natural crystals and faceted geometric shapes also had a strong presence at the market.
The Murano glass Gemstone table by Barbara Berry for Baker Furniture resembles a chunk of quartz.
Continuing the earthy theme, real stone, chalky stone-like plaster, natural crystals and faceted geometric shapes also had a strong presence at the market.
The Murano glass Gemstone table by Barbara Berry for Baker Furniture resembles a chunk of quartz.
This San Roque console, from L.A. interior designer and real estate developer Erinn Valencich’s new line for Universal Furniture, features doors in a highly textured, plaster-like finish called Shattered Earth.
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Where Designers Would Spend and Save in a Living Room
7. New Dimensions
The subtly dimensional facade of the console in the previous photo is an example of another textural trend showing up across product categories: bas-relief. For example, several of the newest rugs at Loloi, including the hand-knotted, wool-blend Emilia rug pictured here, feature 3D patterns, and we spotted a few among the new wallcoverings at Vahallan too.
The subtly dimensional facade of the console in the previous photo is an example of another textural trend showing up across product categories: bas-relief. For example, several of the newest rugs at Loloi, including the hand-knotted, wool-blend Emilia rug pictured here, feature 3D patterns, and we spotted a few among the new wallcoverings at Vahallan too.
Photo by Björn Wallander
8. Blond Ambition
Another general shift that we noted was a move toward lighter woods across furniture styles.
A favorite introduction featuring a light wood tone is this glass-topped Santa Clara dining table with a wooden trestle base. It’s part of Alfredo Paredes’ third collection with EJ Victor, which launched at the market.
The San Roque console’s cerused oak case, seen two photos back, also exemplifies this trend.
8. Blond Ambition
Another general shift that we noted was a move toward lighter woods across furniture styles.
A favorite introduction featuring a light wood tone is this glass-topped Santa Clara dining table with a wooden trestle base. It’s part of Alfredo Paredes’ third collection with EJ Victor, which launched at the market.
The San Roque console’s cerused oak case, seen two photos back, also exemplifies this trend.
Another outstanding example is this Tamarisk counter stool from designer Josh Greene’s buzzy new collaboration with Dowel Furniture. It’s available in several finishes, including cerused or whitewashed oak.
40 Home Design Trends That Will Shape 2022
40 Home Design Trends That Will Shape 2022
9. Sexy ’70s
It should come as no surprise that the rise of green, brown and nubby materials, which echo the earth-tone palettes of the 1970s, coincides with renewed interest in the silhouettes of that decade. We spotted Togo-style couches, brutalist-style brass lamps and live-wood coffee tables dating to the 1970s at the Chelsea on Green showroom in High Point that had nearly exact replicas on display in new vendors’ showrooms. Plus, there were rattan chairs straight out of the ’70s everywhere, as has been the case for several years now.
More often though, the showrooms featured contemporary looks with subtle nods to the decade. This vignette from Eichholtz, which has a spectacular U.S. flagship showroom in High Point, reflects a variety of influences but gives off a 1970s vibe with its lounge-y, low-slung seating and burnished-brass accents.
It should come as no surprise that the rise of green, brown and nubby materials, which echo the earth-tone palettes of the 1970s, coincides with renewed interest in the silhouettes of that decade. We spotted Togo-style couches, brutalist-style brass lamps and live-wood coffee tables dating to the 1970s at the Chelsea on Green showroom in High Point that had nearly exact replicas on display in new vendors’ showrooms. Plus, there were rattan chairs straight out of the ’70s everywhere, as has been the case for several years now.
More often though, the showrooms featured contemporary looks with subtle nods to the decade. This vignette from Eichholtz, which has a spectacular U.S. flagship showroom in High Point, reflects a variety of influences but gives off a 1970s vibe with its lounge-y, low-slung seating and burnished-brass accents.
This monolithic dining table from Four Hands, made of solid cream marble, has a postmodern 1970s Italian vibe that would work beautifully with contemporary interiors.
See photos of contemporary dining rooms
See photos of contemporary dining rooms
10. Decadent Deco
Art Deco influences, including sumptuous channeled velvet furniture, arches and scallops, also continued to have a strong presence at the spring market, in both near replicas and contemporary interpretations.
We love this Art Deco-inspired demilune Ozzy mirror from Arteriors, which is framed in antiqued brass iron with antiqued brass chain detailing.
Art Deco influences, including sumptuous channeled velvet furniture, arches and scallops, also continued to have a strong presence at the spring market, in both near replicas and contemporary interpretations.
We love this Art Deco-inspired demilune Ozzy mirror from Arteriors, which is framed in antiqued brass iron with antiqued brass chain detailing.
From the newly launched Mitzi x Dabito line, Hudson Valley Lighting Group’s contemporary brand, this Roshani one-light table lamp features a white ceramic arch, aged brass details and a scalloped linen shade. The ingredients are Art Deco, but the look is youthful, casual — and more than a little 1980s-era Memphis design in spirit too.
Find out what’s trending now
Find out what’s trending now
11. Tech Meets Tradition
Speaking of 1980s nostalgia, according to High Point Market’s trend watchers, the maximalist grandmillennial look that took over social media a couple of years ago is getting sophisticated, mixing eras and styles with confidence and adding in techie elements. “Tech meets tradition” is the look’s catchphrase, and it translates to traditional elements — think turned feet, rolled arms and fringe — combined with linear patterns, natural curiosities and interesting surface treatments.
This spring, the folks at Four Hands launched a new “story” that’s a return to traditional design, and it fits this trend to a T. (The Marjorie sideboard pictured here is part of the collection.) Note how they’ve styled it with an eclectic array of abstract art, rustic pottery and arched accents.
The crowds at the market’s Antique & Design Center at Market Square suggest that there may be increasing interest in adding antiques to the mix too.
Shop for Four Hands living room furniture
Speaking of 1980s nostalgia, according to High Point Market’s trend watchers, the maximalist grandmillennial look that took over social media a couple of years ago is getting sophisticated, mixing eras and styles with confidence and adding in techie elements. “Tech meets tradition” is the look’s catchphrase, and it translates to traditional elements — think turned feet, rolled arms and fringe — combined with linear patterns, natural curiosities and interesting surface treatments.
This spring, the folks at Four Hands launched a new “story” that’s a return to traditional design, and it fits this trend to a T. (The Marjorie sideboard pictured here is part of the collection.) Note how they’ve styled it with an eclectic array of abstract art, rustic pottery and arched accents.
The crowds at the market’s Antique & Design Center at Market Square suggest that there may be increasing interest in adding antiques to the mix too.
Shop for Four Hands living room furniture
12. Mauve It
As for the color palette that goes along with this “tech meets tradition” look, the TrendWatch program points to Sherwin-Williams’ Opus palette (from the paint company’s 2022 Colormix Forecast), which is all about layering deep colors like blackberry and smoky blue with vibrant shades like coral clay. Additionally, as in the 1980s, all shades of purple — especially mauve — are in play. The appearance of purple and colors that play well with it was perhaps unsurprising given that Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year is the purplish-red Veri Peri.
This vignette featuring exhibitor Maria Yee’s new Omosa House line captures the mood, if not the traditional elements. (Note how the flowers add an unexpected touch of red.)
As for the color palette that goes along with this “tech meets tradition” look, the TrendWatch program points to Sherwin-Williams’ Opus palette (from the paint company’s 2022 Colormix Forecast), which is all about layering deep colors like blackberry and smoky blue with vibrant shades like coral clay. Additionally, as in the 1980s, all shades of purple — especially mauve — are in play. The appearance of purple and colors that play well with it was perhaps unsurprising given that Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year is the purplish-red Veri Peri.
This vignette featuring exhibitor Maria Yee’s new Omosa House line captures the mood, if not the traditional elements. (Note how the flowers add an unexpected touch of red.)
13. Color Pop
Earth tones, dusky darks and 80s pastels weren’t the only trending palettes that caught our eye at the spring show. This canary yellow Alais chair by Nathan Anthony Furniture in collaboration with artist Sahara Novotna anticipates the optimistic, vibrant and virtual reality-inspired colors that some forecasters are predicting for 2023.
Interesting aside: The forward-thinking company’s creative director, Tina Nicole, also collaborated with Novotna to create the cryptocurrency-inspired ÆTHR furniture collection, which debuted at the spring market. Incorporating 24-karat gold bitcoin and shredded $100 bills from the U.S. Mint, the pieces will also be sold as NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
Earth tones, dusky darks and 80s pastels weren’t the only trending palettes that caught our eye at the spring show. This canary yellow Alais chair by Nathan Anthony Furniture in collaboration with artist Sahara Novotna anticipates the optimistic, vibrant and virtual reality-inspired colors that some forecasters are predicting for 2023.
Interesting aside: The forward-thinking company’s creative director, Tina Nicole, also collaborated with Novotna to create the cryptocurrency-inspired ÆTHR furniture collection, which debuted at the spring market. Incorporating 24-karat gold bitcoin and shredded $100 bills from the U.S. Mint, the pieces will also be sold as NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
Vibrant blue, red and green are in our futures too, according to color forecasters. This peel-and-stick wallpaper — a collaboration between fashion designer Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia and Tempaper — represented the trend in one of the TrendWatch program’s spring displays.
The Hooker Furnishings Mélange Patrisha bar cabinet, which was also featured in the TrendWatch program, is a more transitional take on the upbeat-color trend.
14. Inside Out
Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors in architectural design is nothing new. This spring, we noted that manufacturers are turning their attention to blurring the line between indoor and outdoor furniture too. This fully upholstered chaise lounge from Kravet’s just-launched KravetSoleil Indoor/Outdoor collection can be customized with nail designs in outdoor-suitable nickel or brass.
Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors in architectural design is nothing new. This spring, we noted that manufacturers are turning their attention to blurring the line between indoor and outdoor furniture too. This fully upholstered chaise lounge from Kravet’s just-launched KravetSoleil Indoor/Outdoor collection can be customized with nail designs in outdoor-suitable nickel or brass.
15. Mod Squad
Last but not least, exhibitors at many showrooms were touting new reconfigurable multifunctional furniture pieces, such as BDI’s coffee tables and consoles that transform into laptop desks, and new-to-market Stowed’s modular couches. The new three-in-one coffee table-and-ottoman ensemble seen here, spotted at the South + English showroom, is a particularly fun design.
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Last but not least, exhibitors at many showrooms were touting new reconfigurable multifunctional furniture pieces, such as BDI’s coffee tables and consoles that transform into laptop desks, and new-to-market Stowed’s modular couches. The new three-in-one coffee table-and-ottoman ensemble seen here, spotted at the South + English showroom, is a particularly fun design.
More on Houzz
What to Know About Working With an Interior Designer
Read more industry show and fair recaps
Find a home professional
Browse for furniture and decor
1. Warming Trend
One of the broadest trends at the market was the general warming up of palettes, with browns — particularly cognac and the butterscotchish-taupe tone seen on this leather Quinton swivel chair from Four Hands — edging out the cool grays and stark whites that have dominated over the past decade-plus.
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