Casual takes charge
Style pendulum swings to more relaxed looks for April
By Powell Slaughter -- Furniture Today, March 9, 2003
High Point — Case goods styles were swinging back to decidedly casual among big manufacturers exhibiting at premarket last week.
April will mark the most dressed-down High Point show since the heyday of lifestyle in spring 1998.
A trend toward formality and higher sheens began later that year with collections like the original Bob Mackie introduction at American Drew. Two years ago, producers stepped up their use of natural woven materials and dusty finishes, and this spring's key introductions in all price points are even more relaxed.
Casual is the biggest trend, but not the only one for case goods.
One alternative reflects the ambience of grand lodges and vacation homes, as typified by Century's yet-to-be-named introduction, Klaussner's Dick Idol Northwoods and Ferguson Cope-land's Artisan.
Then there are Bassett's American Hewn, Lane's Eddie Bauer re-introduction and Pulaski's Antiques Road Show, which show the huge attention this market to American country and traditional, often rustic in nature.
Another trend blends traditional European styles and tones them down with relaxed, distressed finishes.
Drexel Heritage's Tuscan Sun Collection, Stanley's Provincia, American Drew's Classic Collection by Bob Mackie, Lexington's Palmer Home Gentleman's Quarters and Henredon's Montpelier are examples.
Cottage-leaning collections also are big again this market, including Vaughan's Pamela Scurry's Carmel Cottage, Hooker's Cottage Cocoon by Faith Popcorn and Breeze, from Lexington's Waverly brand.
A few collections, such as New Standards at Pennsylvania House and a yet-to-be-named group at Henredon, stand out as more glamorous, if not strictly formal, with their emphasis on sweeping forms and jewelry hardware.
Several collections lean toward contemporary in various styles, including Bernhardt's Talesai, with Asian roots, and Stanley's lifestyle-oriented Urban Comfort.
Common characteristics of the new casual collections include the use of wood rather than metal hardware and a variety of color options, especially for accent pieces.
Wood hardware is prevalent as well in high-end collections. For its new line, Century looked to the multimillion-dollar vacation homes of the rich, and wound up using heavy plank tops on tables and deep hand-distressing on a burnished finish.
"We took our inspiration from the West, but we believe we'll sell this in Boston," said Bill Faber, Century's vice president of wood design. "It's simple but high-end sophistication that let's you put your ski boots up on the table."
Klaussner based its new Dick Idol Northwoods on the "Great Camps" of the Northeast, where urban sophisticates went to enjoy nature a century ago.
"We were looking through magazines from the time and found some distinctive wood grain patterns in the furniture," said Darren York, merchandise manager for case goods. "We're using ropy cherry veneers, which we find really re-create that look."
Rustic colors
Part of the credit for the flood of rustic country looks this spring goes to the success of Attic Heirlooms, a big hit at Broyhill last year. New groups this April will feature design details such as rolling-pin head- and footboards on beds, heavy posts on beds and tables, and a wealth of color options.
"We're addressing a swing back to casual" with American Hewn, said Matt Johnson, vice president of wood merchandising for Bassett. "We poured in a lot of original antique pieces, too, like the corner cupboard and bench table. You don't look at this as selling a suite."
The rustic country feel of Lane's new version of Eddie Bauer case goods was a natural follow-up to the successful Country Living of last October, said Jim DeRose, merchandise manager for case goods.
"Country Living was in pine and that product category makes just as much sense with oak in the new collection," he said.
In another twist on casual, familiar European looks are getting mixed and matched, and softened through finish and veneer selection.
At Stanley, Provincia's cases have Louis Philippe-leaning crowns and bases, with a new treatment through concave corners and fluted pilasters. Rogue maple veneers in a burnished finish add further transition, as do recessed cups with wood hardware complementing the typical shield and key.
American Drew's Bob Mackie Classic Collection mixes Louis Philippe and other 19th-century traditional themes and is very relaxed compared with the original Mackie, with less carving and smaller scale. Crotch mahogany? Yes, but bleached to a warm golden brown and accented with braided inlay.
American Drew President Jack Richardson said Mackie "wanted something very traditional, but wanted to put in that transitional Mackie twist."
Puttin' on the Ritz
While New Standards can dress up or down through piece selection and accessories, the Pennsylvania House collection stands out this April for its bright hardware and elegant shapes, ranging from Deco to traditional Italian. Inspired by Steve Tyrell's musical updates of pop standards, New Standards reflects modern urban living, from townhouse to SOHO loft.
Henredon's major introduction, a neo-traditional collection with dramatic shapes in ash solids and primavera and chestnut burl veneers, is among this April's most glamorous offerings. A voluptuous, carved, pierced ribbon motif enhances table aprons, headboards and other pieces.
Contrast in case goods
10/12/2009Case goods reaching out
04/12/2003Intros shipping earlier
03/15/2003
