Jean and Richard just returned from a buying trip to the fall High Point Furniture Market, where they also visit key vendors and scope out the latest trends created by the international home furnishings community. What do professional designers talk about on the car ride home from a four day tour? Here’s your chance to sit in on the conversation.

Richard: What’s with all the horses?

Jean: They were everywhere this Market, weren’t they?

Richard: You know, it’s almost like designers from all over the world got together and agreed to have an equine convention. But if you think about it, there’s almost always some dominant theme every six months.

Jean: I don’t think it’s coincidence as much as it is designers are being exposed to common influences. I mean, think about that amazing play on Broadway with the giant horse puppet. What’s it called? Warhorse?

Richard: Well, maybe. I don’t think it explains why framed art, sculpture, and even carvings featured horses everywhere we looked. And what was up with the red everywhere?

Jean: You know, you’re right! Red was definitely the accent color of choice this time. Little tables, fabrics, stools—but there was also more orange than usual.

Richard: I noticed a lot of pure white this time, especially high gloss laquer.

Jean: Yeah, the themes seem to offer sharp contrasts. They were either bright colors or neutrals, hardly any pastels. And bright white did play a dominant role.

Richard: I thought the styles emerging were great. French and Italian country, some of them crusty, worn looking or chipped. The furniture and accessories were mostly in whites, creams and grays. Lots of silver and gold worked in…with muted or washed linen on the upholstery. Back to the neutrals.

Jean: Neutrals, with bright accent pieces. Did you see the little red writing desk? I loved it! It was calling me.

Richard: “Hey there Jean! Buy me!” Well, I loved all the metal. Furniture designers seem to be using it more—shiny finishes and chrome…or dull treatments like steel and zinc…

Jean: Yeah, and the metals were all mixed in with contrasting textures, like natural and stained woods, leather, and even painted treatments.

Richard: Some of those were there in the Spring. Might be around for a while.

Jean: The main thing I remember about the Spring Market was the food. Especially the liquid foods.

Richard: That’s not new, either…you and doughnuts. They seem to call to you, too.

Jean: Must be a trend.