Casual contemporary keys upholstery
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, April 14, 2002
HIGH POINT — The flow of designer-oriented stationary upholstery collections has eased so manufacturers can concentrate on more casual contemporary lifestyle introductions that will be prevalent this market.
Producers haven't written off the formality of the many "vintage" collections that have shaped earlier markets, but the new comfort food of the stationary market may lie in transitional and "shabby chic" upholstery pieces.
Manufacturers believe that both the formal, more opulent, deep cushion luxury styles that mate well with sophisticated woods and more casual transitional and contemporary looks that compliment lighter wood tones are a throwback to the September terrorist attacks and a growing emphasis on the home and comfort.
Clearly, the target of this market's looser styles is a younger buyer, those with families and pets and new homes with neutral color schemes. Klaussner is making a big push with upholstered slipcover programs, using denims and twills and some patterns in florals. Other manufacturers are on the slipcover scene with products in colors reminiscent of Pottery Barn.
New housing trends – with open floor layouts – are driving the increase in sectionals, which some manufacturers think are regaining popularity. Several manufacturers have sectionals in their market line-ups, and special emphasis is being paid to finished backs of all pieces that can "float" in a room and not be hidden.
A big intro for Broyhill this market is a large collection that moves the company into contemporary big time. Called Portfolio, the collection includes 45 pieces of upholstery, including five fully upholstered groups, three leathers and two sections. Within the collection are three style directions: casual California contemporary, more formal and darker Manhattan Metro, and Chicago Loft with neutral fabrics and mid-cherry case goods.
The color story this market is kaleidoscopic across the board. The color wheel will turn in styles that range from European casual to mass-market productions, in all shades of reds, blues, yellows, golds and greens. Part of that vibrancy in color may be due to the new home neutral tones of floors and carpets.
Big-time designer names that made last market's news are still at work, with new pieces being added to collection.
There will be new pieces from Christopher Lowell at Flexsteel; Lillian August will be showing off a new boutique at Drexel Heritage; and Stanley Jay Freidman will be adding pieces for Weiman.
Accent pieces continue to gain popularity, with ottomans, chaises, and settees in the forefront.
Bassett, for instance, is premiering two sofas designed to accommodate two ottomans that fit into the frame's contours.
Mary Kaiser Ltd. uses English garden floral prints and playful polka dot with large shrimp check accents pillows to create a day bed in its Josephine collection.
Vladimir Kagan uses bentwood arms for a chaise in Preview's Comety Club collection, and Schweiger includes accent chairs and cub ottoman in its Urban Loft collection.
| This day bed from Mary Kaiser illustrates two trends popular this market: the importance of accent pieces and the trend toward the use of color. |
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