The newest finds among old favorites

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Almost no one goes to the International Home Furnishings Market expecting to find wild innovation and cutting-edge goods. The twice-yearly industry show, where thousands of vendors court retail buyers with more than 12 million square feet of furniture and decorative accessories, tends to stick with the tried and true.

That was mostly the case at the event's latest installment, held last month. Instead of new style directions, a number of previously launched trends appeared to gain greater momentum, as will be evident in stores as soon as early summer.

Among those trends:

Armless loveseats: They look sleek, take up less space in small townhouses and condos, and are more versatile to arrange in a room.

Beds: It's easier than ever to get the custom look of upholstered beds in many variations. The hot look now is the headboard that mimics the shape of a wing chair.

Colors: Orange remains strong in all hues, and so does red. But also look for soft colors such as celery, sea glass, Tiffany blue, spa blue, cocoa, gray, sand and blush; also yummy shades such as apricot, pumpkin, raisin and watermelon. Bronze is big, in everything from lamps to leather.

Étagères: These freestanding shelf units, open on all sides and used for display, were everywhere, providing a more open, less bulky look. You'll see them on freestanding shelves as well as plasma TV units.

Entertainment units: Manufacturers are convinced that consumers now don't mind looking at a large plasma-TV screen. More options put the TV on display. Look for a variety of consoles. But, if you are willing to spend the big bucks, more high-end companies are offering the plasma lift system, which makes the TV disappear with the flick of a remote.

Fabrics: Some of the prints are so oversize, they look as if they're on steroids. Another big look is luster stolen from the runway, whether it's luminescence on a tassel, silk pillows, iridescent polyester/rayon blend or metallic leather that shimmers like a hip handbag. Multitonal fabrics resemble the fabric of a Chanel jacket.

Faux leathers: They wear well and look like the real thing, from ostrich to croc to python. They also make great wallcoverings.

Hidden chargers: Hate the look of your cellphone charging on your nightstand? Companies such as Magnussen Home and Aspen Home are putting chargers inside the drawers of nightstands and desks.

Mission: The most repeated mantra at the show: the simple lines and fine craftsmanship of Arts & Crafts and Mission furniture.

Nearly 25 percent of the manufacturers introduced this style at the market, according to a Furniture/Today and Home Accents Today survey. Among them are Hooker's Simply American, Magnussen Home's Oak Park, Copeland's Prairie by Frank Lloyd Wright and Stickley's additions to Pasadena Bungalow and Historic Mission.

Oval ottomans: These fabric- and leather-covered ottomans provide a more elegant look.

Compiled from The Philadelphia Inquirer and South Florida Sun-Sentinel.