It’s very timely that I’m writing an editorial for the High Point Market issue, with a special focus on color, after just getting back from a two-week voyage through Vietnamese culture where local makers and colorful sights abound. I was there for my honeymoon, so I didn’t plan specifically to scour factories or scope out all of the great furniture and decor products produced there, but it was actually hard to avoid. And that was fine by me.
We spent two weeks traveling south to north via Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hoi An and Hanoi, where we saw pottery and clay sculpture being created; wall art made with shells and mother of pearl being precisely handlaid and lacquered;
straw mats being woven strand by strand; and storefront after storefront full of intricate wooden furniture, alabaster
statues, textiles and more.
And did I mention the colors? Everywhere you turn, tropical pink-flowered bushes scale up buildings; skinny, multistory French-inspired homes sit awash in pretty pastels; and the Vietnamese people don pattern and bright shades in the boldest way. I know I’m romanticizing here, but it’s true — and definitely out of a storybook.
As we all head to High Point this month, where new collections from makers in beautiful color, texture, shapes and sizes will surely wow us once again, I have more respect than ever for the skills these artisans possess. I just write about it, but to everyone that actually “does” furniture and lighting and decor — hats off. You all are the MVPs.
The value of immersion in an exotic culture to get your creative juices flowing also became crystal clear to me on this trip. The whole time, I had this urge to create something with my hands, redo the design of my entire apartment when I got home and just generally start anew. It’s amazing how that works. You creatives are onto something!
But back at home, to help you prep for the fantastic finds you’re sure to uncover at the upcoming market, check out our High Point Preview starting on page 32. Wondering what color stories are on the horizon for 2018? Check out our Color Report Idea Board, starting on page 20. And also, read contributor Kim Wray’s piece on the state of performance fabrics starting on page 50. Sunbrella has been a gamechanger, and there’s more where it came from — Wray’s in-depth look at this development in the upholstery market is a must-read.
If you see the Lighting & Decor team around the High Point Market, stop and say “hi!” If you’ll miss it, follow our coverage on social media. We’ve got our comfy shoes prepared and we’re ready
to hit the ground running.
