High Point Market Shines Light on Outdoor with Launch of Design Oasis Program

April 14, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Four design teams are developing stylized outdoor vignettes, which will be installed in an outdoor covered area and available to Market guests each day of Spring Market. Each curated space will reflect the unique design aesthetics of the creators, inspired by themes such as a desert oasis or an Italian garden, among others. 

Featured designers include Patti Allen & Stephanie James of Allen & James Interior Design, Stacy Garcia of Stacy Garcia, Inc., Cheryl Luckett of Dwell by Cheryl Interiors, and Katie Wozniak of Katherine Elizabeth Designs. 

“The popularity of the outdoor room has increased exponentially throughout the duration of this pandemic, which is a positive trend for our exhibitors and buyers alike,” commented Tom Conley, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. 

Allen & James agree, sharing, “We are getting more and more requests for design assistance with the ‘outdoor room’. People want it to be an extension of their home and personality.”

“Spending more time at home has increased the need to expand our living spaces beyond the four interior walls,” adds Luckett. 

A 2021 trend report recently released by the International Casual Furnishings Association, confirms strong consumer interest in outdoor furnishings. Their survey found that 90% of Americans agree their outdoor living space is more valuable than ever before, with 78% doing outside upgrades during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In normal times, outdoor spaces are areas of recreation for ourselves and our families, yet today we need them for the restoration of our bodies and minds,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division, the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA).

Garcia’s research agrees, “According to Pinterest, searches for outdoor kitchens and bars were up 2795% in 2020 and outdoor play areas were up 550%. We’ve seen the trends over and over… Garden rooms, granny pods, outdoor entertaining, bird watching… you name it… all trending. Outdoor living is front & center.”

Wozniak feels the industry is experiencing an “outdoor design revolution”, thanks to the innovations and furnishings now available compared to years past.

“Design Oasis is allowing us to embrace a product category that has great depth here in High Point and showcase it in a curated, highly-designed manner thanks to the expert eyes of our featured designers,” shared Conley. “It’s also enhancing the guest experience by providing an outdoor seating area, food trucks for lunch, and a connection point for attendees. We welcome all to swing by and delight in its charms, explore the featured brands, and celebrate the opportunity.”

Design Oasis will be located at Center Stage, the outdoor area in between the Transportation Terminal and Showplace where Eats & Beats and Stars Under the Stars concerts have previously taken place. Food trucks will be available daily from 11am – 3pm, with the outdoor seating area available for use throughout the day for any Market guests looking for a place to rest, network, or dine. 

A Designer Meet & Greet is scheduled for Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, from 12 – 1pm for anyone looking to connect with the featured designers, ask about their designs, or explore the vignettes. 

More information about the networking hour and overall program can be found at www.highpointmarket.org/events/design-oasis.