High Point Market Fall 2013 Highlights

Gypsy Marketplace

I feel pretty lucky just living about a half hour away from the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world...  With about 11.5 million sq ft of showspace, I still have so much to see and learn at the High Point Market, but I always walk away inspired.  The Market is held twice a year and you might remember my first trip last Spring which I posted HERE and HERE.

Gypsy Marketplace

Since I am now living so much closer to High Point, I knew that I wanted to return and shop some of the antique wholesale warehouses, but ultimately it was an impromptu meet-up with my blogging friend, Shirley, that led us to the actual showrooms.  Despite not being a big-time furniture buyer or working in the industry, I love to go to the Market for several reasons.  First, I have a true love of design (all types) and seeing all the great artwork, beautiful furniture, pillows, rugs, etc, all in one huge area is exciting.  Second, it's hard not to get inspired by everything you see... From color combinations to finishes on painted furniture, the Market gets your creative juices flowing.

Painted Oars-Gypsy Marketplace

One of my favorite places to visit in High Point is Gypsy Marketplace, which carries their own line of reproduction antiques and is an importer of antiques from around the world.  Their warehouse is open to the trade and a very popular destination on opening morning.  Shirley and I were last Thursday morning and it was busy! The large painted oars above were almost sold out immediately and anything else that was a bargain...

Great Salvage - Gypsy Marketplace

As with many wholesalers, some things are priced great for resale while others seem high (at least to me)...

Demijohns - Gypsy Marketplace

I find that this is the best place to find demijohns and dough bowls at the best selection and prices.

Dough Bowls - Gypsy Marketplace

I love French drying racks and bought a few last Spring for my booth, but these large zinc ones were new this Fall...

The other large antique warehouse that I like to visit is Golden Oldies.  This is a great source for seltzer bottles, olive buckets, wine jugs and other various antiques...

I love the blue wine jugs that are all over this warehouse!  So pretty...

As for the traditional showrooms, most of them are held in one main building that I have yet to get all the way through! There is never enough time... We managed to fit in a few showrooms, including Eloquence (you may remember this from last Spring)...

From the weathered floors, to the architectural salvage, their display is top-notch...

Bramble was another showroom that we spent quite a bit of time in.  I found it refreshing with the reasonable prices, varied color palates, and tons of painted furniture inspiration. 

While most of the furniture finishes were pretty distressed, they have many pieces with decorative painting that I loved...

My mom was shopping along with Shirley and I and since she's recently finished sewing drapery panels for her sewing room in the exact pattern as the dresser above, she was thrilled when she saw this dresser.  I can pretty much bet that you'll be seeing something like this soon in her home!

Bramble also has these "Restoration Hardware" style chandeliers that I love for much, much less.  I just may have purchased a couple of floor model scones in this style :)

Steven Shell

I do think one of the most enjoyable things to see at Market is all the painted furniture.  I know it's currently an "in" thing, but it is still fun to see all the unique finishes.  I find myself examining the colors, distressing, top coat, etc to see how the "big" companies do it!

Steven Shell

But, you want to know what my favorite event of this High Point Market was...

...Candace Olson!  I've been a fan of hers for many years and she was just as funny and genuine in person as she is on her show.  She's a hoot!  It was a real highlight to hear her speak and answer questions! 

We all had a great day in High Point!  Since this was only the second time to Market, I still have much to see and learn , but there's always next Spring...

Kristen