Dear Alice | Interior Design

Episode: 2025 High Point Market Recap

Date: November 13, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Bennett & Suzanne Hall

Overview

This special episode of Dear Alice delivers a vibrant, high-energy recap of the 2025 High Point Market in North Carolina, the largest furniture trade show in the world. Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall, principals at Alice Lane Interior Design, break down the most exciting trends, colors, materials, and details spotted during their trip. The format combines insider knowledge with lively banter, making it a must-listen for designers and design lovers eager to know what’s coming next in home interiors.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Magic of High Point Market

Why They Go + Evolution of the Show

• The market has evolved from a primarily retail-focused event to one dominated by interior designers.
  • “It’s kind of the furniture hub of America and I want to say the biggest furniture market in the world. [...] Today, it's kind of changed where interior designers are what's taken over High Point Market.” — Jessica [01:52]
• It feels inspiring and collaborative:
  • “It's like a high school reunion because you're seeing people that you know... You're drinking from the most beautiful hose.” — Suzanne [02:55; 04:12]

2. Color Leads the Charge (Color Drenching)

Trend Forecast: Spring 2026 Will Be Bold, Saturated, and Joyful

• "Color drench" is everywhere: fully saturated spaces rather than pops of color or just white upholstery.
  • “We saw very few white frames, like, white upholstery. It was all color drenched.” — Suzanne [04:42]
• Three dominant color families stood out:
  • Reds: from pinks to oxblood; think strawberry sorbet and sunset. [06:46–09:58]
  • Blues: not the usual navy, but lighter, denim-inspired, icy Italian blues, and bits of turquoise. [17:02–21:18]
  • Greens: fresh, crisp, lily pad/celery tones, high gloss for added freshness—not 90s hunter green. [23:12–25:23]

Memorable Quote:

• “This is not that Pottery Barn Red from 1990... This is, like, a fresh, summery... it just feels sophisticated.” — Jessica [07:17]

3. Patterns Explode—And Discipline Becomes Timelessness

• Patterns on upholstery are major—sectionals, sofas, ottomans, and chairs all patterned, not just throw pillows or wallpaper (though those are still big).
• Patterned upholstery is a new muscle for many:
  • “It’s like the sofas are wearing wallpaper now. So it’s going to take a new set of eyes to really understand pattern.” — Jessica [28:39]
• Discipline with color and pattern is now the measure of timelessness and good taste. Don’t pattern everything:
  • “Knowing when to hold them is timeless.” — Suzanne quoting Kenny Rogers [11:27]

Example:

• Use the same velvet on sofa and pillows for a sophisticated, cohesive look. [09:37]

4. Dressmaker Details & Upholstery Craft

• Tailored pieces and vintage detailing are on the rise:
  • Box pleats, skirts, slipcovers fully to the ground, contrast trims, white welting, and tailored bolsters. [05:30; 35:22–39:41]
• Bolster Pillows: Seen everywhere, often in self-fabric for disciplined modern take. [18:34–19:31]
• Flow matching and fabric quality: Essential when working with pattern—a great workroom is key. [34:43]
• “With pattern, you want a great workroom that can flow match. [...] Wesley Hall's always been really great at that.” — Jessica [34:43]

5. Exotic Woods and Fine Furniture Craft

• Major return to craft and luxury: exotic woods, burled and inlaid veneers, high-gloss finishes, tortoise effects, and even hand-carved details were everywhere. [39:42–43:33]
• These woods offer graphic pattern and warmth, acting as jewelry for a room.
• “The wood grain does all the work.” — Suzanne [41:00]
• Furniture as art: Modernist Parsons tables, traditional cabinets, and more.
• Shout-out to Alfonso Marina and other fine makers for craftsmanship.

6. Other Notables

• Leather upholstery: making a subtle comeback but best when used as accents, not full sectionals.
  • Tight seats preferred over loose cushions for leather. [25:28–26:37]
• Vintage rugs: especially runners in fresh palettes, are highly coveted as grounding, character-giving pieces. [27:46–28:28]
• Decorating is "back": Trims, bullion fringe, contrasting details, garlands, and accessorizing bring the 80s/90s sensibility to 2025 in a fresh way.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the energy of High Point:

  "It's the REM Song 'Happy Shiny People.' Like, that is what High Point is like." — Suzanne [02:55]

• On the sudden dominance of color:

  "We just get to kind of drink from the hose, and it's so fantastic." — Suzanne [03:18]

• On discipline and timelessness in design:

  “Knowing when to hold them is timeless.” — Suzanne [11:27]

• On upholstery trends:

  "You're going to be seeing that you can put a skirt on things, a pattern on things, you can candy gloss a thing. You've got to really have the discipline to figure out exactly who your client is in this mecca of decorating." — Jessica [10:40]

• On fine woodworking:

  "Let me just say: a return to fine furniture making." — Jessica [39:49]

• On the modern appeal of comfort:

  "The bolster is the king of pillows right now." — Jessica [18:34]

Timestamps: Important Segments

• [01:49–04:24] — What is High Point Market and why it matters
• [04:24–05:47] — Top 2025 trends: Color, pattern, dressmaker details, exotic woods
• [06:46–10:39] — Red color trends and market standouts (Highland House, Baker, Hickory Chair)
• [12:26–14:59] — Candy-coated furniture & disciplined color drenching
• [17:02–21:18] — Blue upholstery trends (lighter "denim," turquoise, party sofas, armless seating)
• [23:12–26:37] — Greens: fresh gloss finishes, Mark Sykes, upholstery, leathers
• [28:39–34:29] — Patterns: on sofas, chairs, ottomans; new discipline; fabric mill scarcity
• [35:22–39:41] — Dressmaker details and tailored upholstery; pleats, skirts, fringe
• [39:42–43:33] — Exotic woods, fine craftsmanship, and furniture as art

Tone and Atmosphere

The conversation is effervescent, expert, and witty; advice is practical yet aspirational. Both hosts encourage designers to experiment fearlessly with new palettes, materials, and patterns, while maintaining the discipline to edit and refine.

Summary for New Listeners

If you missed the episode, here’s the gist: 2025 is set to become an exuberant, color-drenched year in interiors, with color-blocked furniture, eye-catching patterns, and luxurious materials–all governed by a new principle of design discipline. Expect a blend of 70s, 80s, and 90s influences, but everything filtered through a contemporary, tailored, and high-craft lens. Fine woods, high-gloss finishes, flow-matched patterns, and dressmaker details are the toolkit for the season. The episode is an inspiring primer for designers and design enthusiasts eager to stay ahead of the curve.

End of Summary