High Point Market: Eye Candy & Inspiration

My very first trip to High Point market was such an amazing experience!  With over 180 showrooms at my fingertips and only two days to cram it all in, I would not have been able to cover the ground I did without my friend, Joanna.  Having been to market several times before herself, she knew the vendors we would not want to miss out on and I added a few lighting vendors I have worked with before to create our  ultimate checklist.  I made some great contacts and just as important, feasted my eyes upon inspiration to keep me going for miles!

Obviously, the interior design industry and the fashion industry tend to mirror each other, but I never expected to see the EXACT same colors and motifs at market as I have in InStyle, Vogue, and Elle.  Amazing.  Prepare to be inspired... I'm sure you will want to redecorate or renovate at least one room in your house after drooling over the pictures below.  And if that's the case, let's chat.

ALL LAQUERED UP

Bright, vibrant colors and lacquered accent pieces are here to stay.

LIKE, FOR REAL

Natural fibers: Rattan, burlwood, driftwood, whitewashed wood, bone-like material...you name it, it's in.

RIGHT NEAR THE BEACH

A nod to water and the sunset:  blue, turquoise, pink, and navy

There is so much more to share with you, but what fun would that be to spill it all in one post? 

Photos taken by me - from Oomph, Currey & Co, Worlds Away, Jonathan Adler & Palacek 

So, It's Been A While...

I know, I know.  I always have excuses after taking a long, unexpected hiatus from the blog.  I love this blog and putting a bit of design inspiration out there, but man, it is not as easy as it looks!  Big changes have been happening in the Cooley household over the past month.

I left my full time job after eight years.  It was my first and only job after college, but it was time.  I have always wanted to start my own design company, and the opportunity just kind of presented itself.  You know when you keeping getting signs in life that all point in the same direction?  It just kept happening to me!  I am finally starting to feel the reality of leaving, but I think I was in denial for quite some time.  I am enjoying working for myself and spending more time with my family.  Especially on the weekends!

This weekend will be my first official trip to High Point Market!  I am meeting up and rooming with a college friend who is a market veteran, so I am super pumped for her to show me the ropes!  I know I am going to find lots of inspiring things to photograph, so stay tuned for upcoming posts!  I'm back in the game, folks!