To Market, To Market...

It's April! You know what that means... the countdown to High Point Market has begun. By now (I pray) you've booked your room, scored early booking airfare and come up with a game plan. If not, I've got just the thing to help you.

Visit the High Point Market Authority's site, pop over to Plan Your Visit and enjoy all of the resources available to you. First timers can benefit from general information and ease of registration. Enjoy downloadable maps, restaurant guides, showroom contact information and more.

New attendee or not, don't miss the opportunity to use the MyMarket tool. Thanks to this bit of technology you can select the exhibitors, events and contacts you'll need once you hit the Carolina soil. Sign up, fill out your calendar and reap the meny social benefits of the app. First you'll notice you have quick, easy access from any web-enabled smartphone, anytime, anywhere to your itinerary. Better yet? You can even keep track of friends and colleagues on the move to you're never out of sync or out of the loop. Market just got better, don't you think?

This isn't a new tool, but I like seeing that it's gaining momentum and popularity. The more you use it, the more you'll benefit. Get started now to ensure your market experience is seamless and easy.

Save the Date

One thing that's always on the minds of Marketgoers... when and where is cocktail hour?!? For the upcoming April Market we have the answer... right here!

Sunday April 22nd Pearson is hosting a cocktail party at inside the showroom. Show up between 4 and 7pm and enjoy mixing and mingling with fellow designers and buyers as you sip wine and sample hors d'oeuvres. We are located in the posh Hamilton Wrenn district at 200 N. Hamilton Street, Suite 107. We look forward to seeing you there!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for Rug Shopping

Although we mentioned New River Artisans in another post, we thought we'd clue you in on just how great this resource is for designers in the know. Pearson displays many of their rugs in the showroom during High Point Market. Each rug is custom, sold only to the trade and they even have a line designed by Tobi Farley.

What is now a world-class rug manufacturing company began as just a small mill founded by the Satterwhite family in North Carolina’s New River Valley in 1981. They are known for skillfully crafting hand-tufted wool rugs, have "earned recognition for being the first to develop basketweave loop pile construction, first to bring historic Aubusson patterns into needlepoint constructions, and for being a versatile and responsive design partner."

Though they offer the finest authentic, traditional constructions, this company is very focused on contemporary design and strives to deliver the best possible product to designers and their clientele. Each rug is still crafted in the mountains of North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. If you haven't yet discovered this vendor, it's time you made an introduction. They are located above the Pearson showroom at 200 North Hamilton, Suite 301.

Here are a few installation shots we love...


This scene actually features our 568 Perching chair over a Da Silva Bruhns rug in a Utah installation. Interior design by 2 Design.


How gorgeous is this? Custom "1913" rug. Design by Tobi Fairley Interior Design.


The "Detour" rug. Interior design by Schelfe & Associates, Inc. Interior Design.

We love having New River Artisans as a design partner. Their gorgeous floor coverings really help our vignettes shine in photos and in our shorooms. When you're in the Hamilton Wrenn District, be sure to swing their showroom by to see more of their marvelous creations on display.

The Art of the Deal

Wondering where that gorgeous art in our photos and showroom comes from? We are lucky enough to have a terrific working relationship with Douglas Freeman Artworks. He provides Pearson with amazing landscapes for Market too and we sell them in the High Point, New York and Chicago showrooms. In many of our room scenes you'll see his art, but you can see his full gallery at douglasfreemanartworks.com.

Full disclosure, he’s also a great friend and former grad school colleague of Pearson's creative director Jennifer McConnell. But we still think the beauty of his work stands on its own!

Insider's Guide to Market: What to Do Sunday Night

Every Sunday during High Point Market the Hamilton Wrenn Design District creates a festive evening of refreshments and Southern Hospitality. Known as "Sunday Uptown" Different stations are set up serving quick bites and sparkling cocktails.

While you mingle, be sure to take a little stroll around the area. All of the showrooms in the district stay open until at least 7:00 that night so you can shop happily while enjoying your glass of bubbly. Sounds great to me. Swing by after things have wrapped up at the Rizzoli book signing. It's sure to be a fabulous time!

Insider's Guide to Market: Navigating Hamilton Wrenn

You've been inside the glorious IHFC for so many hours you've lost track of time. Spend too much time indoors at Market and it begins to feel a bit like Vegas. No sign of daylight, a labyrinth of hallways and showrooms, shiny pretty things tempting your wallet and your willpower... we get it. That is, after all, the Market experience. Without a clock in sight it's easy to lose track of time. If you're not careful you could be indoors from dusk til dawn. The easy cure? Step outside and meander to the Hamilton Wrenn Design District.

What makes this area so special? Sunlight, tony little curbside art galleries & antique shops, fresh air, live jazz bands setting the stage for the evening's events, trees blowing in the cool Carolina breeze and some of Market's very best boutiques & showrooms. Honestly, it's my favorite place to linger during Market.

Walk with me as I show you my favorite stops and few hidden gems...

First stop, Pearson. Come sit in our gorgeous showroom at 200 North Hamilton and see our latest offerings as well as the antiques and unusual finds we've sourced from around the globe since April Market. There are always several one-of-a-kind items on the floor and these go very quickly once the international buyers come to place orders. If you see something you like, move quickly!

After you have perused Pearson’s new offerings, head out the front door and downstairs directly under our showroom. Our neighbor Jonathan Charles has expanded their showroom to encompass the area right underneath us. Shop their beautiful casegoods, as well as sister companies Wildwood for amazing lamps and Chelsea House for gorgeous artwork and table top. Then relax at their brand new English styled pub. (Look closely and you'll see a few Pearson pieces in there too!).

Next stop, New River Artisans. This is one of Tobi Farley’s favorite rug sources and it's located right above our showroom. New River Artisans creates one of a kind hand made rugs for the design trade, and just like Pearson, they LOVE color. Classic Fretwork looks take on a new life when rendered in turquoises and emeralds. Chippendale patterns are reinterpreted in soft grays. A small, family run company, everything is woven here in North Carolina. You might even see a few of these rugs scattered in Pearson this season!

One of our favorite places to stop in at Market is Mottahedeh. Not only do they have to die for china settings, white porcelain classic oriental figures (LOVE!) and gorgeous oriental ginger jars, but did you know they have a back room packed with seconds and discontinued items? There are tons of bargains and steals to be had in the back room, including full china sets for dinner parties and upcoming holidays. (Think holiday presents and hostess presents.)

Trust us, there are stacks and stacks of treasures! You'll never go away empty handed. They take cash or credit, and will help you find that last missing desert plate or demitasse cup to complete your collection. 200 North Hamilton St N court Suite 131, right behind Pearson on the corner.

Working up an appetite? While the area isn't known for it's restaurants, if it's early enough in the day you do have a few options. Exclusively for High Point Market, Honey Baked Ham opens a restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the 200 building (right above the Pearson showroom). They offer a variety of lunch items such as sandwiches and salads and are open every day of Market just in case the urge hits.
 
For something different, head over to the 320/330 building above our sister company Hickory Chair.  There the Spring Garden Bakery offers some great options for breakfast and lunch, and they always have yummy coffee (essential!). In addition to their usual bakery fare, they add wraps and sandwiches to the menu during Market. This is fabulous for a quick nibble. Get them while you can, as these limited offerings go quickly!

These are but a few of the things to do in this area. See the full listing of showrooms as well as the map to navigate your way. We look forward to seeing you! Stay tuned for our next post that tells you to be here in Hamilton Wrenn on Sunday night. Expect cocktails and quick bites to be on hand!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot to Buy Asprin & Q-Tips

Judging by the weight of your luggage, you've packed everything imaginable in your bags. At some point, however, you're likely to need to pop into a pharmacy to buy bandages, Q-tips or some other toiletry. We suggest a privately owned drug store named McClarty Drug located on Main Street. Perfect for anything you might have forgotten or simply need to replenish. Open Sat til 2:00.

Really feeling ill? Head straight to the mobile medical bus parked outside of Showplace behind the Best Western on Wrenn.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Get Your News Fix

High Point may not have corner news stands peppering the streets like NYC, but there happens to be a great news stand on Main Street. It's the ideal place to get your WSJ, NYT, WWD or Textile News so you can keep up on the world outside of Market.

Parker News is on Main just down from the IHFC building. Trust us, this little spot offers one of the best design sections you've seen in a while. Be sure to bring a tote for lugging your mags back to the hotel.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for a Taste of the South

It's nothing fancy, but the Parson's Table is known for serving up savory southern dishes to hungry Market goers. This hidden gem is only open for lunch and only during High Point Market. Parson's Table is operated in the basement of the First United Methodist on Main Street in High Point, right behind the Baker Showroom.

All proceeds go to organizations such as Child Enrichment, the Open Door Shelter, Appalachia Service Project, ARC of High Point and Community Care. So you can feel good about your contribution to good causes while digging into a good meal. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a great bowl of chili, a pimento cheese sandwich or a chicken salad. Don't be surprised when you run into people you know. For a well-kept secret the Parson's Table is surprisingly popular!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for Rug Shopping

Although we mentioned New River Artisans in another post, we thought we'd clue you in on just how great this resource is for designers in the know. Pearson displays many of their rugs in the showroom during High Point Market. Each rug is custom, sold only to the trade and they even have a line designed by Tobi Farley.

What is now a world-class rug manufacturing company began as just a small mill founded by the Satterwhite family in North Carolina’s New River Valley in 1981. They are known for skillfully crafting hand-tufted wool rugs, have "earned recognition for being the first to develop basketweave loop pile construction, first to bring historic Aubusson patterns into needlepoint constructions, and for being a versatile and responsive design partner."

Though they offer the finest authentic, traditional constructions, this company is very focused on contemporary design and strives to deliver the best possible product to designers and their clientele. Each rug is still crafted in the mountains of North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. If you haven't yet discovered this vendor, it's time you made an introduction. They are located above the Pearson showroom at 200 North Hamilton, Suite 301.

Here are a few installation shots we love...


This scene actually features our 568 Perching chair over a Da Silva Bruhns rug in a Utah installation. Interior design by 2 Design.


How gorgeous is this? Custom "1913" rug. Design by Tobi Fairley Interior Design.


The "Detour" rug. Interior design by Schelfe & Associates, Inc. Interior Design.

We love having New River Artisans as a design partner. Their gorgeous floor coverings really help our vignettes shine in photos and in our shorooms. When you're in the Hamilton Wrenn District, be sure to swing their showroom by to see more of their marvelous creations on display.

Insider's Guide to Market: What to Do Sunday Night

Every Sunday during High Point Market the Hamilton Wrenn Design District creates a festive evening of refreshments and Southern Hospitality. Known as "Sunday Uptown" Different stations are set up serving quick bites and sparkling cocktails.

While you mingle, be sure to take a little stroll around the area. All of the showrooms in the district stay open until at least 7:00 that night so you can shop happily while enjoying your glass of bubbly. Sounds great to me. Swing by after things have wrapped up at the Rizzoli book signing. It's sure to be a fabulous time!

Insider's Guide to Market: Navigating Hamilton Wrenn

You've been inside the glorious IHFC for so many hours you've lost track of time. Spend too much time indoors at Market and it begins to feel a bit like Vegas. No sign of daylight, a labyrinth of hallways and showrooms, shiny pretty things tempting your wallet and your willpower... we get it. That is, after all, the Market experience. Without a clock in sight it's easy to lose track of time. If you're not careful you could be indoors from dusk til dawn. The easy cure? Step outside and meander to the Hamilton Wrenn Design District.

What makes this area so special? Sunlight, tony little curbside art galleries & antique shops, fresh air, live jazz bands setting the stage for the evening's events, trees blowing in the cool Carolina breeze and some of Market's very best boutiques & showrooms. Honestly, it's my favorite place to linger during Market.

Walk with me as I show you my favorite stops and few hidden gems...

First stop, Pearson. Come sit in our gorgeous showroom at 200 North Hamilton and see our latest offerings as well as the antiques and unusual finds we've sourced from around the globe since April Market. There are always several one-of-a-kind items on the floor and these go very quickly once the international buyers come to place orders. If you see something you like, move quickly!

After you have perused Pearson’s new offerings, head out the front door and downstairs directly under our showroom. Our neighbor Jonathan Charles has expanded their showroom to encompass the area right underneath us. Shop their beautiful casegoods, as well as sister companies Wildwood for amazing lamps and Chelsea House for gorgeous artwork and table top. Then relax at their brand new English styled pub. (Look closely and you'll see a few Pearson pieces in there too!).

Next stop, New River Artisans. This is one of Tobi Farley’s favorite rug sources and it's located right above our showroom. New River Artisans creates one of a kind hand made rugs for the design trade, and just like Pearson, they LOVE color. Classic Fretwork looks take on a new life when rendered in turquoises and emeralds. Chippendale patterns are reinterpreted in soft grays. A small, family run company, everything is woven here in North Carolina. You might even see a few of these rugs scattered in Pearson this season!

One of our favorite places to stop in at Market is Mottahedeh. Not only do they have to die for china settings, white porcelain classic oriental figures (LOVE!) and gorgeous oriental ginger jars, but did you know they have a back room packed with seconds and discontinued items? There are tons of bargains and steals to be had in the back room, including full china sets for dinner parties and upcoming holidays. (Think holiday presents and hostess presents.)

Trust us, there are stacks and stacks of treasures! You'll never go away empty handed. They take cash or credit, and will help you find that last missing desert plate or demitasse cup to complete your collection. 200 North Hamilton St N court Suite 131, right behind Pearson on the corner.

Working up an appetite? While the area isn't known for it's restaurants, if it's early enough in the day you do have a few options. Exclusively for High Point Market, Honey Baked Ham opens a restaurant located on the 3rd floor of the 200 building (right above the Pearson showroom). They offer a variety of lunch items such as sandwiches and salads and are open every day of Market just in case the urge hits.
 
For something different, head over to the 320/330 building above our sister company Hickory Chair.  There the Spring Garden Bakery offers some great options for breakfast and lunch, and they always have yummy coffee (essential!). In addition to their usual bakery fare, they add wraps and sandwiches to the menu during Market. This is fabulous for a quick nibble. Get them while you can, as these limited offerings go quickly!

These are but a few of the things to do in this area. See the full listing of showrooms as well as the map to navigate your way. We look forward to seeing you! Stay tuned for our next post that tells you to be here in Hamilton Wrenn on Sunday night. Expect cocktails and quick bites to be on hand!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot to Buy Asprin & Q-Tips

Judging by the weight of your luggage, you've packed everything imaginable in your bags. At some point, however, you're likely to need to pop into a pharmacy to buy bandages, Q-tips or some other toiletry. We suggest a privately owned drug store named McClarty Drug located on Main Street. Perfect for anything you might have forgotten or simply need to replenish. Open Sat til 2:00.

Really feeling ill? Head straight to the mobile medical bus parked outside of Showplace behind the Best Western on Wrenn.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place to Get Your News Fix

High Point may not have corner news stands peppering the streets like NYC, but there happens to be a great news stand on Main Street. It's the ideal place to get your WSJ, NYT, WWD or Textile News so you can keep up on the world outside of Market.

Parker News is on Main just down from the IHFC building. Trust us, this little spot offers one of the best design sections you've seen in a while. Be sure to bring a tote for lugging your mags back to the hotel.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for a Taste of the South

It's nothing fancy, but the Parson's Table is known for serving up savory southern dishes to hungry Market goers. This hidden gem is only open for lunch and only during High Point Market. Parson's Table is operated in the basement of the First United Methodist on Main Street in High Point, right behind the Baker Showroom.

All proceeds go to organizations such as Child Enrichment, the Open Door Shelter, Appalachia Service Project, ARC of High Point and Community Care. So you can feel good about your contribution to good causes while digging into a good meal. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a great bowl of chili, a pimento cheese sandwich or a chicken salad. Don't be surprised when you run into people you know. For a well-kept secret the Parson's Table is surprisingly popular!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Live Patio Music

If you're in High Point over the weekend, don't miss the chance to dine on one of the city's best patios. Southern Roots offers incredible crab cakes in a lively outdoor patio environment, complete with wood burning fireplace. While there's plenty of intimate seating indoors, the patio is very popular during Market due to the terrific weather of the Carolinas.

Expect it to be busy throughout the week and on weekends expect an even larger crowd. Aside form the terrific food and impressive wine list, Friday and Saturday evenings the draw is due to the live music on the patio. This spot is a Market favorite for a reason.

True to their name, this establishment does serve up dishes with ample Southern flair. Okra pizza, po boy sandwiches and catfish make appearances on the menu alongside expected fare such as Caesar salads and seared scallops. And grits. Let's not forget grits! They too are on the menu for you to enjoy. Arrive hungry and expect to linger until closing.

Hamilton Wrenn is Where It's At!

We spotted our showroom in an ad for Hamilton Wrenn in the US version of English Home magazine. That's us at the bottom right and our sister brand Hickory Chair further up in the lineup. Stay tuned for an Insider's Guide to the District!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot For a Quick Mani/Pedi

No time for full day at a swanky resort spa? We've all been there. Days at Market are long and busy. Sometimes a quick polish change or emergency mani/pedi are all you need and truly all the itinerary allows.

We suggest you run to About Face Day Spa on Main Street. After your top coat dries hop across the street to the JH Adams Inn and have a glass of bubbly in their cozy Hamptons bar. With champagne in hand and a fresh coat of paint on your digits you might just find yourself grinning ear to ear at your new lease on fabulous life. Salud!

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Place for Rush Dry Cleaning

Overstuffed luggage and an equally bloated itinerary can wreak havoc on even a seasoned traveler's wardrobe. A number of times I've found myself in need of a repaired hem or emergency dry cleaning. But where do you go during Market?

For a quick press or a repaired zipper, head to Shores Fine Dry Cleaning. They have locations in High Point, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. This is no ordinary dry cleaner. They specialize in caring for fine garments, including providing extra care when handling leathers & suede. Each item receives individual attention and must pass at least six inspections before being returned to you.

While they could very well clean your draperies, polish your silver, preserve your wedding dress and restore your vintage couture garments, it's unlikely you've brought any of those things with you to Market. (If you have, we might need to schedule a packing intervention. You've got issues that need to be addressed.)

What Shores can do for you is offer the very best in dry cleaning and wet cleaning technologies. Combine that with 63 years of experience, proven stain removing techniques, and good old fashioned hand finishing expertise and you have a winning combination. You'll be back on the street perfectly pressed and ready to meet the world in no time.

Insider tip: Ugg lover? They have specialists on staff trained to clean your boots. Fly home in comfort with your freshly cleaned boots.

Insider's Guide to Market: Best Spot for Champagne Brunch

Skipped breakfast? Fuel up in style in the Hamilton Wrenn district. Every Saturday through Tuesday of Market there is a complimentary champagne brunch in front of the 200 building and the 320 building. Great coffee, a morning mimosa, and a quick nosh. We believe this is the best way to start the day. Now that's something we can all raise our glasses to celebrate!