Designer Spotlight: Karen Crorey-Dallafior of KC Interiors, Inc.

Karen Crorey Dallafior
THE LATEST TRENDS FROM THE 2010 FALL
FURNITURE MARKET
by Karen Crorey-Dallafior, ASID, NCIDQ, KC Interiors, Inc.

Twice each year, High Point, North Carolina, hosts one of the largest home furnishings trade-only shows in the world. With 188 buildings housing twelve million square feet of showroom space, High Point Market is the home furnishing industry’s equivalent to New York’s apparel Fashion Week.

As an interior designer, I attend the high Point Market to see what the hot introductions are for the upcoming season and to attend seminars and share ideas with other industry professionals. The October 2010 furniture show was outstanding, with many new introductions that caught my attention with high style shapes, new color trends, a mix of finishes and new takes on the classics.

Organic colors found in nature were most prevalent and will be sure to look fresh for many years to come. Linen was very popular, and is being used in conjunction with tasteful trims, bandings, nail heads and other textured materials. Sustainable, repurposed, reclaimed woods and metals were shown on tables and chests, although I suggest using those finishes as accents in your room, rather than as the primary design style.


Bolier Furniture uses exotic woods in museum-quality designs – my vote for “Best Contemporary Furniture”. Available at RJ Thomas Ltd., Suite 82.
Vanguard Furniture touted their Portobello Road Collection featuring reclaimed wood and metal. Available at RJ Thomas Ltd., Suite 82.
		Hancock & Moore had contemporary and classic design in wonderfully supple leathers. More beautiful colors this year, from under-the-sea blue to latte. Available at Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Suite 60.

Theodore Alexander’s collection of unique tables and cabinets was outstanding. Stunning finishes and a wide range of designs with beautiful details gives them my vote for “Most Unique Collection”. Available at Marie-Howard Showroom, Suite 119.

After scouring the showrooms and sales floors, here’s my take on what’s hot and what’s not for 2011:

Creating interest with a mix of materials and finishes
Well-proportioned items with beautiful details
American-made quality and “Buy Local” spirit
Stone, Lucite, crystal and porcelain lamps
Timeless
Strategic use of patterned wall covering

Matching “Sets”
Ornate, over-scale furniture
Poor quality imports
Resin lamps
Trendy
Plain walls in every room

Karen Crorey-Dallafior has practiced Interior Design for over 20 years. She has been a NCIDQ Board
Certified professional ASID member since 1985. To view a bio and additional work samples from
Karen Crorey-Dallafior, click here.