- High Point, North Carolina is where the World comes twice a year, to preview the newest in furniture and home decor. If High Point didn’t invent furniture, it certainly invented the furniture industry. I started my three day visit to the High Point International Furniture Market with The Phillips Collection.
The Phillips Collection offers innovative and striking designs that have in international flair. This is just the place to look for unique items that can serve in both a transitional decor or a hip urban loft.
Wicker Screen Divider, The Phillips Collection
The Wicker Screen Divider can be used as a piece of art against a wall, as a headboard or to actually separate a large room or loft into two smaller sections.
Gallery of stools. The Phillips Collection
These stools can add a touch of a natural element to a room. Again they work in a variety of settings, not just a contemporary space.
Nuttapong, Seatbelt Chair, The Phillips Collection
When I saw these chairs by Thai Designer Nuttapong, remembered them from the movie “The Hunger Games”. I sat in one and the are comfortable!
The Phillips Collection, Seatbelt Chair in green from the film “the Hunger Games”
Here the chair is shown as a dining chair, but I could easily envision it as a desk chair in a child or teenagers bedroom.
from the phillipscollectionblogspot.com
If you ever visit “Market” it’s best to come up with a plan to map out your days, but you know what they say about the best laid plans… My next stop at Market was a bit off plan, but I had to see Phoebe & Jim Howard’s Collection of furniture with Sherrill Furniture. 
The collection was actually introduced at the April Market, so I’m a little behind on the news , but who’s keeping score. Mr. & Mrs. Howard didn’t disappoint with they’re “new to me” collection. They served up an assemblage of upholstery and case goods blended with current and traditional, timeless designs. It’s also notable that the collection is made in Hickory, North Carolina.
Mr. & Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture
Rennie’s Side Table shown in washed linen, Mr. & Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture
I want this side table beside my bed. Everything one would need for a Sunday afternoon in bed is easily accessible. The table works flanking a sofa as well.
Oval Dining Room Mr. & Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture
Living Room vignette,Mr. & Mrs. Howard for Sherrill Furniture
I think it’s universally agreeable that Mrs. Howard’s design style is refined, comfortable and uncomplicated. I could do a post on this showroom alone. Hmmm!
From Sherrill, I ventured around the corner and down the street to Hickory Chair, another American made line of furniture. Hickory Chair features collections designed by Alexa Hampton, Suzanne Kasler, Mariette Himes Gomez and Thomas O’Brien. Wow, what a line up! Each of Designers are in the Showroom during Market, are approachable and, just like me, love to talk about design.
Thomas O’Brian, Marc Stool, Hickory Chair
Top view, Thomas O’Brien, Marc Stool, Hickory Chair
I almost tripped over this stool, and I fell in love in the process! The Marc Stool, by Thomas O’Brien, with its ever so gentle curves and ash frame construction is a nod to Scandinavia.
Truman Sofa, Alexa Hampton, Hickory Chair
In my never-ending quest for the perfect sofa, I came across two candidates. First this 1940’s inspired beauty by Alexa Hampton. A simple, modern silhouette is essential for me, along with comfort and the ability to lay on it after a long day of work, or to watch a good movie. The Truman Sofa certainly fits the bill. You’ll learn more about my search for the perfect sofa in a future post. Alexa told me the sofa was introduced three years ago, and that it’s a good thing they “mix things up from one Market to the next”. How could I have missed it!
9th Street Sofa, Hickory Chair
Arm detail, 9th Street Sofa, Hickory Chair
Second is the 9th Street Sofa inspired by a vintage 1960’s Hickory Chair sofa. Again this sofa has been in the Hickory Chair line for some time now. Which leads me to my very first bit of advice as a Designer. Walk trough a showroom, or shop twice. You will always see something new the second go around.
Next Directly across the street is the Baker Showroom. Or as a friend of mine calls it Bakah! Regardless how you say it, Baker is a must stop at every Market.
Baker Showroom, Highpoint, North Carolina
Neatly nested behind Ivy laden walls, and a simple pair of french door, there’s no doubt where you are.
Tony Duquette Collection, Baker Furniture
I had the fortune of being escorted through the Baker showroom, by Vanessa, a former Design School classmate of mine. She showed me the place from her point of view and the first stop on our tour was Tony Duquette. “Babette’s Feast” for the eyes!
for the eyes.
From there Vanessa showed me, with a glint in her eye, The Thomas Pheasant Collection. It contained one of my favorite Market finds, a reinterpretation of the Starburst Mirror. Finally!
Blossom Mirror, Thomas Pheasant, Tony Duquette Collection, Baker
His interpretation is loosely inspired by a kimono with cherry blossoms. It is truly an eye catcher, that is bound to be the new “must have” mirror to smartly finish a room. Juan Carlos, Thomas’ partner, described the intricate detail that went into getting the look just right. They resorted to post-it notes to indicate where on the mirror each gem would be placed. Pink for the medium-sized gems and yellow for the large ones.
from bakerfurniture.com
Juan Carlos, me and Thomas at the Baker Showroom.
Finally I’ll end today’s post on the Market with yet another American Made Furniture Company, Vaughn-Bassett. The Bassett family has been making furniture in Virginia & North Carolina since 1902, Vaughn-Bassett has been designing and building bedroom furniture since the 1920’s. They are an American Furniture Dynasty.
Vaughn-Bassett today and tomorrow. Ann Yancey Bassett, Wyatt Bassett; President, and McKinely Bassett.
My favorite collection is the Cottage. It’s cute, fun, and transitional.
Cottage Collection, Vaughn-Bassett Furniture Company
I can picture a pair of these bed’s in a child’s room at a beach house. I love the added storage for blankets and sheets.
The Cottage Collection, Vaughn-Bassett Furniture Company
Cottage Collection, Vaughn-Bassett Furniture Company
In the next post, I will share a couple of other great showrooms, some of the Boutique Vendors at Market, home accessories, and some Market trends.
If you see an item you like, would like to own, or want to know where to buy, contact me!
Benji
benjiinteriors.wordpress.com 