Idol's Urban Craftsmen Collection on tap for April
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, March 14, 2005
High Point — The outdoor lifestyle goes urban in a new collection by Dick Idol Ventures planned for the April market.
With Klaussner as key licensee, Idol's Urban Craftsmen Collection will feature case goods, upholstery, occasional and other products from a host of licensees, including new partners Willow Green and Padma's Plantation.
Urban Craftsmen will be Idol's third themed collection, after High Country Heritage and North Woods.
"Our customers continue to tell us that they want refined rustic furnishings at more scaled-down sizes appropriate for smaller homes and urban lofts," said Idol. "They also want eclectic styling that offers rustic elements with a modern twist."
The case goods from Klaussner will form a rustic background for the collection with simple lines, hand-crafted detailing and an antique appeal with the character of early American farmhouse antiques.
The solid-wood group uses mango with natural grain and knots highlighted by an amber finish with a soft sheen. Key accents include distressed and antiqued cast-pewter hardware, peg detailing and rough-hewn planking.
A bedroom with multiple beds and two dining room groups are planned, along with four occasional groups. Four sofa groups, also from Klaussner, are on tap.
No firm pricing has been set, but it is expected to be in line with other Idol collections. Beds, for example, are expected to retail from $699 to $899.
According to Idol's company, occasional and accent pieces will include tables with antiqued copper inset tops, and upholstery frames in a mix of fabrics and leathers that take on an eclectic look with a modern twist.
Other elements include natural fabrics and materials, linens, cottons, wool, leathers, woods, stone and metal. In addition, natural elements are reinterpreted for a modern feel, such as metal used for leaves and pinecones.
Color has been utilized in modern earth tones, rustic cool neutrals and even red to create a contemporary twist.
"We're staying true to our roots by continuing to offer outdoor-inspired styling at great values," Idol said. "Urban Craftsmen was designed to recognize that you simply don't have to live in a country lodge to love the outdoors, and that outdoor looks don't have to be 'in your face,' entirely primitive, or huge in scale. I personally prefer to mix styles, textures and colors to create eclectic, more interesting room environments that are still comfortable and functional for everyday living."
New licensing efforts include wall art and wall décor from Willow Green and furniture from Padma's Plantation. Other key licensees include Pacific Coast Lighting (lighting and decorative accessories), Capel (area rugs), Natural Creations (permanent florals), Big Sky Carvers (cold cast sculptures), Southern Textiles (bedding ensembles), Carolina Mattress Guild (bedding), Bacova Guild (floor mats), the Northwest Company (decorative pillows and throws), Jim Barna Log Systems (log homes), Mantel & Hearth (mantles and shelves, tapestries and runners) and Cabela's (men's and women's casual apparel).
