New At Market: Home Office

All prices retail • In-depth stories on home office introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening-day issue

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 30, 2001

PRODUCT TRENDS

• NEW PLAYERS: Broyhill and Pulaski are among the case goods majors stepping up their presence in home office.

• ENHANCED STYLING: Function still is important, but sources also are trying to inject more style into their setups.

• PRICED TO MOVE: Value is the watchword, as everybody tries to give consumers a new reason to spend

ALTRA 401 S. Wrenn St.

Art Works is a new series of ready-to-assemble home office furniture created out of sculpted, medium-density fiberboard finished in textured paints. In addition to a complete line of desking, the line includes "taborets" — mobile storage cabinets designed to hold files, papers and collections. Finishes include terra cotta, espresso, indigo, wheat, silver, ebony and cinnamon.

Ameriwood C&D 9A

• Several new units for SOHO and entertainment will be introduced. For SOHO, entries include:

• A computer desk with a raised monitor shelf in pearwood and maple finish.

• PC cart with a hutch and a hanging file drawer.

• A computer desk in beech and black finish with a CD rack and CPU base as well as a printer shelf.

ASPEN IHFC M604

• Mesa is a new, updated casual contemporary collection in three finishes: medium oak, whitewash and natural. Features include radius corners and contract interiors. A computer cart is $199.

• Vintage Oak is a collection of desks, returns and bookcases, from $399 to $899.

BROYHILL IHFC C600

Introducing two collections of modular home office. The first features traditional styling in oak, pine or cherry solids and veneers. The second features contemporary styling, in a light or dark finish. Each collection offers 12 SKUs, including an executive desk, plus a chair.

BUSH FURNITURE IHFC W547

Two SOHO product families are being introduced or expanded.

• Fashion and function meet in the Citizen collection in a medium Superb Oak finish. New pieces added to this existing pattern include an L-desk, $349, featuring a keyboard shelf, file and a CPU door that mounts on the left or right for convenience; a matching hutch, $199, for either side of the desk; a lateral file, $229, for letter or legal files; and a five-shelf bookcase, $129, with three adjustable shelves.

• Stratos collection is a contemporary design featuring several new pieces, available in three finish options, including a new computer desk, $249, with vertical CPU storage and separate drawers for files and supplies, in an oak or a cherry finish. The desk can be matched with a hutch, $149, built for 19-inch monitors, with open storage shelves as well as sliding wood doors.

COMPUTER WEAR Plaza Suites 4-535

Making its High Point debut. Introductions include:

• Pocket folding chairs in translucent plastic and steel.

• Web stacking chair in anodized aluminum.

• Write 'N Roll presentation board.

• Digit laptop desks and children's computer desks.

• Rolling pedestals in heavy-gauge steel on five casters.

• CD and Zip disk holders and desk sets.

• Mobile CPU holders.

• Moon stacking and swivel chairs.

• Hannes desk chair in four colors.

COPELAND IHFC D527

New computer desk features solid cherry exteriors and ash interiors. Other features include an inlaid leather writing surface/mouse pad, pullout monitor shelf, two letter/legal file drawers, and CPU storage with adjustable shelf.

CREATIONS CP 217

• Introducing a range of Mission oak bookcases. Includes four sizes each of Mission Oak open-front bookcases and glass-door bookcases, plus three sizes of Mission Oak lawyer bookcases with wood-frames glass doors. Eight oak finishes available on every item. Pieces from $199 to $499.

• New computer desk features closed CPU storage with surge protector, twin file storage drawers and fold-down keyboard tray. The hutch features an adjustable open center shelf and two closed storage areas with adjustable shelf in each. In oak, with eight finish choices. From $799.

CREATIVE INTERIORS IHFC M507

• No. 498-602 is a four-piece RTA group consisting of a desk, hutch, mobile file and mobile workstation. The mobile file and workstation can be stored underneath the desk. Drawers accessible even in the "nesting" position. Features a Cherry Glen finish.

DECO DESIGN IHFC M1114

• The OF64-K Millennium U-shaped workstation is a modular configuration in Italian cherry.

• The OF26-K computer cart, in Italian cherry and a stainless finish, features a large working surface with an elevated monitor shelf. It fits in a small area while still offering lots of function.

DIRECTIONS EAST SMS 1-212

• The laptop microstation features solid wood in four finish options — black, cherry, mahogany and natural. Features include adjustable height, sliding front drawer and casters.

• The Modena workstation features a tubular, powder-coated steel frame in a dark walnut finish. Features include a sliding monitor shelf, tempered glass keyboard tray, CPU stand and wire management.

• The Patrice chair combines a tubular aluminum, powder-coated frame with cushioned cover in black or natural.

DISTINCTION LEATHER IHFC H1021

Offerings include four new executive swivel-tilt chairs. Quick-ship is offered on 24 swivel tilts, starting at $699.

DMI IHFC M1010

• No. 7679 is a classic transitional group at $1,899 for an L unit and hutch. Features include lighting, glass shelving, felt-lined drawers and power management.

• No. 7661 is a Mission-influenced, casual contemporary modular group. Available in two finishes, casual oak and washed. Includes eight to 10 SKUs, at $249 to $349.

• No. 7646 is a traditional, brown oak version of a popular cherry group.

• Expanding its line of ready-to-assemble carts with hutches and other pieces.

EMERALD HOME FURNISHINGS Cramco Bldg. A6

Introducing the Louis Phillip and Milano collections, featuring a partners' work desk, door or shelf units, lateral file drawers and pullout lights above the desk. At $1,999.

EURO STYLE C&D 8A

• The Bungie high-back executive chair comes in a black or aluminum-colored steel frame with extra-strong bungie cords on the seat and back. The chair tilts, swivels and locks in a forward or back position and also has a gas lift, $315.

• The Knee office chair features an aluminum-colored metal frame with upholstered seat and knee supports with extra padding. Rubber-coated handgrips make it easy to sit down or get up. The chair moves forward and backward on rollers, $115.

• The compact Z computer cart features an aluminum-colored steel frame and adjustable, frosted, tempered glass shelves for the keyboard and printer. Casters lock for stability, $125.

• The Omega computer desk "33" has a 1-inch thick contoured desk top that can be adjusted from 29 to 31 inches high. The sliding keyboard can be locked in position. All-aluminum metal glides, $390.

FAIRFIELD CHAIR 100 E. Green Dr.

Introductions include the No. 1026 executive swivel chair in traditional styling.

GAUTIER IHFC H524

• Harmony features trim, modular units in high-pressure laminates with aluminum pulls and legs. Matching conference tables and chairs are available.

• Madison, in clean, architectural styling, features dark-cherry wood with silver melamine panels. Hardware, in clear plastic, may be engraved as desired. Pieces include desks, filing cabinets, bookcases, armoires and workstations.

GRUGA/NOVIMEX CP 101

Expanding its office seating line with a leather executive chair with contoured seat and back, lumbar support, padded armrests, 360-degree swivel and tilt-tension adjustment and pneumatic gas-height adjustment. Also showing a new guest/conference chair with leather seat and back and padded leather armrests.

HEKMAN 200 N. Hamilton St.

• Expanding its executive office assortment with two three-piece sets (desk, credenza and file cabinet) styled after two recent introductions — European Legacy and Caddington Manor. Features include Accuride glides, wire management, power packs and CPU, printer and fax storage capabilities.

• Also introducing a stand-alone desk with serpentine curves in a rich, walnut finish.

HJELLEGJERDE 220 Elm St., 214

The new Scansit 330 executive chair, in leather, features a smooth, reclining mechanism that enables users to adjust the seat angle to the task.

HEMSLEY C&D 8L

Showing a multi-station desk, No. 3027.

HOOKER IHFC W1047

• The new Cranbrook for Hooker Furniture collection, designed by Patricia Hart McMillan, includes home office. Inspired by contemporary architecture with a hint of 1920s and '30s influences, Cranbrook features maple solids and cherry veneers with a clean, soft finish. Pieces include a desk with marble top and heavily figured African etimoe veneer face. A computer cabinet is about $3,200, the desk for $1,000.

• Adding executive L and U systems and conference tables to the European Renaissance collection. All SKUs have finished backs. Features a Florentine distressed finish or dark antique matte cherry finish, also distressed, on hardwood solids and cherry veneers; $2,999 for an L and $3,650 for a U.

• Adding two 19-SKU groups to its modular program. Marlborough is an English antique design in maple with a dark, antique finish. Features include heavy crown moldings. Tropical Breeze is a British Colonial look in cherry with a medium fruitwood finish or a washed finish. Features include raffia accents and base and crown moldings.

• Lifestyle Oak is a rustic oak collection in a medium brown finish. Features include antique seeded glass. Includes a desk, hutch and printer/file, as well as an Ultimate computer cabinet.

• Showing new mid-height computer cabinets in Summer Cottage and the Decorator Group; and space-saving, one-piece computer cabinets in Chateau Philippe and Fireside Cherry.

KIMBALL 233 S. Main St.

Adding a free-standing desk that correlates with four lifestyle collections and finishes: Maple Creek, Victoria Passage, Traditions Oak and Traditions Cherry. Each desk is available as a single or double pedestal and as a supported desk without a pedestal.

LEDA IHFC H1109

Expanding the Trillium award-winning Au Courant collection with a computer chest. Features include pullout work surfaces, automatic lighting, master power bars, fax/modem plug-ins, wire management and ventilation. A similar piece is being added to the Park Plaza collection.

LEIF PETERSON 220 Elm St., 328

Introducing a line of stacking seats designed by James Irvine. The frame is in steel tubing, coated in chrome or epoxy resin gray paint. The seat and backrest are in polypropylene in white, yellow, cobalt blue and gray anthracite. The frame, seat and backrest fit together without screws or rivets. Instead, the steel tubing is pressed on its joints or welded inside.

MARTIN NFM 701

• New computer armoire, in oak or cherry. Ships in three pieces for easy consumer delivery. Features include data port, surge control, scanner pullout and extra-wide keyboard pullout.

• The Newcastle collection includes computer armoires and rolltop desks. Features include raised panels, antique hardware and hidden wire management. Finished in a rich, warm acorn finish on oak solids and veneers.

NULL INDS. FP 611

• 5600 line, in Mission styling with a dark finish.

• The 5800 line is in Lodge styling with a medium oak finish.

• The 7500 line features Lodge styling, in maple with a cherry finish.

OFFICE STAR CP 205

• Model EL4521, an executive chair, is upholstered in a combination of glove-soft leather and breathable nylon mesh. It features sleek, contemporary lines and brushed metal accents. A versatile 2:1 synchro-tilt adjustment mechanism provides enhanced comfort by reclining the back two degrees for every one degree of tilt applied to the seat. Also offers pneumatic seat height control plus adjustable arm rests.

• Model DH3450 is being expanded with a variety of boldly styled animal prints, including zebra, ocelot, tiger and horse. The fully synthetic fibers offer high durability.

ORMAN GRUBB CP 211

Featuring the Capistrano collection, in Mission styling with a Spice finish. In oak solids and veneer, with a rounded arch on the bottoms. Pieces include an office armoire, tower desk with door hutch, 76-inch "Super" desk with door hutch, and 69-inch desk with return.

O'SULLIVAN 220 Elm St.

• No. 1054 is a mobile workstation in a Catalina oak finish. The wide stance accepts up to a 19-inch monitor; $79.

• The Manor Hill collection features three pieces of home office. In traditional styling with framed doors, period accents and a Brianna Oak finish; from $99 to $299.

PULASKI IHFC M330

Expanding its presence in home office with three groups, in Victorian, Plantation Island and traditional oak styling. Each group has seven pieces, plus three hand-painted signature pieces. Offerings include L-shaped desk-return setups, executive desks and credenza/hutch units with concealed storage.

RIVERSIDE IHFC C302

The new American Spirit collection, inspired by Lodge and other American styles, features a 58-inch, stand-alone desk. Available in three finishes.

SAUDER 220 Elm St., 218

• The River Falls group, a country casual look in cascade ash, features seven new home office pieces; from $80 to $350.

• The Chambery collection, inspired by 19th century Louis Philippe styling, includes five home office pieces; from $100 to $300.

• Arbor Valley, a country-inspired group with a weathered, paint-like finish, features a computer armoire at $400.

• QBits is a system of cube and shelving components that can be configured in an endless array of customized solutions. Finishes include cassava maple, metal tenzin, dark alder and white. Created in partnership with designer and TV celebrity Lynette Jennings. Supported by a variety of point-of-purchase materials.

• Adaptech is a line of commercial furnishings featuring 24-inch-deep melamine work surfaces, rigid, adjustable levelers and high-impact resin feet. Featuring a new light metallic pearl finish with sky alder accents and a metallic taupe tone with dark alder accents. Pieces from $200 to $300.

• Also showing an assortment of computer armoires and cabinets in a variety of configurations. New twists include stow-away, self-contained chairs; from $250 to $700.

SHARUT 305 S. Hamilton St.

Introductions include a home office wall in honey maple, at $1,299; a junior home office system, at $899; and an oversized, louvered-front home office unit, at $1,599. A variety of finishes are offered in each.

SLIGH 310 N. Hamilton St., S-204

The new Litchfield collection of modular home office features a new finish, new components and design enhancements. Sligh's modular line is now available in natural cherry, medium-brown Litchfield and dark Turin contemporary finishes. Furniture components — including work surfaces, files and bookcase units — have increased to a total of 18 pieces in each of the three finishes. The addition of an 18-inch pedestal and 36-inch work surface offers increased flexibility for creating personalized home office configurations. The height of the Litchfield group also has been increased from 72 inches to 78 inches. Molding profiles are softer and raised panel doorframes have been added to bridge across different styles of home design.

STANLEY IHFC C1158

• Elegante, a new European traditional collection, includes seven SKUs of home office. Includes a larger, 72-inch by 36-inch desk with laptop portal.

• Meredian is a transitional collection in ash solids and veneers. Includes a new space-saving, symmetrical corner unit.

STUDIO RTA CP 106

Introductions include three new computer carts — the Tech Mobile Cart, Command Mobile Cart and Apollo Computer Tower. The carts feature "vacu-formed" treatments that allow for softer, more contoured shapes. Features include wire management.

TVILUM-SCANBIRK MS 145

• The Comet computer desk — in maple, cherry and beech — features soft edges, tempered glass shelves and doors and metal handles and drawer runners; $519.

• The Concept desk — in maple and cherry — features soft edges, height-adjustable legs and full-extension file drawers; $869.

IHFC: International Home Furnishings Center

FP: Furniture Plaza

C&D: C&D Building

NFM: National Furniture Mart

MS: Market Square

HS: Hamilton Square

HM: Hamilton Market

SMS: Suites at Market Square

CP: Center Point