Inside High Point: The Designer’s Guide to What’s New

jessica25488
Jun 4
4 min read

Hi there, Jessica here and I just got back from my annual spring pilgrimage to High Point Market—aka the Disneyland for interior designers (for me, way better than the real thing, plus way more boucle). Let's dive into what makes this market so magical and why it absolutely matters for designers and their clients.

So, what is High Point Market? Think of it as Fashion Week, but for interiors. Twice a year, the furniture and design world descends on High Point, North Carolina for the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world. We’re talking 11.5 million square feet of showrooms, tens of thousands of attendees, and more inspiration, education and info than our Pinterest boards can handle!

Why I go to High Point Market every spring Besides the excuse to wear real clothes and not have to think about what my family is going to eat for dinner every night? I go to meet face-to-face with my reps from the wholesale vendors I source from. We talk what’s new, what’s coming, and what’s working. I touch everything, and even more? I sit on every piece and cushion to test it out. (seriously, if you’re a tactile person like me, this place is heaven) I get the inside scoop on trends in color, technology, sustainability, and even structural innovations. High Point isn't just about what looks good—it's about what works better, lasts longer, and feels more personal in our spaces.

Top Trends from High Point Spring Market 2025

1. All Things Handsome One of the most striking directions this market was the rise of what I’m calling "elevated handsome." This trend is all about confidence and character—it shows up in architectural details, structured lines, and beautifully tailored upholstery that leans masculine, but with elegance.

There were sculptural silhouettes that looked like they belonged in a heritage estate and trim details that added richness without fussiness. Think curved arms on chairs, channel tufting, refined fluting, and thoughtful joinery—not just furniture, but furniture that tells a story.

Color played a huge role in this trend too. The palette was deeply saturated and grounded, with rich charcoals, oxbloods, mossy greens, and the triumphant return of navy. These hues were often paired with textured leathers, menswear-inspired wool fabrics, and—wait for it—plaid. So much plaid. In everything from textiles to tile, it brought a sense of warmth and structure that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly current. The effect was layered, confident, and inviting.

This look isn’t rugged or rustic—it’s polished and poised. It’s the elevated library with a fireplace kind of vibe, not the flannel shirt kind. It also plays beautifully with metals like burnished brass and blackened steel, giving rooms an edge without feeling cold. Handsome design is about restraint, richness, and refined personality. It’s a trend that feels like it’s here to stay.

2. Texture is Having a Main Character Moment Texture isn’t just an add-on anymore—it’s the headline. Remember when cream boucle burst onto the scene about four years ago? That soft, cozy fabric quickly became the entry point for the mass market to dip their toes into the world of tactile design. And now? We’re way past entry-level.

This market saw a true texture renaissance. I’m talking nubby knits, thick woven textiles, oh-so-rich velvet, and even boucle’s bolder cousins—chunkier, loopier, and dyed in saturated shades. There were mixed-material pieces that combined leather with wool, velvet with jute, even unexpected pairings like mohair and cane. Designers are layering texture like never before, and it’s giving spaces so much soul and depth.

Even more exciting is how color and texture are coming together in ways that feel bold and unexpected. Burnt orange velvet, emerald green nubby boucle, oxblood shearling—it was like the 70s had a very chic baby with modern luxury. We’re seeing sculptural forms upholstered in these rich materials, making every seat feel like a statement. Texture is now how we bring comfort and drama into a space, and I'm here for it.

3. Bolder, Warmer, and More Personal Design Choices If one message came through loud and clear at market, it was this: people are ready to make their homes personal again. We’re officially in our main character era when it comes to home design. Spaces aren’t just meant to be pretty or Instagrammable—they’re meant to feel like you. And that means taking risks.

I saw a ton of individuality in the showrooms—from surprising color pairings to dramatic patterns and unapologetically unique pieces. Burl wood was one of the stars of the show, and it’s the perfect example of this shift. It’s warm, it’s got that cool vintage vibe, and no two pieces are ever the same. Pattern layering was also huge—think florals with geometrics, toile with stripes, all done in bold tones that defy the beige-on-beige days of ten years ago.

It’s not just about standing out in a maximalism way—it’s about telling your story through your space. Whether it’s through collected vintage finds, unexpected finishes, or color palettes that make you feel something, clients are leaning into what makes their homes feel like them. The throughline here is heart and intention. And to me, that’s always in style.

Why this matters Going to High Point isn’t a vacation for designers (though it is fun and so exciting to see what is new and coming up). It keeps us informed, inspired, and ready to serve our clients at the highest level. From classes to vendor chats to showroom deep dives, every minute at market helps me bring back better ideas, smarter sourcing, and more thoughtful solutions for the spaces I design.

So next time you see a detail in a Dwell Well project that feels ahead of the curve, you’ll know—it might just be straight from High Point.