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"Market Trends: Skirting the Issue"


Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend four days at what I affectionately call designer Disneyland, also known as High Point Market.  The High Point Market is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, bringing more than 75,000 people to High Point every six months.  It is THE place to find the latest and greatest in home furnishings and décor.  It's also a great place to connect with design friends and meet a few new ones too!


This year's spring show did not disappoint and was packed with beautiful showrooms and products that really got my creative juices going.  There were so many new design trends on display that it's hard to share them all in one blog post.  I've decided to break them up and start with one of my favorites. 

We all know that I love a furniture makeover.  In fact, it's usually my favorite part of most client projects.  Here's a look back at just a few.   
I'm always in search of inspiring ideas to help jazz up upholstered pieces that are past their prime.  High Point Market is a treasure trove for reupholstery inspiration and ideas.  This year, I couldn't help but notice the number of skirts on the upholstered seating. 


 

Typically when we think of skirted furniture, we immediately think dated ruffles and over the top embellishments like those used in the 80's.  However, these new renditions are much more streamlined and sleek. 


They seem to add an air of sophistication and luxury.  Not to mention a place to conceal items.  (Just sayin')  Donned with contrasting fabric and fancy trim tapes, this latest trend in upholstery has my wheels turning with all sorts of options.



Sofas and loveseats weren't the only pieces I spotted that were dressed up in skirts.  This scalloped edge bench with contrast piping from Highland House was a stunner.  I can totally imagine it at the foot of a bed or in a large master bath as a dressing bench.


I'll be honest, I've ripped off a few skirts in my day, seeking a cleaner and more modern look.  After seeing the latest take on this classic style, I'm totally rethinking my next makeover.  


Stay tuned...

"Finishing Touch"

If you've been a Dwell by Cheryl reader for a while, you know that I've been obsessed with African JuJu hats for some time now.  I blogged about them years ago in a post called, Fiending for a JuJu.  At the time, I couldn't pull the trigger on purchasing one so I resorted to painting a few for my Color Theory class project.  I liked the project so much, it actually hangs in my office's gallery wall today. 


I finally decided this past Christmas that I was going to finally bite the bullet and buy myself one (they aren't cheap).  It would be my gift to myself culminating a year of hard work and awesome achievements.  I was all prepared.  The timing was even perfect considering Charlotte Home and Garden would be coming to shoot my bedroom for their winter issue.  So, I rushed to Metrolina Tradeshow and Expo on the first weekend of December to seek out the African art vendor who I'd passed a dozen times before.  Wouldn't you know, he was NOwhere to be found.  I patiently waiting, thinking he'd return the following month, and each month he was again M.I.A.  That is until this weekend.....


I can't tell you how excited I was to walk into Building C and spot those JuJu hats displayed on the back wall as they had been in so many months past.  I made an immediate bee line to the vendor and decided on the perfect white one for my master bedroom.


I couldn't get home fast enough to hang it.  JuJu hats are completely collapsible and you can adjust the width by pulling a string on the back side and creating a flush mounted or 3-dimensional affect. 


I went with something in the middle. Can I just say that it was totally worth the wait.  I absolutely love it. 




As I woke up this morning, I felt like an African Princess sleeping in the palace beneath this traditional headdress.  : )
It's the perfect finishing touch, and just one more reason to love my space.


Until next time...

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