FURNISHINGS

As predicted, many of the necessities created from pandemic-era living are carrying over into our present living scenarios and experts agree that its resulting trends such as modular and multipurpose furnishings are proving useful over the long-term. More specifically, we will see the influence of soft, curvy, even tube-like organic shapes applied to items such as couches, chairs, and anything that supports a reclining or relaxing mode. The practice of rounding corners and smoothing lines provides optimal functionality and conveys a simplification and ease in design that hopefully mimics life.

Seminal design expos such as High Point Market still had plenty of mid-century modern inspiration being seen in furnishings. But some experts are just beginning to feel a fatigue associated with the look, which they backed up with the appearance of some “sexier” mid-century modern pieces from Brazilian designers on the showroom floors.

These looks are marked by extremely low-profile silhouettes, dark woods with red undertones, elements of hand-crafted details, and next-level, rich, sumptuous leathers.

Other new looks include updated iterations of tailored furniture designs including columns and arches. These pieces are fresh-looking and are intended on being new approaches to classic design rather than re-introduced reproductions of antique furnishings.

The Italian design house Gorini was well represented at High Point and did much to combine the aspects of warm wood, multifunctional design, and curved lines with their amazing sectional lifestyle sofa from the Tavolini Briccola Collection.

How to Use It In Your Space

For some consumers (there’s still plenty of traditionalists out there), the tube-like pieces can’t just be plunked down and expected to blend in, but there are a few exceptions when it comes to the curvy furnishings. We do see some of this influence from the mainstream marketplace such as Grandinroad with their Millie accent chair that offers a subtle take on the curve that can work in more traditional design scenarios.

Sumptuous leather and splashes of leather detailing combine in this multi-purpose ottoman by Leathercraft.

The good news for traditionalists and antique lovers is that these genres of furnishings were very well represented on the floors of High Point, as well.