High Point Market Round Up: Mixed Metals For the Win

The Aiden, Acrylic Canopy Upholstered Bed from Bernhardt

I've wanted to go to High Point Market, the furniture and accessories mecca, for interior designers, for many many years. This year I was committed to go at all cost. I also applied, on a whim, to be chosen as a design blogger and much to my surprise, I was chosen along with nine other talented bloggers to attend.
Bags packed, I was finally bound for my first market experience, and loaded with the three must have items I'd gleaned from market veterans: comfy shoes, phone chargers and pain medication for the sore feet and inevitable hangovers. PS There are a million cocktail parties and plenty of bubbly all day at 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. there are 180 buildings, 11.5 million sq feet of showspace, an average of 75,000 attendees visiting more than 2000 exhibitors.
Once I got over the shock of the vastness of High Point, and attended my first market cocktail soiree, I got my self together for day one. We would tour 17 sponsored showrooms in 3 days, a dizzying experience in the best of ways aka straight up design candy shop.
Inspiration seeped from ever crevice of this tour, so instead of giving you the blow by blow of each visit, I'll do three posts to recap key trends I spotted including a round up and what you'll need to make it through market when you do visit.The overwhelming trend I saw in almost every showroom we visited were an abundance of metals - brass, chrome and mixed metals on upholstery pieces, tables, accessories and case goods.

 This "Pick Up Sticks" dining table base from the AmbellaHome showroom made my heart swoon with all its iron metal with an antique gold finish beauty. Like, seriously? Who would be able to focus on dinner with this base underfoot? 
 

 

More metal goodness at AmbellaHome via this "Magic Fluted Chest"

and their "Origami Chest'. Design tip: I often use these large chests as nightstands, usually with a king sized bed. Loads of storage, and often with more unexpected details than you'd find in a traditional nightstand.

I had a what the what moment at this brass and marble coffee table at the Vanguard Furniture showroom. This is coffee table as art at its finest.

One of my favorite showrooms on our tour was Bernhardt. I've used items from their various collections for years, so it was sheer delight to finally see their showroom.

They are known for classic pieces with stunning lines, and chrome shined bright throughout many of their collections.

  

  Ohh, this buffet is working those metal curves!

I especially loved the manipulation of metal on this four poster bed. This was definitely a showstopper.

The Flint table by Michael Berman.

 Interior designer Michael Berman launched his collection for the Theodore Alexander showroom and it was breathtaking. Like, seriously had to catch my breath. He is using brass extensively throughout this collection.
 

 Yes, please to the hammered metal pull and lines on this buffet  

Even this dome light fixture in brass was designed specifically for Berman's collection for Theodore Alexander. 

 The folks at Harp and Finial have mastered the mixed metal trend with mirrors, lamps and accessories. And with budget-friendly prices to boot.

 

I really loved the fun, energetic vibe of their collection - hello monkey! And look forward to using some of their pieces in some upcoming projects. And that's it for the first round up. Check in later this week for round two.