Rustic blends with eco for cutting-edge chic in Atlanta
From the Editors of Home Accents Today -- Furniture Today, February 12, 2007
Natural, eco-friendly materials, neutral colors and a more casual approach to styling were at the forefront of the newest looks at this month's Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.
Perhaps the rising star on the trend horizon is the rustic renaissance, which has applications as diverse as Southwestern to Scandinavian. Natural-hued woods, most often with soft white, gray or black-limed finishes, form the foundation for chic sophistication. Accent tables and cocktail tables went au naturel, many made of roots, tree trunks and chunky slabs of wood.
Many of these rustic designs also play a role in the ever-evolving eco-chic trend, fueled by a desire for products made from renewable, sustainable resources. Reclaimed teak and other eco-friendly woods, rattan, roots, wicker and seagrass were spotlighted in many Atlanta showrooms, especially in accent furniture designs, and most often in combinations of several materials. Polished chrome accents gave a contemporary edge to these casual designs, accompanied by accessories in natural materials like bone or stone also accented with shiny metal.
Looks to watch for at the rest of the winter accessory markets
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Gilded Glamour: Classic and contemporary converge in a seductive ode to opulence, with black and gold combinations at the forefront.
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Natural Neutrals: The key to this look is layering multiple natural shades and textures for a rich, chic effect very contrary to past seasons of color.
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Sustainable Santa Fe: With equal parts rustic and sophisticated, the sum total pays tribute to craftsmanship and the artisan way of life. Watch for rich patinas, eco-heavy designs, grained wood and fiery hues.
News from around the marketplace
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Cape Craftsmen has been sold to Richmond, Va.-based Evergreen Enterprises. The companies will operate as separate entities from the sales side, with Evergreen managing the back-end logistics, sourcing, warehousing and shipping. "This acquisition marries a great product line and management team and their sourcing relationships with Evergreen's operational expertise," said Brittany Toler, general manager for Cape Craftsmen.
Cape Craftsmen will continue to use a sales rep agency model and maintain its existing sales agency relationships and corporate showrooms in Atlanta and Las Vegas. -
The South African Department of Trade and Industry and the South African Textile Industry and Export Council were joined by Roswell, Ga.-based Vici International in presenting the new Design South Africa Home Lifestyle showroom in Atlanta. On display was the work of more than a dozen South African companies, chosen for their support of fair trade and empowerment for the workers and rural craftspeople who create the products.
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Flambro Imports has ended its relationship amicably with the Stetson Worldwide brand after nine years, according to owner Allan Flamm.
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The Jane Seymour Home Collection debut offered buyers more than 750 SKUs of bedding, lamps, pillows and accessories, under four design themes reflecting inspirations from the actress's homes, art and family-centered lifestyle. The collection was produced by The Sommerset Group, Seymour's new Birmingham, Ala.-based home furnishings and accessories company, with vendor partners American Mills, Vintage Verandah and MGR Designs.
