How to make the most of High Point Market 2015

5 days and High Point Market 2015 will begin. The North Caroline furniture happens from 17-22 October.

High Point Market 2015 is to the home decorating world what NYFW is to the fashion community: it’s the biggest event for editors, designers, and buyers to see what is hot this season for everything home. But newcomers know (or will soon find out) that this event has rules of its own. One of our first take aways? Have a map when scheduling showroom appointments, or you’ll be running around sweaty as can be, ruining that awesome blouse you scored from Everlane.

So, we turned to this year’s Style Spotters, seasoned veterans of High Point Market, to see what words of wisdom they could offer us to make sure we have nothing but the best experience. Here’s what they had to say.

Patti Johnson, Patti Johnson Interiors

How to make the most of High Point Market 2015-Patti Johnson

“Allow as much time as you possibly can to extend your stay at market. I recommend at least 4-5 days your first few times. Prepare your schedule and calendar well in advance and allow for interruptions.” –

Showrooms she loves to visit: Currey & Co
New Discovery for this Market: John Richard

Jonathan Legate, Jonathan Legate Interiors

“There is always a showroom serving food and cocktails from breakfast to evening cocktails, schedule your showroom visits around these and you’ll never have to fight your way into the crowded restaurants.”

Showrooms he loves to visit: Made Goods
New Discovery for this Market: Resource Decor

Lori Gilder, Lori Gilder Design

“I highly recommend doing your due diligence weeks before you head to High Point. Research the showrooms that are your “Market Musts” then organize them according to building locations and zones. Allocate a day in each building and sign up for MyMarket the online planning tool to customize your schedule of appointments, seminars and events. Planning ahead is key!”

Showroom she loves to visit: Julian Chichester
New Discovery for this Market: Alfonso Marina

Beth Dotolo, Pulp Design Studios

“Make restaurant reservations in advance! Even your run-of-the-mill chain restaurants can have a 2 hour wait during High Point. There is a restaurant by our hotel that we have a standing reservation with for every night of High Point.”

Showroom she loves to visit: Bernhardt
New Discovery for this Market: B. Pila

Arianne Bellizaire, Inspired to Style

“Keep copies of your credentials in pdf format in the iBooks app on your phone to easily share this with vendors as you are setting up new accounts.”

Showrooms she loves to visit: Wesley Hall
New Discovery for this Market: Caracole Home

Michelle Wiebe, Studio M

“Arrive on Friday! It’s a great way to check out some of your favorite showrooms before the weekend crowds appear.”

Showroom she loves to visit: Lexington Furniture
New Discovery for this Market: Theodore Alexander

Kati Curtis, Kati Curtis Design

“If it’s your first time to market, definitely avail yourself of the Market Orientation. Your virgin visit can be pretty daunting, and the orientation is a great way to get your bearings. Besides hitting all of the showrooms, there are so many great educational and social events to attend, so I put those in my calendar first and then schedule my showroom visits around the things I don’t want to miss.”

Showroom she loves to visit: Cisco Home
New Discovery for this Market: Philipp Selva

Courtney Lake, Monogram Decor

“Avoid hotels at ALL costs. Try to book a house with a group of others via Airbnb or some other website that is within 5 miles of the Convention Center. It is a much more pleasant experience to stay in a house, and you don’t need to rent a car as the Go Anywhere Shuttle has a 5 mile radius and will pick you up from your door and deliver you to the showrooms.”

Showroom he loves to visit: Four Hands
New Discovery for this Market: Natural Curiosities

Leslie Hendrix Wood, Hadley Court

“My favorite place to eat in High Point is The Parson’s Table at The First United Methodist Church. The Parson’s Table opens only during market and serves southern comfort food. All proceeds go to selected missions.”

Showroom she loves to visit: Chaddock Home
New Discovery for this Market: Swede Collection