High Point Market: Trends You’ll Love (and Some to Let Go)

Walking into High Point Market these days is like walking into a kaleidoscope of colors with whole new dimensions of textures and layering. There has been SO much variety in design, color, feel, and new manufacturing techniques that I have been blown away by the possibilities.

But here’s the thing…trends are often fickle. What’s breathtaking today can become dated tomorrow.

That’s why, as I strolled through the showrooms at Fall 2024 High Point Market last month, I wasn’t just looking for what was “in.” I was searching for the stories these trends tell us.

And, trust me, some of these trends are telling stories of fortitude…they’ll be timeless features of interiors before long. Others, though…they’re holding on for dear life before their heyday is done.

READ: I’ve written about some of today’s trends before. In fact, most of them! You know the ones…those irresistible layered textures, the mixes of metal and wood, those dreamy, jewel-toned maximalist palettes. They’ve been big for a few years, and they were all present again at Fall High Point Market.

Rising Trends from HPMKT

What REALLY caught my eye at High Point Market this time were the new ways that manufacturers are reinventing the trends we’ve seen, either to dial up the drama OR to soften them for a more timeless feel. Today’s interior design trends are blending the old and new, and that’s exactly what makes design at this moment so much fun.

Here, I’ll break down the trends I saw at High Point Market, starting with those that are REALLY heating up.

Metallics and a touch of golden glam

Metallic accents have gone beyond their ‘80s and ‘90s roots, evolving now into a whole design language that feels fresh, luxurious, and just a touch playful. Lightweight golds, brushed silvers, and soft bronzes are now mixed and layered even more with other materials like wood and stone…in furniture AND in lighting.

You could try this look in a dining room table that shows off slender brass legs supporting a richly grained wooden top. You could pair your streamline sofa with side chairs featuring metallic inlays. Or, you could install lighting fixtures with thin, golden arms and frosted glass for just the right amount of glam.

Plaid perfection

Plaid has officially left the realm of preppy uniforms and picnic blankets to become a bold and versatile design phenomenon!! This fall, I saw it on everything from upholstered chairs to accent walls.

Maybe you could use plaid in a cozy reading nook with a plaid wingback chair, a cashmere throw, and a stack of books waiting to be explored. Even a wallpaper featuring oversized, modern plaid patterns could bring warmth and texture to a room without feeling dated.

The key is balancing the boldness of the pattern with solid, understated elements elsewhere in the space.

Natural wood revival

The return of natural wood in interiors is something I’ve been THRILLED to see!! Gone are the days of over-engineered, overly glossy finishes…this trend embraces the beauty of wood’s authenticity.

Think, for instance, of coffee tables made from reclaimed oak with visible grain and knots, or light maple cabinetry that highlights wood’s organic character…

Natural wood pairs beautifully with nearly every design style, from minimalist to maximalist, and adds warmth and grounding to a room.

See the natural wood table I selected as one of my Market Pro “picks” for an example of a selection I instantly LOVED!!

Glass lighting’s takeover

Glass lighting is SO BIG right now, my goodness! And I’ve written a lot about it recently, too. From pendants to chandeliers, designers and manufacturers are playing with creative shapes and textures, like blown glass with organic curves or etched glass shades that cast intricate patterns on your walls.

A cascading chandelier of clear glass orbs suspended over a dining table could be the key selection that adds a delicate airiness to your space. While undeniably stunning, though, I MUST warn you that this trend comes with a caveat: glass requires meticulous cleaning to maintain its pristine look, so be prepared for some upkeep if you embrace this.

Organic shapes in furniture

More than I’ve seen at ANY recent market, High Point Market Fall 2024 was all about soft, organic shapes in furniture. Curvy couches that hug your body, ottomans shaped like swirling skirts, and freeform coffee tables were EVERYWHERE.

Maybe a crescent-shaped sofa could be the new focal point of your living room, with its contours creating a continuum of togetherness for everyone who congregates there. If that isn’t a little poetic, I don’t know what is!!

Craftsmanship meets innovation

Furniture manufacturers are also continuing to raise the bar with creative and thoughtful solutions that optimizes functionality, especially as it relates to longevity and maintenance.

Thanks to innovative cores wrapped in down alternatives, for example, we have new possibilities to explore down-level luxury without maintenance headaches. We’ll continue to see more innovations like this, too.

Customizable armrest options

It might seem like a silly detail, but the difference a custom armrest can make in comfort is HUGE!! High-end furniture is getting more personalized, and the focus on customizable armrests at High Point Market last month was proof.

Sofas, recliners, and even dining chairs now come with options for different armrest shapes, materials, and padding. Whether you prefer a sleek design or a plush, rolled armrest for added comfort, you can customize your selections down to the last detail.

The dining chair sets I selected as one of my Market Pro “picks” this year is an example of a design with TOTALLY customizable arm rests. See demo videos one and two that I shared on Instagram!!

Ergonomic elegance

Furniture design is leaning even more into the art of the “sit,” too, with a growing focus overall on ergonomics. How does a sofa or chair feel as soon as you sit and settle down? That’s what the “sit” optimizes.

For example, sofas, chairs, and beds are all being designed to accommodate varying heights, body types, and mobility needs. A low-profile sofa that’s perfect for someone my mom’s height, for instance, can sit next to a higher-backed recliner for someone who needs extra support.

Skirted furniture comeback

Skirted furniture is back in full swing, channeling one of the characteristic trends of the ‘80s and ‘90s…for better or worse. You decide! Skirted sofas, armchairs, side tables, and even ottomans are everywhere, adding a touch of softness and tradition to spaces.

Is this look for you? Really picture it…envision a deep navy sofa in your family room with a tailored skirt studded with contemporary brass accents. You CAN blend nostalgia with updated color palettes and materials for a space that feels classic but chic, right?!

Floral statements

Floral patterns are blooming bigger than ever, and in more ways than one. Not only did I see floral ABSOLUTELY everywhere, but the pattern designs have “grown up” from Grandma’s tiny bouquets. Today’s florals are big, bold, and often 3D, often paired with neutral backdrops to keep them from overwhelming a space.

A chunky floral print on an accent chair’s upholstery, for instance, or large-scale floral wallpaper in a powder room can give you a dramatic yet tasteful look.

For an even subtler approach, incorporate florals through throw your pillows or artwork…

Western-inspired details

The Western aesthetic was another BIG one at High Point this time, with its rugged charm and earthy tones. Think leather accents, cowhide rugs, and raw wood details that evoke the American West.

A child’s room featuring a rustic bunk bed, denim-inspired bedding, and playful cowboy-themed artwork can capture this trend without overwhelming your whole home. My advice? Use Western elements sparingly unless your home’s architecture naturally leans into the style.

See the western style denim upholstery I named another one of my “picks” as this fall’s High Point Market Pro!!

Maintaining Trends from HPMKT

When you fall in love with any trend, you HAVE to ask yourself: how long do you want to love it?

Trends have a half-life. Some stick around and evolve, and others burn brightly, then fizzle out…leaving rooms looking dated in just a few years.

Below are the trends that have evolved and sustained themselves in recent years, each making way for the possibility that they’ll eventually become timeless…

Velvet revival

Velvet has risen to the a fabric of choice, but unlike antique traditional velvet furniture, new selections use performance velvet. Thanks to incredible progress in fabric technology, today’s velvets are lush, inviting, durable and stain-resistant.

Walk through a home filled with deep jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue in soft velvets, each piece adding richness to a space. Lighter velvet hues like blush or taupe lend elegance that’s simultaneously trending and antique.

But beware, not all performance fabrics are created equal!! Some require special care, while others are specifically designed to endure everything from wine spills to sticky toddler hands. Velvet is your go-to for adding texture and sophistication, but research each manufacturer’s fabric’s lifespan and maintenance needs before making your selection.

Oversized elegance

Large-scale furniture continues to pop up in showrooms. Each new design offers comfort and visual drama. For example, a sprawling sectional can anchor an open-concept living area, while an oversized armchair in a reading nook feels like an invitation to curl up with a book.

However, scale matters. Using oversized furniture works in spaces with enough room to balance the size of the furniture. Too often, though, I see oversized pieces crowding smaller rooms, creating a look that feels cramped instead of cozy.

Work with a professional interior designer like me to get your scaling questions answered.

The swivel craze

Swivel chairs are still everywhere, and for good reason—who doesn’t want a swivel?! Whether it’s a pair of swiveling armchairs in the living room, a full set of swivel dining chairs, or a sleek office chair, swivel adds an interactive element that’s comfortable, practical, and aesthetically hidden in today’s new chair designs.

Swivels work especially well in rooms where people congregate, making it easy to pivot between conversations or turn toward the TV. Besides…the smooth motion of a swivel just feels satisfying, don’t you think??

“Simple line” sofas

Clean-lined sofas with single-cushion designs have held their ground, too. They embody a minimalist aesthetic that seems to anchor spaces otherwise filled with maximalist colors and textures.

This design is all about simplicity. It offers a refined silhouette that works in almost any style. That said, the clean look comes with MAJOR maintenance considerations…single cushions eventually crease or crumple, especially with frequent use, so it’s worth choosing high-quality materials to maintain that flawless, linear look.

Falling Trends from HPMKT

Now for those trends that I noticed weren’t as big as they were at spring High Point Market!!

These are GREAT reminders that trends come and go, often faster than you’d expect. That’s part of what makes them exciting…but also risky.

My two cents? Fully embracing a trend without understanding its longevity can leave your home looking dated within just a few years. Unless you thrive on redecorating often, it’s worth anchoring your space in timeless selections and sprinkling in trends through accents that can be easily swapped out. For example: think throw pillows, artwork, or even a single statement piece, rather than committing to an entire room in the latest craze.

With that in mind, here are the trends that have faded significantly since their heyday…and advice on how to move forward.

“Bye bye,” bouclé

Bouclé had its moment recently, with its “nubby” texture popping up on everything from sofas to ottomans. In fairness, it added softness and visual interest, but its limitations became clear fast…its maintenance is tricky, it doesn’t wear well in high-traffic areas, and, let’s face it, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea!!

In a living room, that bouclé accent chair might have seemed cozy and chic at first, but over time it began to feel out of place as spaces gained more refined looks.

If you’re replacing bouclé now, opt for performance fabrics in velvet or linen blends, which offer both durability and timeless appeal.

Gray’s grand exit

Once, it was the “must-have” of interiors everywhere…gray. Greige. Every other dull, colorless shade imaginable was part of the palette of minimalist interiors.

Today, MUCH to my delight, gray has all but faded into the background. Its cool tones started to feel sterile and overdone, especially as warmer palettes gained traction. What I saw at Market last month is the same colorful trends we’ve been seeing, but with the added option of earthy neutrals like warm off-whites, beiges, and taupes as a backdrop.

Remember: Timeless designs last, that’s why they’re timeless

Falling for a trend is fine, because sometimes one comes along that we genuinely adore. But the key is moderation. By grounding your environment in timeless selections—like natural woods, traditional silhouettes, and versatile neutrals—you create a foundation that lasts.

Then, you layer in trendy elements through accessories or smaller investments that you can refresh later without a full redesign. When a trend like bouclé or greige fades, you’re ready to move on without regret…and without the hassle of an entire makeover.

Which trend will you make yours?

Trends are an exciting way to explore new possibilities in design. They’re creative…they’re an art form…and they constantly inspire us!! There’s no right or wrong answer, it’s just about what speaks to you and your lifestyle.

For example, maybe you’re drawn to the warm, timeless charm of natural woods, or the playful elegance of metallic accents. Whatever your design dreams are, I’d LOVE to help you bring them to life in a way that feels personal, purposeful, and truly yours!

That’s what I call loving your home^TM.

Let’s talk about how to incorporate the trends you love in a way that fits your space—and ensures it will keep you loving your home^TM for years to come.

Final thoughts on Fall 2024 High Point Market…

What’s fascinating to me about High Point Market is just how different it can be from other markets like Dallas or Las Vegas.

High Point’s national appeal often means it highlights the broadest trends, while regional markets, like the one at Dallas Market Center, focus on unique preferences of their areas. Some of the trends I saw in full force at High Point this fall—like Western-inspired design or customizable furniture—weren’t as visible at June’s Dallas Market.

Each market reflects its audience, which makes High Point the ultimate showcase for what’s resonating across the country.

Let’s collaborate to create a design that not only leverages the right trends but tells your story. After all, a home isn’t just where you live…it’s where you thrive!!

Take my quiz to see what home update is right for you, right now.

About the author:

Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer. Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services, Inc. for nearly three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a widespread reputation for delivering meticulous design to their many repeat clients.

In 2022, the national publication, Kitchen and Bath Design News magazine, named Robin to their Top Innovator list in recognition of her achievements in the field of kitchen and bath design. In 2024, she was named one of the Fall 2024 Market Pros and “tastemakers” by ANDMORE at High Point Market. Also in 2024, Fixr identified her as one of the Top Professional Interior Designers for their nationwide audience. Over her extensive career, Robin has been quoted in Architectural Digest and Forbes multiple times; her design work has been featured in top national trade publications; and she has been interviewed for Designers Today magazine’s “Profiles in Design” video series, among others. Widely respected for the depth of her knowledge, Robin is a sought after speaker and judge for many design industry events.

In 2023, Robin designed a bench for Charleston Forge, making her foray into product design. Robin currently serves as a volunteer on the board of the Dallas/Ft. Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society.