I initially intended for this post to introduce you to a single new source from my time on the Fall 2019 Design Blogger’s Tour of High Point Market. But after spending the last five weeks trying to narrow the field, it became evident that I would not be able to get down to just one! I gained so much inspiration from the tour, and while I found many new-to-me sources for future projects, there were three in particular that spoke to me on a deeper level.
With styles that range from global bohemian chic to modern luxe European to timeless old world, these three companies presented collections that tell articulate, vibrant stories through authentic, sensuous materials. The aesthetics represented in each of these showrooms were distinct and rich, complementing a variety of client design sensibilities, each in their own unique way. And while these design houses may have familiar names, their latest collections are fresh and anything but expected.
Four Hands furniture is certainly the most widely recognized name on this list, however it is a new source for me, and one I am delighted to have been introduced to through the Design Bloggers Tour. Based in Austin, Texas, Four Hands’ artistic, global approach to furnishings combined with a corporate focus on continuous improvement are two of many qualities I found admirable in this group. Making use of sustainably sourced and upcycled materials like mango wood sourced from fruit trees at the end of their life, found materials, and recycled aluminum, Four Hands educates the buyer on the sustainable properties of each product through the use of their signature “eco chic tags.”
The Four Hands line, which exudes modern global bohemian overtones, includes 1,000 new design-forward products each year spanning every category of home furnishings and decor. One could easily outfit an entire home from the Four Hands showroom, although each detailed piece stands on its own quite beautifully, as well. When I review the line, I see fresh elements of hygge, wabi-sabi and even a touch of modernism mixed in for good measure.
One of my favorite items from the latest collection we viewed at High Point was the Stormy Sideboard, crafted of iron distressed to a unique, rhythmic ombre color pattern. The fascinating coloration and use of noble materials introduces an element of wabi-sabi. The Keppler Square Coffee Table was another piece that really drew me in, with it’s hefty block of solid bluestone clamped into a frame of black iron gives an evocative nod to brutalism. And in contrast, the sloping lines of the Luna Chaise provide a comforting juxtaposition to the angularity of the aforementioned hardgoods. I look forward to pulling from this collection for my own home as well as future client projects.
Of course no source list of mine is complete without European representation, and so I was very pleased to become acquainted with Belgian design house, Dôme Deco, on the tour. Another full-scale, cross-category furnishing and decor line, Dôme Deco’s philosophy can best be summed up by their three Cs: Cosmopolitan, Contemporary, Conceptual. While Dôme is new to the US, having recently opened their first showroom in Atlanta, Georgia and debuting the collection at Fall’s High Point Market, the company has a well-recognized name in Western Europe, where they show at Maison&Objet, Salone del Mobile, Ambiente, and The Independent Hotel shows.
Dôme Deco’s line consists of 1,500 products including furnishings, lighting, rugs, accessories, and textiles, almost all of which are stocked, which means shorter lead times for my fellow designers! The 2019/2020 collection, which we were presented as part of the Design Bloggers Tour, is comprised of three independent themes: Essential, featuring very clean, simple lines; Authentic, with distinctive character, imperfections and a natural look; and Seductive, which includes glossy finishes, luxe color gradations, and a touch of nightlife-inspired glamour.
This line resonated deeply with me. Their European heritage meets cosmopolitan sophistication transported me home to Paris. The brooding, rich denim blue accents are balanced against a very European palette of grey and black, while accents of modern rose gold and smokey glass light fixtures lighten the mood. Dôme Deco is a line that I am certain will speak volumes to clients seeking modern, sophisticated, Parisian luxury.
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Blue Print Collection is another High Point first-timer that struck me as particularly noteworthy. Blue Print Collection is the collaboration of five designers from the Dallas area: Cynthia Collins, Caroline Eastman, Leslie Jenkins, Carrie Jane Pogoloff, and Lucy Ward. These accomplished designers found themselves continually turning to custom furniture to achieve proper scale and finishes for their clients. So, 10 years after opening their flagship retail boutique, Blue Print expanded into their own collection, which they launched at Fall’s High Point Market.
Blue Print Collection takes inspiration from the best of traditional, European antiques and adds a breath of fresh, modern influence. I see each piece in the collection flowing well with any style of decor, effortlessly standing in a room of heirloom antiques, modern pieces, or trendy vintage finds alike. And this is by design; the clever designers behind the collection intentionally created pieces that can suit a wide variety of clients and projects, while maintaining an air of authenticity. Also, it is worth noting that Blue Print Collection is not restricted to the trade, meaning that their pieces are accessible to those not working through a designer.
One of my favorite pieces in this collection is the Parker Cabinet. With a sleek, black finish, clean lines and just a slight touch of warm brass hardware, this piece is sophisticated and rich, without being overpowering. The Maris Rosewood Console is another gorgeous piece, showcasing the beautiful grain of the warm rosewood with accents of simple but statement-making brass rectangular pulls. I am eager to see what the future holds for Blue Print Collection, and want to congratulate these talented designers on their first showing at High Point!
Whether you seek thoughtful wabi-sabi, sensual luxury, or crisp antique-inspired design, I am confident you will find stunning pieces for your projects with one of these three outstanding collections. As I reflect on my stint with the Esteem Media and High Point Market’s Fall 2019 Design Bloggers Tour, I am grateful to have been introduced to a fabulous new pool of sources and a group of accomplished designers and bloggers to now call friends. Thank you, again, to our sponsors, Adam Japko CEO of Esteem Media, and Design Influencers Conference, and the High Point Market Authority and my blogging friends for this exciting opportunity, and thank you, my friends, for following along on my journey.
Please be sure to visit our Tour sponsors, and follow my fellow bloggers on social media for more insights into the Fall 2019 Design Bloggers Tour.
Esteemed Sponsors
- Cisco Brothers
- Crypton Home Fabric
- Dorel Home
- Four Hands
- Hooker Furniture
- Hubbardton Forge
- Hudson Valley Lighting Group
- IMC – Interhall
- James by Jimmy DeLaurentis
- Dôme Deco
- Blue Print Collection
- Huntington House
- Jaipur Living
- Lloyd Flanders
- Norwalk Furniture
- IMC – Salon
- Daniel Stuart Studio
- SIFAS
- Windy O’ Connor
- SmithHönig
Tour Companions
- Sara Malek Barney
- Lori Dennis
- Tim Green
- Donna Mancini
- Amy Mitchell
- Rachel Moriarty
- Sara Noble
- Lisa Peck
- Deborah von Donop
Again, I would like to reiterate that it has been a great pleasure to be part of the 2019 Fall Design Bloggers Tour at High Point Market. And as always, thank you for reading my blog posts.
