Hi, Meg here, bursting at the seams to tell you all about my recent trip to High Point Market in North Carolina. If you’ve never been to HPMKT and wondered about its magical mysteries, never fear, here’s a little recap for you! Experiencing HPMKT for the first time met and exceeded every expectation in my book. I experienced just a small taste of what HPMKT is all about and it absolutely blew my mind!
book the entire week
Because of the busy time of year (hello spring + kids end of the school year + hosting our first annual intensive) I had to slip into Market at the tail end of the week-long event. Unfortunately I missed out on the first 3 days of kick-off parties, social events, lectures, and shopping but I was able to get a taste of most of HPMKT during two unforgettable days! Next time – I’m all in, all week!
all about the lanyard
If you’re researching HPMKT you’ll initially find pictures of designers + business owners grinning from ear to ear wearing a very fashionable and coveted lanyard. This lanyard gains you access to all the sip and shops, lectures, food, cocktails, and free gelato! I said what I said. Free. Gelato. And let me tell you, the pictures don’t even do this place justice! It’s a mecca of eye candy as you sip and shop through each gorgeous showroom and onto the next. I was consumed with design trends as I wandered and met the friendliest reps and designers! As you are scanned into each showroom, your local rep is notified and – trust me – they will seek you out and shower you with praises and tell you about all the newbies they have to offer! It’s really that easy and really that much fun!
i learned a little too
Yes, most of my time at Market was spent shopping, but don’t forget about the inspirational lectures as well! While planning your trip, you can see the full itinerary of learning opportunities and plan accordingly as you see fit. For example, I attended “Sourcing Artwork Like a Pro” with a designer panel that included amazing artists like Eleanor Scott Davis and Allyson Monson, just to name a few, and listened as they chatted about the in’s and out’s of selecting artwork for your clients. AMAZING! I also attended “Creating A Luxury Look For Less” with Thom Filicia and Megan Molten and learned about prioritizing budget and selecting fabulous anchor pieces that will make a dynamic impact. It was dreamy!! I hung on to their every word as I feverishly scribbled notes onto my tiny notepad. I gained so much perspective and insight that I can’t wait to share with my design clients.
texture is the name of the game
Now let’s talk trends – I’m talking about texture people! Texture on all the things until it’s pouring out of your ears. Canning, lush velvet, gold detail, hammered metals, interesting shapes, bouclé, and wovens – oh my! The details matter and the details are what will elevate your room from “oh” to “OH YES!”. Not to be confused with an overwhelming amount of pizazz – these textures are to be mindfully placed (sprinkled, if you will) throughout your space to leave your home feeling complete, yet effortless. It’s all so amazing and such a fine line to teeter. For example, focusing on a few impact WOW pieces that will really make or break the space will not only elevate your room but stretch your dollar. Food for thought ya’ll!
I CANnoT WAIT TO RETURN
You guys, Market was so magical! I can’t wait to go back and absorb all the goodness that HPMKT has to offer – the camaraderie and inspiration is top notch! I was left in awe over the amount of talent designers from around the country possess. I love what we uniquely pour into our industry. The journey to finding a style that works for your personal home is something that I don’t take for granted. Your home should be as unique as you are – it shouldn’t look like page 6 of a Pottery Barn catalog. Finding elements that meet style, function, budget and personality is truly a journey and I’m so incredibly thankful to be in a position that allows me to help my clients discover theirs.
xo, Meg
