High Point Market always offers a glimpse into the design world’s evolving priorities, and during my recent visit, one theme stood out: a return to craftsmanship. From stitched leather to artisan-blown glass, handcrafted details are quietly but powerfully shaping the future of furniture and home décor. I had a chance to explore debut showroom collections up close, and it was exciting to see how today’s designers and manufacturers are weaving authenticity and materiality into their newest pieces. These details aren’t just trend-driven—they’re part of a broader movement toward thoughtful, lasting design in response to years of fast furniture and mass production. For the final part of my market design series (see my previous posts on Art Deco and silver's comeback), I wanted to focus on the materiality I saw from the showrooms in the Design Influencers Tour – beyond the metals I shared making a big comeback in my last post.

Specialty Glass Home Decor

Artisan glass is making a luminous comeback in home design. Specialty glass pieces—particularly those sourced from regions with a rich heritage of glassmaking like Murano, Italy—are showing up in everything from colorful pendant lights to sculptural handblown vases and even side tables. These artisanal elements don’t just elevate a space visually; they catch and refract light in a way that adds dimension, movement, and a refined layer of color and texture to any room. Whether tinted, frosted, or boldly pigmented, artisan glass is a striking way to introduce craftsmanship into modern interiors.

What's the difference between Venetian and Murano glass?

Venetian and Murano glass are often used interchangeably in the world of luxury home decor—and for good reason. Murano, a small island just off the coast of Venice, is the historic heart of Italy’s legendary glassmaking tradition. For centuries, Murano artisans developed techniques so prized that the secrets were fiercely guarded to preserve Venice’s monopoly on the market. Today, the term Murano glass is favored among collectors and artists, while Venetian glass often refers more broadly to the region’s decorative legacy—including the elaborately etched, handcrafted Venetian-style mirrors that remain a timeless staple in sophisticated interiors.

Artisan Leather Furniture Details

Leather is having a major design moment—especially in ways that highlight craftsmanship and fashion-forward details. While the conversation around sustainable materials has led to a rise in "vegan" leather alternatives, many of these options are still plastic-based and not necessarily better for the environment. As consumers grow more conscious of material quality and longevity, real leather continues to be a popular choice for upholstery, especially in pieces that celebrate artisanal techniques. At High Point Market, I noticed a strong influence from the fashion world—likely inspired by the rise of woven leather accessories à la Bottega Veneta. From contrast-stitched leather chairs to woven leather panels on case goods and seating, these elevated details brought a bespoke feel to otherwise classic silhouettes. Explore some of my favorite leather home decor picks below.

Is leather furniture durable?

Beyond its timeless appeal, leather is one of the most durable upholstery materials you can choose—making it ideal for high-traffic, pet- and kid-friendly homes. In fact, leather is estimated to be up to four times more durable than fabric, which means it stands up beautifully to daily wear and tear. Like many natural materials, it will naturally patina and soften with time, developing a richer character the more it's used. However, direct sunlight can bleach or prematurely age the surface, so it’s best to avoid placing leather furniture in bright, sun-soaked areas. To prevent cracking and preserve its supple finish, be sure to regularly condition leather with a quality moisturizer specifically designed for upholstery.

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