15 furniture, accessories designs win Pinnacle Awards

Designers honored at High Point Market

Jay McIntosh -- Furniture Today, October 20, 2009

Black Ice by Lexington Home Brands designer Troy Hollis took the Pinnacle Award for major collections.

HIGH POINT — Designers of 15 products and collections took home Pinnacle Awards last night as the American Society of Furniture Designers honored the best in the business in a gala at the High Point Market.

Judges named Black Ice by Lexington Home Brands, designed by Troy Hollis, as the best major collection, saluting its "arresting combination of contrasts - dark finish and chrome, urban elegance and bling, sophistication and softness."

In product categories, the awards went to:

• Occasional tables: Palomar Round Bunching Tables by Berry & Clark Design Associates for Bernhardt Furniture. Judges' comments: "A versatile design with a "yin and yang" marriage of materials and function.

Elegant interplay of wood and bronze at a great value."

• Occasional storage: Loft Table & Pot/Plate Rack by Pamela Merritt and Donna Dill for DesignSolutions. "A dramatic luxury piece with

Aurora, a Rick Lee design that won in the motion upholstery category, was one of two Pinnacle wins for American Leather.

extraordinary functionality and transcendent style. The urban/industrial aesthetic is balanced by the use of natural materials."

• Bedroom: Kemperton Envision by Mark Tucker for Hooker Furniture. "Suits the way people live and relax in their master bedrooms today. Features multiple storage options including home entertainment and a fresh interpretation of the sleigh bed."

• Youth furniture: Artsy Craftsy by Arlette Mulford, Jonah Shaw and Arielle Eckstut for Powell Co. "Creative, fun and adaptable design for

youngsters. This product

provides the ability to customize, personalize and grow with the child."

• Casual dining: Veer by John Caldwell for Tropitone

Furniture. "Dynamic and refined, sleek and highly detailed design. A retro

Taking the Pinnacle in home office was Adagio by Ken Levi and Andy Nielsen for Aspenhome. They also won in the entertainment category for a different design.

theme combines with forward-looking style in graceful forms and a beautiful finish."

• Formal dining: Milan Dining by William Faber for Century. "A fusion of modern style and reclaimed elements - natural edge meets hard edge. The unusual table design is paired with an elegant chair in a dynamic mix of materials. Sleek and sophisticated dining is on the menu."

• Motion upholstery: Aurora by Rick Lee for American Leather. "Engaging visual semantics and resonating curves invite the user to take a seat, recline and relax."

• Stationary upholstery: Bergen II Chair by Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott Furniture. "Excellent value in a modern interpretation of classic design. The contrasting welt adds a distinctive element to the playfulness."

• Leather upholstery: Springfield Sofa and Chair, by Amy Archer for American Leather. "Distinctive off-the-floor base provides a contemporary

feel to a traditional form. The clean lines and refined scale are suitable for contemporary and traditional settings."

Milan, by Willam Faber for Century Furniture, was judged the winner in formal dining.

• Accessories: Bloomin' Onion Vase by Jeremy Penn for The Phillips Collection. "This is a high-impact design with great outdoor and indoor versatility, offered in an attractive range of finishes."

• Lighting: Formae Contemporary by George Chandler, David Martin and Charles Camacho for Hubbardton Forge. "The visual appeal of this design is fully refined and well finished. It easily works in a variety of spaces, both as a floor and table lamp."

• Home office: Adagio by Ken Levi and Andy Nielsen for Aspenhome. "Great use of curves and a combination of materials to provide dynamic visual interest, functionality and amenities in a home office system that

doesn't scream ‘office.'"

• Entertainment centers/home theater: Young Classics Tailor by Ken Levi and Andy Nielsen for Aspenhome.

In stationary upholstery, judges chose the Bergen II Chair by Joe Ruggiero for Miles Talbott Furniture.

"Designed to grow with your needs and addresses the way families entertain today. Broadens the definition of home entertainment."

• Summer/casual: Latour Lounge Chair by Shaun Sweeney for Woodard. "Eco-chic. The faux bois style and natural look with refined slender proportions easily blends into an outdoor environment."

More High Point Market October 2009 Coverage

Arlette Mulford, Jonah Shaw and Arielle Eckstut designed the Artsy Craftsy group for Powell, winning the Pinnacle for youth furniture.