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Collection by Diana Budds

High Point Market 2011

April 2nd to the 7th marked the spring High Point Market, a tradeshow that takes place in the heart of American furniture country. One of the oldest furniture fairs in the United States, the Market traces its roots back to 1909 when it was called the "Southern Furniture Expo." Twice a year in April and October, an estimated 80,000 people convene to get the scoop on some of the newest and soon-to-be-released interior design wares. The Market slants to the traditional and "transitional," but the contemporary held its ground (though it took some sifting for me to find). In the following slideshow, have a look at what was brought to Market by a handful of the 2,000+ exhibitors, make a pit stop at the world's largest chest of drawers, and take in the color du jour (hint: it was NOT Pantone's Honeysuckle).

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DOMITALIA presented an eye-catching group of day-glo outdoor seating, which included the Baba armchairs and coffee table designed by Radice & Orlandini in the foreground and the Foryou2 by Dual Design in the background.
DOMITALIA presented an eye-catching group of day-glo outdoor seating, which included the Baba armchairs and coffee table designed by Radice & Orlandini in the foreground and the Foryou2 by Dual Design in the background.
A trio of toy robots on display at DOMITALIA.
A trio of toy robots on display at DOMITALIA.
The Star chair, designed by Adriano Balutto for DOMITALIA.
The Star chair, designed by Adriano Balutto for DOMITALIA.
In their Seorita armchair, Italsofa creates a "grown-up" bean bag chair (a favorite of mine as a child). I particularly liked the wool version and leather is available.
In their Seorita armchair, Italsofa creates a "grown-up" bean bag chair (a favorite of mine as a child). I particularly liked the wool version and leather is available.
The Shanghai armchair by Italsofa boasts cherry-red fabric and seemingly delicate metal base.
The Shanghai armchair by Italsofa boasts cherry-red fabric and seemingly delicate metal base.
The color of the season? Grey (not Honeysuckle). From the contemporary brands to the more traditional, grey was ubiquitous. Shown here is Italsofa's Spades model.
The color of the season? Grey (not Honeysuckle). From the contemporary brands to the more traditional, grey was ubiquitous. Shown here is Italsofa's Spades model.
Charcoal grey over at Calligaris. This is their small-space-friendly Timeless two-seater sofa.
Charcoal grey over at Calligaris. This is their small-space-friendly Timeless two-seater sofa.
Italian design house Calligaris delved into lighting design this year, and their recent foray proved to be quite fruitful. The Evo nightstand lamp designed by Armando D'Andrea features a ring-shaped base, which is meant to be a place to stash a phone, keys, or other small items that easily become misplaced.
Italian design house Calligaris delved into lighting design this year, and their recent foray proved to be quite fruitful. The Evo nightstand lamp designed by Armando D'Andrea features a ring-shaped base, which is meant to be a place to stash a phone, keys, or other small items that easily become misplaced.
An arrangement of Penta lamps illuminate the Leif Petersen showroom.
An arrangement of Penta lamps illuminate the Leif Petersen showroom.
Shin Azumi's Kite chair for Fornasarig was among the most handsome designs on view at the Market.
Shin Azumi's Kite chair for Fornasarig was among the most handsome designs on view at the Market.
Though it appears to be dense and heavy, the Ditadidama dining chair by Fornasarig has a foam core veneered in richly-grained walnut for portability. For more information, contact Leif Petersen Inc.
Though it appears to be dense and heavy, the Ditadidama dining chair by Fornasarig has a foam core veneered in richly-grained walnut for portability. For more information, contact Leif Petersen Inc.
Karim Rashid's designs for Cierre.
Karim Rashid's designs for Cierre.
Another "deceptive" design is this Karim Rashid carpet that looks like a sea of thousands of metal springs (it's actually quite soft).
Another "deceptive" design is this Karim Rashid carpet that looks like a sea of thousands of metal springs (it's actually quite soft).
Sunbrella, long known for their durable outdoor textiles, is making a name for themselves with fabrics designed for interiors. Gina Wicker introduced a new bright pink color, which took around 5 years to develop, and their Renaissance collection (the neutral shades to the right) made of 50 percent recycled fibers. Most of their fabrics are produced a hop skip and jump from High Point in their 1,000,000-square-foot Anderson, South Carolina plant.
Sunbrella, long known for their durable outdoor textiles, is making a name for themselves with fabrics designed for interiors. Gina Wicker introduced a new bright pink color, which took around 5 years to develop, and their Renaissance collection (the neutral shades to the right) made of 50 percent recycled fibers. Most of their fabrics are produced a hop skip and jump from High Point in their 1,000,000-square-foot Anderson, South Carolina plant.
North Carolina-based Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (whose showroom is located in what was once an old toy factory) had a very nice selection of furnishings on display that will soon be released to the public. Though we can't show the designs until then, look out for their Reclaimed History line, the retro-inspired Martin sofa, and the Morris cocktail table and console.
North Carolina-based Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (whose showroom is located in what was once an old toy factory) had a very nice selection of furnishings on display that will soon be released to the public. Though we can't show the designs until then, look out for their Reclaimed History line, the retro-inspired Martin sofa, and the Morris cocktail table and console.
A charming children's bedroom by Gautier.
A charming children's bedroom by Gautier.
Pieces from the Calypso bedroom by Gautier.
Pieces from the Calypso bedroom by Gautier.
The headboard of the Riade bed by Gautier features a slide-out bookshelf.
The headboard of the Riade bed by Gautier features a slide-out bookshelf.
The recently-released Drift Collection by Brown Jordan features plantation-grown teak frames that will weather with time. Shown here are the lounge chair and ottoman.
The recently-released Drift Collection by Brown Jordan features plantation-grown teak frames that will weather with time. Shown here are the lounge chair and ottoman.

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