Twice a year, I visit High Point Market in North Carolina to discover the latest and greatest of the interior design world. Visiting my favorite showrooms and gaining insight into where the industry is headed are very important (and fun!) parts of my job. New product introductions are a special joy. It’s almost overwhelming how inspiring just one showroom can be! And it helps me find the pulse of next year’s trends. Now that it’s December, I’m taking a look back at October’s High Point Market style. And possibly creating a 2019 wish list for myself…

This year nature was a common theme. Green, lilac and autumnal colors were prevalent in everything from upholstery to paint and accessories. Traditionally straight-lined sofas and chairs were debuted with gorgeous curves and unexpected details. While textures like rattan, wood, and velvet could be seen on lighting fixtures, accessories, and chairs. As technology continues to dominate everyday life, you could see there was definitely a shift in design to focus on softer elements.

So without further ado, let’s dive into five High Point Market style trends I expect to see well into 2019.

2019 Design Trend #1: Swivel Chairs

This year swivel chairs were a part of many different collections. I saw swivel chairs in luxe fabrics, unique shapes and some that were all about the delicate details. I love seeing how the vendors re-imagine the design of this timeless chair in a modern and fresh way.

These Classically Current pieces are so versatile and can be placed in almost any room. They can be easily incorporated into your living room, a library, or in your master sitting area. Because they allow for movement, they’re perfect for people who love to entertain. It’s easy for your guests to turn them from side-to-side, joining a larger conversation or chatting with someone one-on-one.

They’re also really great pieces to create different spaces within an open floor plan. The gorgeous swivel chairs pictured above make the living room feel separate from the kitchen without interrupting the flow. And by using a luxe fabric like leather, they add warmth and richness to the design. I’m a huge fan of mixed metals and I love the contrast of the brass base with the industrial- style accent table. So chic!

2019 Design Trend #2: Autumnal Colors

Over the past several years earthy, more autumnal tones have become more popular. And this year, shades of green, rust and fall pastels were popping up everywhere. While it may seem like this color combination is a throwback to the ’70s color palette, it’s not.

Inspired by the colors you’d find in nature, they bring a cozy feel to any space. These hues are casually elegant and can be used to create eye-catching focal points. They work beautifully with traditional neutrals which means they’ll still feel fresh and current for years to come.

These rust-colored chairs add just the right burst of color to this black and white kitchen. They create a focal point, while also adding a bit of softness. They tie in beautifully with fresh foliage and colorful fruits for a very modern and nature-inspired look.

2019 Design Trend #3: Lilac

Watch out blush, there’s a new color in town –lilac! I’ve been predicting the lilac trend for more than 2 years and I can’t believe it’s finally coming to fruition. Lilac is a soft, inviting color that’s equal parts feminine and chic. It works on everything from benches to decorative pillows and even on your ceiling! It’s the perfect alternative for someone who wants something feminine, but more unexpected than traditional blush.

What I love about lilac is how easily it can be incorporated into different color palettes. It pairs beautifully with neutrals, especially soft grays, and looks gorgeous with earthy browns. But I love how unexpectedly chic lilac is when paired with something like pastel green. It’s a fresh, feminine combination that doesn’t feel too young.

2019 Design Trend #4: Green Velvet

Green velvet is really big right now. But I’m not talking about the avocado green that was popular in the ’70s. I’m talking about rich, luxe greens. These stunning deep greens are the perfect “activators” to more neutral color palettes and instantly make the design feel more luxurious. They pair beautifully with darker grays, jewel tones, and of course, classic white.

Thanks to advances in technology, this is definitely not the velvet you knew in the past. These days it’s softer, stain-resistant and even machine washable! It’s a fabric that can stand up to everyday use. So don’t be afraid to use it on a sofa or accent chair. If you’re not ready to commit to a larger application, decorative pillows are a fabulous way to add a touch of green velvet.

I love these gorgeous emerald sofas paired with gold accented pieces. The green velvet hints at lush botanicals and the crystal studded light fixture looks like a beautiful floral vine. The resulting combination is sophisticated and glam!

2019 Design Trend #5: Rattan & Wicker

Rattan and wicker are everywhere! You can find it on everything from hanging chairs to lamps and boho-inspired accessories. It’s a great way to introduce texture and bring a natural, more relaxed vibe to the room. It does have a ’70s feel though, so pair it with clean lines and contemporary elements to make it feel more Classically Current.

One important thing to note is rattan and wicker are not the same things. Rattan refers to a material, a durable and flexible vine, whereas wicker refers to a weaving technique. Oftentimes, rattan is used to create a wicker weave, but it’s not the only material that can be used.

I love how the wicker bar stools add a layer of warmth and texture to this very crisp kitchen. They give your eye something to land on and help lighten up the dark wood countertops and floors. The stools add softness to the contrast of the white cabinets and subway tile with the black metal accents. This kitchen proves that with a bit of texture, neutral color palettes can still make a statement.

Interior Design Trends for 2019 and Beyond

High Point Market Style Spotters are a terrific resource if you’re jumping on the design trend train. My fellow designer, Jeffrey Johnson, has picked out a beautifully shaped chair that I simply cannot get enough of from Caracole. Now, this may be my chair obsession talking, but I think a great statement chair is always welcome!

So there you have it, the inside scoop on the High Point Market style trends. Don’t be afraid to try something new in 2019. Incorporating trends into your current interior design doesn’t mean you have to start over. Having a Classically Current interior allows you to easily incorporate trendier elements without worrying about the space feeling dated.  I can’t wait to see how the design team incorporates these trends into the projects they’re working on.

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