The Fall 2010 High Point Market begins October 16, and I can’t wait to see the new styles, reinvented trends, as well as some my longtime favorite furniture showrooms.

Just to name a few ….

Lillian August

She has one of my all-time favorite sofas—both beautiful and comfortable. And if you love a European style, she’s the one for you. Her designs feature tailored basics and re-inspired antique treasures. What really sets her apart is an “easy elegance.” Lillian August furniture is beautiful and approachable. A wide variety of people can feel comfortable about displaying and living with one of these elegant pieces in their own home.

French Heritage

I’ve always loved the French Heritage Showroom. The room is beautiful and bright. The colors are pleasing, and the layout of the space is well designed. You literally walk through and say, out loud, “wow!” at almost every turn. And anyone that likes a French style or well-made accent pieces will find something at French Heritage.

Christopher Guy

You need a good pair of Ray-Bans for this showroom. While he’s not for everyone—his style is the cutting edge of modern, (not to be confused with contemporary) Christopher Guy is simply a beautiful designer to behold. With his own Secret Agent upbringing, born in Britain, raised in Spain and France, and now residing in Singapore, the designer’s international background informs his Hollywood style. You may have already seen a few of his pieces in some 007 movies: Thomas Crown Affair, Casino Royale, and Tomorrow Never Dies. Plus, Ocean’s Thirteen, the Devil Wears Prada, and Charlie’s Angels 2 – just to name a few.

Natuzzi Editions

Simply walking into the Natuzzi showroom feels like something special. The building is built like a modern ship sitting in its own mini-harbor in the middle of High Point’s downtown proper. No one does leather better than the Italians, in my opinion. And Europeans who like contemporary or modern furniture really love Nantuzzi designs. Plus the quality and the pricing is great. They have a few off-shore brands with very reasonable prices.

Francesco Molon

I love Italian furniture. And Francesco Molon is right up there, meeting all my high expectations. The showroom is gorgeous. Francesco Molon features a wide assortment of beautiful traditional pieces. They also do extreme modern—ultra modern—in the way that Christopher Guy does. Prices are very expensive. Everything is a showpiece for beautiful wood and upholstery. They simply confirm my theory that the best furniture really does come from Italy.

Twice a year over 80,000 people from around the world visit High Point, North Carolina for the International Home Furnishings Market. The city’s downtown showrooms are filled with design celebrities, manufacturers, and boutique owners who cover over 1 million square feet of showroom space in just 6 days.

So what does the furniture market mean to you?

High Point Furniture Market
Oct. 16 to 21

What it is

What it isn’t

However …

As the week-long market winds down, some showroom spaces are open to a few select guests. And as Market vendors pack up furniture samples to send home, you can find some great deals on the pieces they don’t want to pay to ship.

It can be hit or miss. But I’ll be walking around all market-long and if you’re interested in seeing a few of the pieces that might be for sale …. be the first-time caller and I’ll help you arrange a trip for a sample sale.

Advisor tip:

Call me and let’s arrange a trip! I’ll take the first caller on a post-market sample sale. Contact me at (336) 404-1040, or email info@ncfurnitureadvisor.com

When I first moved to North Carolina, I was looking for a dining table for my own home. A designer told me about a small shop in Burlington, NC called Millender Furniture Company.

The shop owner, Charles Millender, was part of one of the most celebrated companies in America’s furniture making legacy: White Furniture Company. In 1907 the company was named the “Best Manufacturer of American furniture.” They maintained that reputation for over 100 years.

When the company was sold to Hickory White, Charles missed the furniture business, and started making custom pieces for a few designers. Around that time I bought a dining room table from Millender Furniture, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces.

Years later I saw that beautiful furniture again, only this time, as a designer working in High Point. I was thrilled when I walked into a beautiful gallery of Millender Furniture in a High Point superstore. The small shop had grown into a thriving boutique.

Today this small, family-owned furniture manufacturer still specializes in custom mahogany furnishings for the home, bedroom, and office. One of their signature features is a custom dining room table program.

Clients select custom choices from the table top to bottom, such as a flat cut or swirl Mahogany table top, right down to the table’s birdcage pedestal finish with a Sheraton style brass foot or carved ball & claw foot.

And it’s no surprise that Millender Furniture is still making elegant, heirloom pieces. Take a look.

Millender Furniture
Millender Furniture on Facebook

There are several places you could stay in High Point and I have a few recommendations based on my own personal experience and what I’ve heard clients say again and again.

Here are three of my favorites:

Pamper yourself: Grandover Resort
Elegant and relaxed, with a friendly, attentive staff. Rooms are well appointed and quiet, furnished with plush beds and 200 thread count sheets to help you relax and get a good night’s rest.

The resort also has a golf course, excellent bar and restaurant, and a full spa featuring facials and massages. You’ll appreciate the easy drive from the resort to many of my favorite furniture locations. Room rates are discounted for furniture clients, and upgrades may be available. Let us make the call for you.

grandover.com

Smart choice: Marriott Courtyard High Point
This is a great practical choice. It’s inexpensive, clean, and convenient. The room rate includes a good breakfast with several restaurants nearby.

As a top choice for travelling professionals, the Courtyard also features updated amenities such as an exercise room. I’ve recommended this hotel dozens of times and clients are always pleased.

www.marriott.com

B&B: JH Adams Inn
This is a charming bed and breakfast on Main Street in High Point. I love gracious old homes, and the Adams Inn is exactly that: An historic property beautifully restored in gracious southern style. “Luxury abounds … Egyptian Cotton linens, premium Sealy mattress, plush robes, lavish bathrooms, and elegantly decorated rooms…no two are alike,” per the Web site.

Warm and relaxed, the Inn also has a great restaurant and bar on site. Sit outside in the courtyard if the weather permits.

www.jhadamsinn.com

Advisor tip: Furniture clients can get special rates. Let us make the call for you.