Today's high-end covers: Saying more with less
Susan M. Andrews, Fabric Editor -- Furniture Today, November 18, 2007
High Point — The big cover story for upscale upholstery at the October High Point Market was cool and refined.
There were hot spots of high color, of course, and plenty of shine and gloss, but generally the upmarket story was all about saying more with less — less frantic color and less fussiness.
The beautiful bones of transitional and contemporary sofas and chairs were frequently showcased in sophisticated white and black-and-white tones, as well as understated neutrals and naturals, frequently with recycled and sustainable stories.
White covers ranged from velvet, linen and canvas to crunchy boucle. Offerings included a white faux leather from Brisa and the first-ever pure white Ultrasuede, which debuted at the market.
Green upholstery programs were all over the market with companies offering fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton, jute and hemp, as well as repurposed materials like canvas truck tarps from Brazil and fabric scraps pieced together to cover sofa arms and decks at Haute House.
Formal silhouettes were given their proper due with lush velvets, silks, tapestries and brocades, but with the balance and restraint expected at upscale prices.
Trims and embellishments were carefully chosen to complement without overwhelming — such as the delicate traceries of Swarovski crystals that added a light touch to upholstery at Marge Carson.
The overscaled pattern trend evolved to more subtle treatments, including simpler, quieter designs in understated palettes like gray and cream, monochromatic embroidery on linen, and frames specially designed to showcase a large floral woven.
Finally, skin patterns, a perennial favorite, were ubiquitous, whether they were real skins or patterned fabrics, which frequently paired elegant traditional motifs with the exotica of wild animal skin patterns.
Whispering whites
Ultrasuede, in an icy Polar White colorway, debuted on American Leather's gently shaped Vivian sofa, adding durability, stain-resistance and cleanability. Retail is about $3,900.
White Brisa, a faux leather from Ultrafabrics, softly conforms to the scalloped shaping and square button tufting of Century Furniture's ottoman. Retail is about $3,900.
Creamy white velvet from Spandauer Velour USA brings romance and grace to Thayer Coggin's charming 92-inch Gramercy sofa. As shown, retail is about $5,134.
Overscaled subtlety
An exclusive stylized Jacobean pattern printed on linen and cotton covers Hickory Chair's Elinor, a 72-inch Made to Measure sofa. Retail is about $4,059.
An extravagant embroidered Greek key pattern creates a stripe on the hand-loomed pure linen of this pattern from Texture. It covers the formal silhouette of Pearson's No. 2289-30 sofa, which retails for $4,850.
Swavelle Mill Creek's Illiana Onyx, an overscaled jacquard floral, is set into the cameo frame back of Cox Mfg.'s No. 6515 accent chair. The chair also features Arpel's Paris leather in butternut. As shown, retail is about $2,490.
Natural wonders
Eco-friendly luxury suede from Sensuede was showcased in a number of upper-end showrooms, including TRS, which debuted the fabric made entirely of recycled polyester on this sleek wood frame chair. Retail is about $3,400.
Buyers looking to get on the "green and sustainable" bandwagon found abundant fabrics boasting recycled post-consumer materials, such as this Cone Jacquards' fabric on the No. 6614 track arm sofa at Harden Furniture. Retail is $3,720.
Skin blends
Craftex's Carson pattern of rayon and polyester in a shimmering coin colorway features a traditional damask set against an exotic cheetah pattern. The cover dresses C.R. Laine's shapely 95-inch Delano sofa. As shown, retail is about $4,715.
Sometimes a skin pattern is really skin. Leather and hair-on hides from Moore & Giles cover the sweeping lines of this witty chair from Michael Thomas Furniture. The chair and ottoman retail for about $4,995.
Valdese Weavers' Gibson velvet covers Vanguard Furniture's Elaine chair and ottoman, softly defining the high-backed sweep of the arms and their cone-shaped panels. Retail is about $1,800.
Valdese Weavers' Gibson velvet covers Vanguard Furniture's Elaine chair and ottoman, softly defining the high-backed sweep of the arms and their cone-shaped panels. Retail is about $1,800.
Velvet touch
Jacana chocolate velvet with tassel accents and quilted arm blankets lend texture to Marge Carson's Lucca bench. As shown, retail is $4,499.
-
Leather
Apr 14, 2012 -
Stationary upholstery
Oct 29, 2011 -
Upholstery
Nov 5, 2011 -
Stationary Upholstery
Apr 12, 2010
Featured Company
-
FurnitureCore.com
FurnitureCore.com is a dynamic web application aimed at the furniture industry. Retailers and manufacturers alike will find our deep reserve of tools to be exactly what their furniture business needs.www.furniturecore.com... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
