It’s almost hard to imagine so much furniture in one place.
The High Point Market in North Carolina is the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, spanning more than 11.5 million square feet of showroom space across approximately 180 buildings.
After years of working the show, Montgomery’s visual merchandising manager Karli Strain and her colleagues have honed their strategy for tackling it.
“Our buying team divides up the workload to visit as many of our vendors as possible to make sure that we are bringing back the best designs at the best value possible to our customers,” Strain said.
“I have never been more impressed and inspired by everything that I saw during our latest trip to market.”
We sat down with Strain for a closer look at the trends you’ll want to consider incorporating as you design or redesign your space.
It’s not about one style
Strain always is on the lookout for the latest designs to keep Montgomery’s showrooms looking fresh and ahead of the curve. But increasingly, it’s not about focusing on one particular look or style.
“We make it our mission to display a large variety of styles that can work for just about everyone, and the selection at market made it very clear that interior design is heading in a direction where every style is relevant and accessible,” she said.
“The fabric selections were the best they’ve ever been, and the variety of furniture styles was unmatched. Making your space reflect your own personal style has never been easier."
What’s trending
Think lots of colors and patterns for 2026, based on what was shown at market.
“Even our most contemporary vendors, who usually show very little color or patterns, were embracing warm colors, lots of texture and even pattern into their furniture,” Strain said. “Every showroom felt warm and inviting.”
The team saw very few stark whites, icy blues or cool grays.
“They have slowly been replaced by warmer tones that make us feel cozy and comfortable,” Strain said.
Standout colors
So what do the colors of the moment look like?
The Montgomery’s team noticed warm cinnamon, all tones of brown from light beige to deep espresso, rusty deep reds, charcoal, black, warm grays, warm blues, burgundy, berry and wine tones, earthy neutral blush, ochre and mustard yellows, earthy warm greens and also some lighter sage greens as well.
“The colors are cohesive, and all seem to work together seamlessly,” Strain said. “It’s so exciting, and we are well on our way to showcasing all of these colors in our showrooms through upholstery, art, rugs, pillows, accessories, bedding and more.”
Patterns abound
Another standout trend in almost every showroom involved vintage-inspired patterns.
“The ’70s, ’80s and ’90s textiles are in the forefront,” Strain said. “But don’t worry — they are being used in a much more sophisticated way this time around by embracing more up-to-date color schemes and applications. Instead of drenching an entire sofa in a pastel floral pattern, we’re seeing this fabric used on benches, accent chairs, pillows and ottomans.”
Art, rug, bedding and pillow vendors also are embracing the floral and vintage fabric trend.
Updated traditional
The classics are back in every category, Strain said.
“But it’s an updated traditional design,” she added. “Nothing over-the-top and ornate but definitely a nod to more classic furniture designs from the past.”
Montgomery’s will offer a brand-new collection coming later this winter that is inspired by old-world farmhouse designs.
“They’re classic, vintage looks with a modern twist,” Strain said. “The finish colors are amazing, and the furniture will spark a sense of nostalgia and an appreciation for past designs that have truly stood the test of time. It will include dining, bedroom and a variety of amazing accent pieces.”
Advancements in technology
It’s not a new trend but definitely one that’s building: Reclining furniture continues to advance in its sophistication.
“It’s amazing what’s evolving in reclining furniture,” Strain said.
Each Montgomery’s location is preparing a dedicated area to showcase reclining furniture with advanced features like heat and massage, zero-gravity and immersive sound all at the touch of buttons.
“Gone are the days of needing to dedicate an entire room to a home theater setup with an expensive sound system,” Strain said. “Imagine sitting in your recliner watching your favorite action movie and feeling the vibration in your seat and the sound coming from your headrest!
“You can get the same concept in your living room right now. Everything you want to experience is right at your fingertips, built in to your comfortable and stylish motion furniture. All you have to do is plug it in.”
There’s even a company with a patio sound group coming out, she added.
“I was super-excited to see that,” Strain said. “The future is bright and exciting for the world of furniture.”
Ready to learn how new styles of furniture can be a fit for your home? Montgomery’s offers complimentary design services to every customer.
Yours in Design,
Karli
Every month, Karli dives into the world of design and shares her knowledge on the newest design trends in the "Design Pulse", in which she offers thoughtful insight on the trends that are shaping the design world today, and keeping an eye on what is coming next next! Click below to read more editions of Design Pulse!
