As an industry newbie and Furniture, Lighting & Decor’s new managing editor, I was intrigued by descriptors relating to January Market Madness Month as I readied for travel. These markets were said to be an “industry staple,” with "showrooms lining the halls" and new designs around every corner. While I found this to be true, for me, January Markets were also a chance to get out and see the industry firsthand. I was ready to view new collections in person, meet industry experts and (hopefully) catch on to some up-and-coming design trends. Having just learned what it meant to “go to market” at October High Point — my official introduction to home furnishings — I was eager to go even deeper in January.
Las Vegas Market delivered all I had hoped for. It returned to its January timing with strong performance reported across furniture, bedding, home décor and gift and a full roster of programming and industry events. I took notice of the volume in attendance, watching each building pull in high traffic at various points throughout the day.
According to IMC, all 50 states and 50 countries were represented at Vegas Market. I was pleased to be met with such a diverse range of exhibitors.
I also found nearly 40 new and expanded showrooms were on display at Vegas Market. It became a numbers game throughout the day, counting how many showrooms I had entered that were either brand new or recently remodeled. I even attended the Hooker Furnishings ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their new showroom, and first year in attendance.
Hubbardton Forge's brand-new lighting showroom also saw plenty of retailers and designers.
Each lighting piece on display was as aesthetically pleasing as the next, with an individualized flair still somehow maintained. To a newbie like me, everything was gorgeous, exciting...and tempting. It was difficult not to get attached to something each designer had to offer.
I also observed a certain uniqueness in lighting design while at Vegas Market. New shapes, colors and styles I had never seen before were now front and center as I walked through dining room and bedroom setups. I took immediate notice of this Classic Home piece and its teardrop-like adornments.
Minimalism was also a reoccurring theme throughout, especially when it came to the home office. Simplistic furnishings, slim desk chairs and modest decor dominated setups. As a writer who shifted to an entirely at-home work situation following 2020, this style greatly resonated. Tucked in the corner of Four Hands, this office/storage hybrid setup felt extremely cohesive.
Similarly, it seemed comfort was key throughout several showrooms, though attention to small space living still seemed front-of-mind. This bungalow sofa from Vanguard delivered. I wished I could add this tiny sanctuary to my apartment!
Bright colors, natural elements and design oddities also dominated the decor segment, with bold rugs offering a striking change of pace from classic and contemporary styles. Seeing the Prismatic collection from Nourison, for example, was like watching a sunset in watercolor. I discovered here that markets are good for seeing products in person, while also offering a new rage of experiences via touch. The raised detailing impressed me as I ran my hand over each fiber.
Safaveh's Watercolor rug collection took me to a similar place, reminding me of a gently painted canvas.
Along the lines of "decor oddities," these guys seemed to be having an intense side conversation in the Import Collection showroom. Such fun pieces!
Similar to the sunset rug, Dann Foley's collection with Stylecraft also incorporated natural elements. I thought about how many trends following the pandemic centered around "bringing the outside in." This one was sure to impress anyone going a biophilic design route.
Were you really at market if you didn't take a mirror selfie? This circular mirror at Dovetail caught my attention, alongside its boho-inspired pendants seen in the reflection. More nature abounding!
One of our final nights at market included dinner on the strip, where the Bellagio's musical fountain "show" ran right next to us as we dined. It offered a chance to unwind and reflect on the market experience while having bit of fun, too.
I left Vegas Market with a new perspective on the industry. The excitement and energy was palpable after the pandemic left most of the world with so much uncertainty. Attendees were eager to be face-to-face, sharing their expertise and passion for design, retail and the beauty that comes with each step forward. I was happy to meet and gain wisdom from industry experts, and to learn more about the complexities of the home furnishings industry. I'm thrilled to attend my next High Point Market with even more knowledge under my belt this April!
Until next time!
