Dear Alice | Interior Design Podcast
Episode: High Point Market | Fall 2024 Recap
Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall, the creative minds behind Alice Lane Interior Design, dive deep into their experiences and observations from the prestigious High Point Market Fall 2024. This episode offers a comprehensive recap of the market's highlights, emerging trends, and personal anecdotes that provide listeners with invaluable insights into the evolving world of interior design.

Market Overview and Personal Experiences

Jessica kicks off the discussion by reflecting on the hectic yet rewarding experience of attending the High Point Market. Despite tight deadlines and a flurry of direct messages seeking their insights, Jessica emphasizes the importance of attending during the fall season, likening it to the design equivalent of "fashion week."

“If we're going to go to one market of the two, spring and fall, we're going to go to fall. It's like fashion week.”
— Suzanne Hall [00:36]

Suzanne echoes this sentiment, highlighting the dual purpose of their attendance: sourcing inspiration and understanding industry trends to inform their own product creations. The camaraderie among designers and the opportunity to "be the clients" add to the enriching experience.

“We go to market now, too, just to sort of understand the industry... and it's just like, there's something for everybody there.”
— Jessica Bennett [01:09]

A Memorable Travel Story: The Case of the Lost Vintage Jewelry

One of the standout moments of the episode is the recounting of a chaotic yet heartwarming incident that occurred post-market. While exploring a beloved vintage shop in Charlotte called Hong Kong, Suzanne and Jessica found themselves enamored with unique pieces. However, in the rush to wrap up their trip, Jessica accidentally discarded a bag containing their newly acquired vintage jewelry at a gas station. Panic ensued as they realized the loss moments before takeoff.

“I just threw away the bag. When we got to the gas station... I throw away all of my brand new purchases from Hong Kong...”
— Jessica Bennett [07:08]

Despite the initial despair, a serendipitous stroke of kindness from a Quick Trip employee named Jerome led to the recovery of their precious items. Jessica credits Suzanne's quick thinking and determination in resolving the mishap.

“Somehow, Jerome, out of the goodness of his heart, finds my jewelry in the brown bag, brings it inside the QT...”
— Jessica Bennett [12:26]

This story not only adds a personal touch to their market experience but also underscores the sense of community and goodwill within the design industry.

Key Design Trends Observed at High Point Market

1. Traditionalism and Skirted Details

A significant trend at the Fall 2024 High Point Market is the resurgence of traditional design elements. Both hosts noted an abundance of skirted details and dressmaker-style upholstery, which hark back to classic English interiors and add a touch of elegance to modern spaces.

“We saw, like, more color and more pattern in general. People were just, like, coming out to play.”
— Alice Lane [17:04]

Jessica points out the prevalence of box pleats, skirted ottomans, and tufting, which soften the edges of rooms and create a more inviting atmosphere.

“There is just a lot of skirted details... it just takes the edge off.”
— Jessica Bennett [19:07]

2. Tufting Resurgence

Tufting, a hallmark of traditional upholstery, made a notable comeback. The hosts observed both diamond tufts and biscuit tufts being prominently featured in contemporary designs, adding texture and depth to furniture pieces.

“We saw a lot of tufting... the diamond tuft, and it's really handsome in traditional.”
— Jessica Bennett [19:58]

3. Frames and Color Trends

Frames adorned with lemon gilding and classic French styles were prevalent. These ornate frames not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of artworks but also serve as statement pieces within any room.

“They're finding all of these classic gilded frames and they're putting modern art in it.”
— Jessica Bennett [28:50]

In terms of color, pinks, greens, yellows, and ochres dominated the palettes, infusing spaces with warmth and vibrancy. The balancing of these colors with neutrals and bold accents allows for versatile and personalized interior designs.

“We saw a lot of pinks, like into the reds, like pinks to earthy tones.”
— Alice Lane [46:52]

Innovative Technology in Lighting

A forward-thinking trend highlighted in the episode is the integration of rechargeable lighting solutions. These cordless lamps and sconces offer flexibility in placement and ease of use, eliminating the need for extensive wiring.

Jessica discusses the rise of rechargeable light bulbs, which provide up to 12 hours of battery life, making them ideal for settings where traditional wiring is impractical.

“You don't have to call an electrician. Battery life is about 12 hours on these.”
— Jessica Bennett [35:11]

Additionally, Visual Comfort's advancements in recessed lighting systems allow for seamless illumination without the visible presence of light sources, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of spaces.

“You can have a lamp in the middle of your dining table that you just like always trying to inspect your gadget to, like, be hidden.”
— Alice Lane [36:02]

Color Forecasting and Metallic Finishes

The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of color trends, emphasizing the return of pinks, greens, and the introduction of blues for a fresh and revitalizing ambiance. The balance of these hues with warm earthy tones creates harmonious and inviting interiors.

“The yellow and ochre colors, the golden rods. I still think that those are happy, sunshiny colors.”
— Alice Lane [47:10]

When it comes to metallic finishes, there remains a strong preference for brass and gold over the previously dominant silver. These warmer tones add a touch of opulence and timelessness to various design elements.

“There's still a really great, big, huge place for brass and gold finishes.”
— Jessica Bennett [48:35]

Closing Thoughts: Embracing Personalization and Tradition

In wrapping up the episode, both hosts emphasize the importance of personalization in interior design. By integrating traditional elements with modern touches, homeowners and designers can create spaces that are both timeless and unique.

“You design for the human. You figure out the human and you design for their life experience and like, what they want to reflect.”
— Alice Lane [49:26]

They encourage designers and enthusiasts alike to embrace these trends, blending color, pattern, and classic details to craft environments that resonate with individual styles and preferences.

“Lean in... keep the pieces that are comfortable, that you still love, but then start to infuse some of this, like, heirloom quality in your home.”
— Jessica Bennett [45:14]

Conclusion

The High Point Market Fall 2024 has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of traditional design elements, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries with innovative technologies and vibrant color palettes. Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall provide a rich tapestry of observations and experiences that not only reflect the current state of the interior design industry but also offer a glimpse into its promising future. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a passionate enthusiast, this episode of Dear Alice is brimming with inspiration and practical insights to elevate your design endeavors.

Notable Quotes

• Suzanne Hall [00:36]: “If we're going to go to one market of the two, spring and fall, we're going to go to fall. It's like fashion week.”

• Jessica Bennett [01:09]: “We go to market now, too, just to sort of understand the industry... and it's just like, there's something for everybody there.”

• Jessica Bennett [07:08]: “I just threw away the bag. When we got to the gas station... I throw away all of my brand new purchases from Hong Kong…”

• Jessica Bennett [12:26]: “Somehow, Jerome, out of the goodness of his heart, finds my jewelry in the brown bag, brings it inside the QT...”

• Alice Lane [17:04]: “We saw, like, more color and more pattern in general. People were just, like, coming out to play.”

• Jessica Bennett [19:07]: “There is just a lot of skirted details... it just takes the edge off.”

• Jessica Bennett [28:50]: “They're finding all of these classic gilded frames and they're putting modern art in it.”

• Alice Lane [46:52]: “We saw a lot of pinks, like into the reds, like pinks to earthy tones.”

• Jessica Bennett [48:35]: “There's still a really great, big, huge place for brass and gold finishes.”

• Alice Lane [49:26]: “You design for the human. You figure out the human and you design for their life experience and like, what they want to reflect.”

• Jessica Bennett [45:14]: “Lean in... keep the pieces that are comfortable, that you still love, but then start to infuse some of this, like, heirloom quality in your home.”

Join Jessica and Suzanne in their journey through the High Point Market as they uncover timeless trends, share heartfelt stories, and inspire you to elevate your living spaces with a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.