Happy Monday and welcome to our first day of a weeklong guest posts series! Today I am so excited to have Cheminne Taylor-Smith, Vice President of Marketing at High Point Market, here to give you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at what you might see at this month’s market. Enjoy! xo, -Tobi

Hi Tobi’s readers! It’s great to be here with you today!

The High Point Market kicks off in less than two weeks and the city is buzzing with showroom designers, trucks full of new products, and excited exhibitors.

I’d love to give you a peek behind the curtain, however most of the new designs are shrouded in secrecy until the opening day of April 21. But I figured out a way to let you know what you’ll see at the High Point Market by giving you an idea of what inspired the collections, fabrics, and colors that you’ll see in just a few days.

First, we’re going on a journey. Many new groups in High Point will be speaking with a slight French accent, finding their inspiration in Belgium and its weathered oak looks.

[Photo: Viahouse]

This amazing repurposed Belgian barn has the white/gray effect you’re going to see on wood finishes. Also look for scrolls and French Country details.

Another country on our inspiration tour is Morocco. Showrooms will sparkle with multicolored lanterns, tile-patterned fabrics, and the distinctive arches and motifs from the North African destination.

[Photo: Cheminne Taylor-Smith]

The distinctive arches and colored patterns of Morocco will set the stage in High Point. One more exotic destination is on the agenda, with fabrics that evoke India’s colorful saris.

[Photo: Starbek]

Jewel tones, elephants, and intricate patterns like these on an ancient tile will definitely catch your eye at Market.

Thanks to Mad Men, we’ve had a good run with Mid-Century Modern, and now product designers are looking further into the past. A few are using the shapely curves of the Art Nouveau period as inspiration for carvings and patterns.

[Photo: Cheminne Taylor-Smith]

You might even catch a glimpse of the distinctive Art Nouveau typeface in someone’s showroom.

Speaking of Mad Men, menswear is still a major catalyst for home fashions. Look for paisley, houndstooth, plaid, and argyle – but not just on fabrics. There are some interesting metal plaids and wood paisleys that will be on display.

[Photo: Brooks Brothers]

Artistic touches are clearly key to what you’ll see in High Point, in three very distinct ways.

[Photo: MOMA]

You’ll see Pop Art designs, particularly inspired by artists like Mondrian.

[Photo: Artisanwerks]

There is definitely a new appreciation for artisan designs. Products and designs will have the look that they were crafted by hand, even if they weren’t.

[Photo: Museum of Liverpool]

And there is a return to classical inspiration, particularly busts and cameos. I guarantee you’ll also see a lot of the Greek Klismos chair design, which I love.

[Photo: Saridis]

But what about color? We’ve heard a lot about Tangerine Tango, and I’m sure you’ll see the hue in High Point. I think you’ll also see bright pops of two of my favorite colors.

[Photo: Big Fat Cake]

The deep coral-pink of this peony will give you an idea of color inspirations in High Point. And so will the color of a big scoop of pistachio ice cream.

[Photo: Royal Scoop]

Even though I wasn’t able to show you exact products you’ll see at the High Point Market, our inspiration tour should definitely give you a taste of things to come.

See you soon!

Cheminne Taylor-Smith

VP of Marketing, High Point Market Authority