Classically Inspired

“When I visit High Point, I love to see new trends and exciting new pieces,” says designer Gigi Chapman of deGuise Interiors.

“The showrooms give me fresh new ways to make my clients’ homes great.”

One of Chapman’s favorite manufacturers at the market is Modern History, whose name reflects its mission to construct classically styled furnishings with a modern edge. The designers at Modern History make twice-a-year visits to Europe for inspiration. Their furniture shows off an incredible attention to detail: finishes are hand-rubbed and solid oak drawers have hand-dovetailed construction.

The Linear chest with its clean lines and simple, striking design traces its roots to mid-century Italian styles. Constructed of eucalyptus, the rectangular knobs and distinctive legs are made of iron with a gold leaf finish. The chest comes in two sizes: a small bedside chest and a larger one that would be at home in a living room or foyer.

At deGuise Interiors, the design team is dedicated to creating spaces that reflect their clients’ personalities and lifestyles by capturing their design dreams and making them a reality. “Today, young people want pieces they can keep forever,” says Chapman. “They want tradition with a modern twist. This chest—an updated version of a bachelor’s chest—is a statement piece with a modern look and finish.” deguiseinteriors.com, 843-971-1491

As You Like It

For the team of designers at CHD Interiors the first step in creating beautiful and functional interiors is getting to know their clients and understanding how they make use of their personal space. The next step, they say, is identifying a design theme, a process that’s often inspired by a pattern or signature piece of furniture or art. From there, everything falls into place.

It’s no wonder that the Marielle bookcase from Century Furniture caught the team’s attention at the High Point market. The intrigue of this bookshelf lies in the fully customizable upholstered exterior, which is trimmed with nailheads. Three open, adjustable wood shelves rise over two doors that hide an adjustable interior shelf. Dark antique brass hardware completes the look.

Another head-turner was the Fifth Avenue bed, also from Century Furniture. Featuring unique curved lines and a bold 66-inch-tall headboard, this custom piece can be designed in a multitude of fabric, leather and nailhead combinations, creating a focal point in any bedroom.

With over 2,000 fabrics, leathers and trims in a variety of finishes, the designers at CHD are able to tell your unique story.chdinteriors.com, 843-357-1700

Unexpected Tailoring

“High Point’s fall market is like going to Fashion Week,” says Sarah Miller, gallery director at Mitchell Hill. “New styles and designs are introduced by the companies and people we’ve represented for years.” Lead designers Michael Mitchell and Tyler Hill singled out two spectacular pieces to bring to their showroom: the Cane dining chair and the Brute sofa, both from Kara Mann, Milling Road’s featured designer of the year. Conceiving unexpected combinations through materiality and architecture, Mann is known for bringing together a wide range of cultural references.

Made from blackened walnut and black leather, the Cane dining chairs use traditional caning, but keep the design modern with sharp, geometric shapes. The soft black leather provides a comfortable sitting experience and the fabric and finish are customizable. “The chairs would look great in a home mixed with mid-century and transitional furniture,” Miller says.

The Brute sofa is constructed of walnut solids and features hand-tied spring and down cushions and a customizable thick tweed fabric, giving the curvy sofa a virile, sophisticated look. A strong force in an airy, minimalistic space, Miller pictures it as the focal point of a living room that incorporates sharp lines and soft curves, which would play off the sofa’s frame.

The lighting, accessories and unique pieces discovered at High Point have always served as inspiration for the constantly evolving space at Mitchell Hill. “It’s exciting to return to Charleston with fresh ideas for our clients’ homes and our showroom,” Miller says. mitchellhillinc.com, 843-564-0034

Fret Appeal

“I love the energy and excitement at High Point. Everyone is eager to see new offerings and product lines and pick up on trends,” says Karen Germond of KMD Interiors. On her recent trip to North Carolina, Germond was impressed with pieces incorporating fretwork and geometric shapes. Two in particular caught her eye, the Brittany medium pendant, designed by Niermann Weeks for Visual Comfort, and the Alexander dining side chair by Tobi Fairley for CR Laine.

Germond loves the openness and versatility of the Brittany pendant—its ability to appear both elegant and traditional or edgy and contemporary, depending on the space. An easy way to update a room, it subtly incorporates fretwork design in the detail and speaks to the growing trend of using gold finishes. “Visual Comfort uses only natural materials and hand-applies their finishes for unparalleled richness and warmth. The ‘Venetian Gold’ is exquisite,” Germond says. “It shimmers like a piece of beautiful jewelry.”

At home in the dining room, vanity, office or kitchen, the fretwork detail on the back of the Alexander chair brings a more sculptural and artistic element to any room. “The fret motif creates pattern and depth to what traditionally is more of an understated piece. It takes dining chairs to a new level,” Germond says. Shown in “Buttoned Up Magenta,” the chair is also available in any of CR Laine’s finishes and fabrics.kmdinteriors.com, 843-819-8254