Trend Watch from High Point: Florals That Come to Life

At this spring’s High Point Market, one trend stood out to us in a way that felt both emotional and intentional: florals that lift off the surface. We saw embroidery with sculptural shadows, layered appliqué, dimensional prints, and wall art that seemed to reach into the room. These weren’t just surface patterns. They were experiences.

As the world becomes more digital, more influenced by AI and filtered through screens, we’re seeing a quiet but growing return to the tactile. People are craving texture, presence, and materials that feel real. This trend is part of that shift. Florals are no longer confined to the background. They’re stepping forward with dimension, shadow, and weight.

We saw this trend show up in a variety of ways. A standout example was the wall of layered florals at the Sherwin Williams Color of the Year display. In another space, metal flowers became sculptural artwork, capturing both movement and emotion in a still form. We noticed pressed botanicals arranged into patterns, then photographed in ways that gave the illusion they could be lifted off the surface. One of our favorite details was a fabric originally embroidered, then photographed and printed onto a flat surface. Even as a print, it retained the illusion of depth and texture—so convincing it looked like you could run your fingers over the threads.

This is nature brought into our spaces not just as a visual reference, but as presence. A way to make the indoors feel more alive. These florals didn’t feel like decoration. They felt immersive and alive with texture, light, and meaning.

It’s part of a broader shift in interior design. As people step away from purely virtual experiences, they’re looking for materials that ground them. Texture, softness, and form become tools for connection. These florals, when created with layers and shadow, remind us of something that was shaped by hand. Across markets, designers are choosing sensation over simulation. Materiality instead of the metaverse.

For those of us who care about materials and story, this trend is especially energizing. It invites us to experiment with surfaces in new ways, to explore fibers and finishes that speak not just to the eye, but to the hand. 

At Kindly Woven, we’ve always believed that textiles should be experienced, not just viewed. This season’s trend reminds us of the power of bringing materiality to the forefront. Of designing not just for style, but for sensation. It’s a moment of creative permission—and a gentle nudge to make things that feel as alive as they look.

We hope it sparks ideas for your own work and reminds you that even something as familiar as a floral still has new stories to tell.

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