In this age of the Maker Movement, we admire innovators who have the courage to go against the grain. It’s a great time to be original.

We heard a lot about originality at the Competitive Intelligence/Trends Forecast presentation, hosted by WithIt at High Point Market. During a panel session moderated by Pallister Furniture’s Lorri Kelley, experts in interior design shared their thoughts on how the industry and consumers are thinking outside the box. 

1. Amy Archer, CEO, Creating Inspired Design: Archer encouraged the audience of manufacturers, retailers and designers to embrace their inner rebel. Mixing multiple styles and textures can be an effective approach that leads to a more dramatic room. She emphasized that the sustaining value of design is doing it well, rather than trying to fit into a particular box or follow a particular trend. Archer, known as the “Barefoot Designer,” has directed several product lines from Surya Carpets, American Leather and Rowe Furniture. She has attended High Point Market for 25 years and frequently consults with manufacturers and designers on strategies for igniting the pulse of today’s consumers.
2. David Gebhart, president and CEO, Global Views: Gebhart said that textures, finishes and colors are individual decisions. Like other panelists, he stressed that mixing, matching and doing what “feels right” will always be the best way to go. Gebhart and his team work to spot trends and understand future directions, drawing inspiration from multiple sources. On an annual basis, they travel for about eight weeks, sourcing home accessories and accent pieces from around the globe.
3. Patricia Sheridan, associate editor/features, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sheridan said this year’s cabinet colors are the boldest and the fabric choices the most unique she’s ever seen. She stressed how unique some of the designs and fabrics are for many products, from lighting to chairs to cabinets. She covers interior design and other topics for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
4. Normand Couture, founder, Normand Couture Design: Couture stressed the importance of transmitting individual character to a room through design choices. While he believes in color trends, he said mixing and matching is not only an acceptable practice, it also allows individuals to infuse rooms with a sense of authenticity. He shared that adding items that have personal meaning can help tell the story of the person who put them together and that different rooms should set different moods.

Despite subtle differences, each of the four panelists agreed: in this day and age, there’s no need to match. Furniture sets are not in favor. In fact, mixing can make the difference, and retailers, designers and customers willing to blend styles will often achieve the best results. By putting unlike things together and even going against “trends,” we can create our own unique, eclectic look and feel – one built to stand the test of time.