My First High Point Market: An Experience Like No Other
- gracielaindesign
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
So…what is High Point Market?
I must be honest—I really didn’t know what to expect. For two years I watched fellow designers post snapshots of spring and fall Market, remarking on new color palettes and bold textures. I assumed it was simply “a place you go to see what’s trending.” But as I walked through High Point for the first time, I quickly realized: this is unlike any event I’ve attended. With an attendance of 75,000, the Market covers 13 city blocks, 12 million square feet of showroom space, and over 2,000 exhibitors. Entire showrooms are built out just for this event, transforming High Point, NC into the world’s largest home furnishings trade show.
Imagine walking into a big box furniture store where each display is styled to perfection. Now multiply that by two thousand. That’s High Point Market—and it’s overwhelming, inspiring, and life-giving all at once. Every turn introduces something new. You enter a building and you’re greeted with warmth, smiles, and in many cases the brand rep for your region—someone who will support you long after it ends.
I also have to give a heartfelt shoutout to my good friend, Behin of Behinteriors from NYC, who joined me on this adventure. This was our very first time meeting in person, and I can confidently say I’ve gained a lifelong friend. Thanks to Behin’s thoughtful planning—scheduling our three-day adventure, setting up appointments with reps, and even arranging a private dinner—I couldn’t have had the same experience without her.
What I loved as a Designer
I love walking into new homes, old homes, imagining “what if.” I love figuring out how clients want to feel in a space, layering color, texture, light. At High Point, the feeling was more than inspiration—it was community. As a designer in a small town, days can feel solitary. At Market, surrounded by tens of thousands of like-minded people, it felt like home. Everywhere I looked someone was smiling, swapping notes, or pausing over brunch or a mimosa provided by an exhibitor. It wasn’t just about product—it was about connection.
Day 1 - after traveling to NC, we were so excited to get started... we began at Made Goods, where our rep Jordan walked us through the showroom with patience and enthusiasm. From bespoke mirrors I'd never seen before to sitting on their upholstered pieces truly felt like sinking into a cloud—that instant affirmation of quality you want to be able to pass on to your clients. From there, we discovered Home Trends & Design (HTD), a hidden gem with incredible solid wood and live edge pieces and pricing that honestly made our jaws drop. Our day ended with a welcome party at Rowe Furniture—a fabulous dinner, drinks, and laughter, where the hospitality matched the design inspiration and left our feet tired and hearts full.
Day 2 started off with a tour at Four Hands guided by our rep, Connor—and I have to give him real credit. He was incredibly in-depth and knowledgeable, walking me through the “why” behind every detail (hidden leaves in tables, a clever pull-out table inside an island, finish performance, function). I must have taken 500 photos in this showroom alone —it was that inspiring. We explored the new Loloi collection, a masterclass in texture and warmth.
We continued to Hooker Furniture and their new Margarittaville collection is simply WOW! From there, we explored Sunpan with their modern lines and “comfy-chair” test moments—then on to Classic Home , where that irresistible white fuzzy chair practically begged to come home with me and a couch so comfortable I wanted to order it that very minute. Our path next led us to the IHFC building, where we found more than 75 more gems like Pom Pom at Home (beautiful bedding), Vahallan (artisanal wallcoverings), BIDK Home (fantastic price points for styling and décor), and Dovetail to name a few.
We wrapped up the evening with an outdoor center stage concert, hosted by the CEO and team of Hooker Furniture together with the Margaritaville crew. The band was absolutely phenomenal—performing spot-on tributes to Jimmy Buffett that had the entire crowd smiling and singing along. It was the perfect way to close out such an inspiring day.
Day 3 we visited Rowe Furniture, Brambleco, and Universal Furniture. Seeing Universal in person was invaluable—I’d recently sourced pieces for a client, and being able to touch them, sit on them, and send a video gave my client the confidence she needed to move forward with the order.
The highlight of the day—and truly, the Market—came that evening at a private dinner and networking event hosted by the CEO, Richard Forsyth and team of Wendover Art. It was thoughtful, generous, and inspiring. I left with not only industry insights but also new relationships and a deep appreciation for how companies like Wendover pour into designers.
Why It Matters
For clients, this means I don’t just source furniture—I experience it. I test materials, sit on sofas, open drawers, feel fabrics, and see pieces in context. When I recommend an item, it’s not from a thumbnail photo. It’s been tested, walked on, sat in, seen up close, videoed, and approved. That quality—and that story—brings real value into your home.
Are you ready for design help for your next project?
My Key Takeaways
Texture and warmth are back: velvet, bronze, hand-blown glass, leather, wood, mixed materials.
Neutrals remain—but the new neutrals are richer, deeper, more layered.
People matter: reps, exhibitors, and fellow designers reminded me that design is not just product—it’s community.
Inspiration matters: in every showroom, I felt cozy, elegant, soothed—like sipping cocoa by a fireplace.
The business impact: For my clients, this means strategic selections, better quality, cohesive styling, and long-term value.
Final Thought
Three long days, thousands of steps, and a heart full of ideas. If I could have stayed three more, I still wouldn’t have seen it all. To fellow designers: if you’re searching for inspiration, high-end product, and community, High Point Market is a must. To my clients: when I say I went to Market, know I didn’t just go—I immersed, networked, sourced, vetted, and verified.
Here’s to what’s next—your space deserves that kind of care.
— Vanessa | Gracie Lain Design
Comments