HIGH POINT – High-end case goods and upholstery manufacturer Vanguard Furniture unveiled its Splendor case goods collection at the recent High Point Market, featuring bedroom, dining and occasional furniture.

The collection was shown in two distinct ways in the showroom: a light and airy vignette, showcasing the soft finishes and materials, as well as a dark and moody vignette highlighting darker finishes and bolder tones. The darker vignette is contrasted with the natural luminescence of selenite, a crystalline mineral material.

“We created the Splendor collection to showcase the inherent beauty found in natural materials,” said Vanguard President and CEO Andy Bray. “The soft sheen of natural selenite adds a touch of glamour and elegance to a space without feeling overly ‘glam.’”

The line can be styled with lighter finishes or contrasted with deeper, richer finishes such as Mocha and Peppercorn. All pieces in the collection can be customized with finishes from an array of curated wood stains, paints, metallic paints and premium leaf finishes.

“The possibilities are limitless, and we can’t wait to see all the stunning interiors our customers create with Splendor.”

Bray said Vanguard’s time at market was successful, with at least 1,000 people in the company’s showroom Saturday. A good market isn’t judged by sales though, he said; it’s the quality of the interaction that counts.

“We’re here to inspire,” he told Furniture Today. “Markets aren’t as much transactional as they are about spending time with people. We’re lucky if our factory gets two days of production out of it. It’s all about building and strengthening relationships.”

Bray also talked about the strong designer presence.

“Most people we’ve seen are designers,” he said. “But on the luxury side, retailers are more design-driven anyway. Even with our retailers, you know there’s a designer involved somewhere.”

The company also revealed the favorites of its designers. Those included the “M” shaped, fully upholstered Origami chair; the modern Flynn dining table, which features a cast aluminum top and triangle-shaped travertine bases; and the Wright dining chair, which features a narrow, open oak frame and T-shaped silhouette.

See also:

• Vanguard CEO: How did we get here? And where are we headed?
• Vanguard Furniture invests $5.9 million in capacity build

The post Vanguard goes for glamour and elegance with new collection appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — Many of us were at the recent High Point Market, taking in the numerous introductions across the show. And we wondered, what did designers see at market that inspired them? Here’s what a few of them said:

Jeanne Chung, Cozy•Stylish•Chic, Pasadena, Calif.: “There were several things but I’ll just touch upon two: 1) Furniture and lighting as sculpture. For example, Thayer Coggin‘s Nest chair, designed by Rick Lee, is surprisingly comfortable and was designed to be viewed from all angles. Hubbardton Forge‘s Brindille Ring Lamp is not your typical floor or table lamp, but is a combination of the two, with an unusual sculptural edge. It can be placed on a console against a wall, in front of a fireplace or I like the idea of placing it on a sofa console so that it can float in the middle of the room. Like the Nest chair, it was designed to be appreciated from all angles, and not just the front.

2) Customization and collaborations. I love the collaboration between Thibaut and Dunes and Duchess. Everything under the sun has been done time and time again, so when I saw Thibaut’s most recent fabric introduction made into a tabletop with a lacquered base, I thought what better way to customize a home?! With everything being found online these days, a carefully selected print with a coordinating lacquer is an easy way to personalize a home… and it also supports the importance of hiring a designer. Designers have resources and relationships that allow them to create unique spaces with product that aren’t easily accessible to the end consumer.”

Christopher Grubb, Arch-Interiors Design Group, Beverly Hills, Calif: “The first thing I saw was bronze, which is picking up as a finish. Wildwood Lamps, for example, had a lot of bronze. They’re moving on from satin brass and black — the bronze felt new. I’m also seeing more color, such as Shayla Copas’ new line with Ambella Home and Dann Foley’s line with Stylecraft (which included a pink sofa). Overall a lot of things are still beige but we’re seeing more color come in. It’s nice to see customers take a risk with color — it’s a sign that people are tired of beige. Another theme that stood out for me was the number of tall table lamps at market. There were probably not for using on the table next to the sofa, as you’d see the bulb if you looked up, but perhaps for the front entry table.”

Monika Nessbach, Designbar, Charlotte, N.C.: “This fall’s market was truly a vibe; a blend of innovation, creativity and trendsetting designs. One striking trend that caught my attention was the emphasis on sustainable and eco-conscious designs, reflecting a growing awareness within the industry. Additionally, I was deeply impressed by the ingenious use of materials, with a focus on natural elements and textures that added a touch of warmth and authenticity to the collections. Burlwood mixed with white-wash and dark grayish stains was definitely having a comeback moment.

And as I had already seen at Salone this spring, curvature and asymmetry is ruling the design world right now.  This market also witnessed an interesting resurgence of vintage aesthetics, with modern twists that brought back a sense of nostalgia coupled with contemporary feel. Overall, the atmosphere was full of positive energy. I also really loved the collaboration and exchange of ideas among designers and manufacturers.”

Erin Coren, Curated Nest, Greenwich, Conn.: “We loved Bramble at market. Their customization options were endless and the lead times were more than reasonable. The variation in the style types throughout their showroom was plentiful and allowed us to place items for multiple clients and a variation of styles.”

Emily Ruff, Cohesively Curated Interiors, Seattle: “Two of the trends I noticed at market is the use of travertine and scalloped details. I love the amount of travertine we are seeing used for tables and accessories. It is a warm neutral material that has great texture without feeling busy with tons of veining like other natural stones. This market I noticed lots of scalloped edges on furniture and lighting. Visual Comfort has a new alabaster chandelier that has scalloped edges on the alabaster and the ceiling plate is scalloped as well, it was one of my favorite finds this market.”

DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design LLC, Fairfax, Va.: “This year’s market event showcased various innovative approaches to the traditional coffee table. Showrooms presented novel ideas such as grouping tables of varying heights together and combining ottoman seating with tables, providing refreshing perspectives on a space that is often overlooked.”

David Santiago, Casa Santi, New York: “1. Industry: What I loved a about this particular market was the acknowledgements of our industry celebrating inductees at the Hall of Fame Foundation Induction Celebration and the Award recipients of Pinnacle Awards highlighting the stars of today and the bright future of home furnishings.

2. Community: The attendance of the interior design community has a broader impact on the culture of design, business practices and the buying process during markets. This market for me was a stand out particularly by the faces — and first timers as well — I saw while walking through out the market.

3. Sources and trends: What I noticed mostly during this market were the shapes and movement in design that has take place. More curves and conversations happening between furnishings in the showrooms. They were well curated as well with fabrics, wallcoverings, lighting and accents, the story was transparent. I was thrilled to be at market and, most importantly, inspired!”

Williams Martinez, Casa Martinez, Staten Island, N.Y., and Palm Beach, Fla.: “Loved discovering Mr. Brown London – their line resonates with my style so much. Their fabulous shapes, textures and materials make each piece look sculptural, bold and very elegant. So happy to include them on my list of vendors to use on my projects!”

Barry Goralnick, New York: “The thing that struck me most at this market was the increasing number of manufacturers who are committed to a healthier planet and its human resources. Carpets, lighting, furniture, fabrics are all being made by artisans in places like Africa, India and Asia, not only using best practices for the environment, but employing workers and boosting the local economies. The design trend toward natural materials and the recognition of various ethnic aesthetics were also prominent at this market. As a conscientious designer, I am likely to make these places among my first ‘go-tos.’”

Katharine Kelly Rhudy, Reed & Acanthus, New Orleans, La.: “Although I love almost everything this Mexican based furniture maker produces, the Tourmont cabinet on stand and buffet from Alfonso Marina’s new collection was a real standout. They are pros at mixing materials like wood, metals, caning, inlay, etc. for truly unique and high-end pieces. But the Tourmont series, inspired by natural and irregular patterns found in mountainous rock, is perfect for those looking to incorporate an elegant, transitional piece in either modern or traditional furniture collection.”

Juliana Ewer, J Squared Home Designs, Houston: “I had two collections, both at Hooker Furniture that I thought were really cool from a design standpoint. One of my favorite collections was the expansion of the Hooker Furniture’s pink Susan G Komen Foundation collection. The blush and pink accent pieces not only bring awareness to the cause, but also contribute financially per item sold. As the daughter and niece of breast cancer survivors, it’s really spectacular to see support from the furniture industry!

I was also blown away by Bobo Intriguing Objects at Hooker. This recent acquisition for Hooker allows designers a ‘one-stop shop’ for unique, interesting accessories. Hooker offers access to custom furniture, case goods and now accessories. This is really something different and it is a fun collection.”

Andrea Small, The Adored Nest, Ashburn, Va.: “Market was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the textural art throughout many of the showrooms. These textural elements really made the spaces feel warm and interactive and drew me in!”

Marisa Wilson, Marisa Wilson Interiors, Charlotte, N.C.: “This market I was inspired by the emphasis on unique objects – from antiques to artisans. Whether the Vintage Vibes event showcasing all the incredible vintage and antique showrooms at market or exploring COHAB or the Shoppe Object installation at Market Square, there was no shortage of extraordinary finds.”

Noel Gatts, Beam&Bloom Interiors, Bloomfield, N.J.: “I adored the recently acquired Bobo Intriguing Objects collection at Hooker Furniture! Such a strong point of view with the found pieces from all over the world being reimagined and repurposed. There was a strong vintage circus vibe … very cool. The mix of antique and modern was masterfully done. It was one of the most unique and specific collections that I’ve experienced in a long time. I was happy to see so many vendors and makers  leaning into sustainable products and fair trade practices. Rowe has a line of sustainable fabrics that I’ve been drawn to, and there are a multitude of other options including hand blocked textiles by Indian designer Mamta Fomra dyed with entirely organic materials. It’s also refreshing to see so many collections embracing the global perspective. We’ve traditionally been Eurocentric in American design, and the more we experience other cultural perspectives the richer we are as a creative community. Ngala Trading is a favorite suite that I visit to gather inspiration from far reaches.”

Malka Helft, Think Chic Interiors, Westchester, N.Y.: “It’s interesting to note that most trends were not entirely new, but rather a deeper exploration of existing themes. The overall theme seemed to center around nature and natural materials both in their raw and refined forms. Rattan and wicker were still prominent, appearing in light fixtures, mirrors, trays, bowls and furniture. Burl wood was also popular and could be found in stools, console tables, beds and more. Stone surfaces were everywhere, appearing in dining and cocktail tables, accent tables, bowls and lighting bases.

Some newer trends seen at the market included genuine leather replacing shagreen as accents on cabinet fronts, tables, accessories and upholstery. There was also a focus on rounded cornered furniture and scalloped furniture and accessories and channeled furniture, which paired well with the fluted furniture trend and was not just limited to beds, but also looked great on sofas, accent chairs and dining chairs.”

Jill Erwin, Jill Erwin Interiors: “Wow! Fall HPMKT 23 was exploding with sensual silhouettes and colorful details. From sustainable trim to playful balls, I think the aftershocks of COVID are bringing flirtatious whimsy back into the air. I spotted this emerging trend a few markets back, but it has really come to the forefront in home fashions. Not to be crass, but in every showroom, I would see sultry rounded furniture, adorned with leather straps and the return of evocative art. I even caught a spinning disco ball in one of my favorite’s, Wesley Hall. As they say, ‘The devil’s in the details’ and it looks like he’s GREEN with envy, since luscious shades were popping up in every designer showroom. So, if sex sells, this will surely stimulate a growing buyer’s market.”

See also:

• One High Point Market trend you’ll miss if you look too closely | Bill McLoughlin
• High Point University students take advantage of on-the-market experiences

The post What did they like at High Point Market? Designers share their favorites appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — It was a big fall market for case goods suppliers, many of which expanded into new categories and others that introduced the largest number of new items ever. Quite a few suppliers entered new categories as interest turns toward becoming a whole home supplier.

Magnussen Home made its big upholstery debut, as did domestic manufacturer Copeland Furniture. Entertainment and office furniture specialist Martin Furniture got into dining, while Vaughan-Bassett made its return to the same category after a three-year absence.

Other companies, such as Bernards, AICO, Sherrill and Universal, unveiled some of their biggest product introductions ever.

Mid-to-lower-priced whole home supplier Bernards, for example, unveiled the 70-piece whole home Assemblage, one of the biggest launches it has offered. The line has more of a designer feel, according to President Micah Swick, with modern looks, earth tones and soft curves. The set includes three beds retailing at $699 and three dining tables starting under $500.

“Providing exceptional value is key and continues to be our focus,” said Swick. “Our strategy is to increase share of wallet and offer a better representation to our buyers.”

He said a customer’s buying experience is key to the sale. “Consumers want to be submerged in an experience,” Swick said. “That means setting up product in an environment they can get their arms around. That means curated vignettes. We want to show furniture in actual room settings, and we want retailers to show our furniture that way, too.”

New products will continue to be a chief focus for the company going forward, as about 85% of the company’s showroom this fall featured new products. “Retailers have been living with old products for a long time. They want new.”

Despite calling this market one of Bernards’ best ever, Swick acknowledged that business is down. Still, he’s optimistic.

“Imports going down isn’t a good indicator of business health,” he said. “Ocean rates went up in August after all, and the industry’s third quarter earnings reports were better than expected. I don’t believe consumer confidence is low. People will still spend if we give them a reason to.”

High-end supplier AICO had its largest production ever, according to President David Koehler, with 25 new collections. New items are evenly spread across the company’s categories.

“Business is tough, but in terms of customer reaction, this has been a ‘super’ market,” Koehler said. “One way we judge a market is if we can get that reaction. We hit it big this time.”

Like Bernards, Koehler said demand for new products from retailers is the highest it’s been in some time.

Companies “didn’t come up with new items over the pandemic really,” he said. “The appetite is now high. Inventory positions are stronger than they were a year ago. Our plan is to be very aggressive on new products and to acquire more market share. Next April, you can expect another big introduction.”

Notable was AICO’s new upholstered bed program, which allows buyers to customize with materials and finishes. Beds start retailing at $699 and ship direct container only.

Expanding retail reach

Vermont-based manufacturer Copeland Furniture’s big focus was its new Sierra collection, which includes upholstery — a new category for the company — and matching occasional furniture.

“We have some retail buyers that are specialists in woodworking but have lacked in the living room category,” said Ben Copeland, director of sales and marketing. “We saw an opportunity to be a resource for them.”

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed our skillset in our upholstered elements. First, we did headboard panels and then upholstered dining seats. We’ve gained more experience over time.”

Reflecting the market and business in general, Copeland said, “In terms of scans, this is the best market we’ve had since COVID. Overall, we’ll finish 2023 flat or down a couple points from last year. The past eight weeks have seen an improvement, probably thanks to Labor Day. We expect to have an even better Black Friday.”

High-end manufacturer Stickley Furniture didn’t go with a big launch but instead opted to fill in the gaps of its existing lines.

“Last time we came with a whole group,” said Aminy Audi, Stickley CEO. “This time we decided to strengthen our existing lines. We looked at every line and asked ‘do we want to add something to fill in a gap?’”

The biggest add-on was to Walnut Grove, the company’s mid-century modern and Scandinavian-influenced case goods and upholstery line. Additions include a new high-backed dining chair, a small server and a 52-inch bedroom chest. New upholstery items include an 82-inch tufted-back sofa, a sectional and a coordinating slipper chair.

Besides Walnut Grove, the company also expanded its Mission line, which Audi said continues to be its top seller. Five new pieces also were added to Little Treasures, a collection of smaller, historically themed items.

Also notable for Stickley was its new express shipping program, in which select items ship in either 30 or 60 days.

“It’s no risk to us to stock items we know will sell,” said Beth Chang, director of marketing. “We’re just rolling it out now, but it has been popular so far. Selling something is certainly easier if we can get it to someone in 30 days.”

See also:

• Case (goods) in point: Vendors make the bed and set the table
• Occasionally speaking: From accent pieces to consoles, wall units and more

The post Case goods suppliers push hard into new product, new categories appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT — Bedding manufacturers showing at the just-wrapped fall market came armed with products to help retailers pull consumers into their stores.

As one of the more recession-proof categories in the home furnishings industry, mattresses tend to be traffic drivers for retailers keeping consumers coming through store doors. With retail remaining soft, dealers are eager to boost traffic, and mattress makers were in High Point with products to help.

From higher-end goods to beds designed with sharp pricing for promotions, High Point’s bedding scene offered options to help retailers weather the economic ebb and flow of business. Bedding manufacturers acknowledged that the bedding segment has returned to its traditional seasonal, promotion-driven cycle with bumps in business occurring around the holidays when mattresses are typically hyped.

Shifman Mattress Co.’s six-model Quilted collection with pricing beginning at $1,599 and spanning up to $2,999 in queen. Known for its luxury lineup, Shifman’s Quilted collection gives retailers the ability to sell consumers a handmade, two-sided Shifman bed crafted with natural cotton and other upscale materials at an attainable price point.

“We do have affordable price points,” said Bill Hammer, president, adding that the collection makes the brand accessible to more consumers. “We’re giving the customer the best value at attainable price point with all of the quality Shifman is known for.”

For Mlily USA, the market was all about pitching value, said Glenn Kobylarczyk, executive vice president. Highlighting the hybrid Onyx collection with its under $1,000 story with the three-model collection with 12-, 13-, and 14-inch profiles, the company offered retailers a luxury look in aggressive price points that also can deliver on a healthy margin, he said.

“We’ve not seen one retailer that hasn’t said business is down and soft,” Kobylarczyk said. “They need product that will help bring customers through the door, and Onyx has delivered that.”

In the Ashley showroom, Brad Rogers, senior vice president of bedding for the company, said dealers were on the prowl for “values. They have been looking to replace slots with value product,” and Ashley was ready across a myriad of price points.

Rogers said the company’s $1,299 to $1,799 family of mattresses were a strong value, while lower priced goods ranging from $799 to $399 were targeting the promotional consumer. In addition to its new mattress lineup, the company also introduced a broad selection of sleep accessories to help retailers boost tickets.

Paramount Sleep Co. addressed a number of segments at the market with an expanded Back Performance line featuring MX advanced memory foam priced to retail between $1,399 and $1,999; finessed its three-bed luxury Legacy collection targeting $5,000 to $10,000 market; refined its Joma Wool Kiwi collection priced to retail from $1,999 to $2,999; and unveiled the new four-model Hypnos Cotton collection with cotton sourced from Virginia.

Richard Fleck, Paramount president, said retailer reaction to the products was strong during market.

“We’ve seen majors, designers and independent retailers,” he said, adding that the category is facing a lot of issues in the upcoming year, including the Tempur Sealy acquisition of Mattress Firm. “Everyone is looking to see what the landscape will look like in 2024 and beyond. Retailers are looking to maximize customer acquisition. It’s important to figure out your niche and stay in it to succeed.”

See also:

• Artaban, Elements International highlight strategic bedding partnership in High Point
• Bedding Industries of America expands Wellness collection at High Point Market

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HIGH POINT – Indiana-based case goods manufacturer Fusion Designs ramped up its quick-ship Essentials program for High Point Market, as well as adding a new panel bed in white oak.

Two new dining groups and one standalone buffet were added to Essentials, which includes pre-built dining items that ship out in 10 days. All items are in maple, and retailers can select from one of 35 finishes. The company also offers Essentials Plus, a lower-cost, higher-volume version of the same program.

“Our retailers still want things fast, and Essentials is great for buyers who want American-made solid wood furniture for customers who might have felt priced out of the category,” said Marcus Bontrager, company president.

Harmony, one of the new dining sets, is crafted in brown maple. It features a clean-lined trestle table with a Mission shaped top and an under-bevel edge, that can be expanded magnetically for entertaining with up to four, 12-inch, self-storing leaves. A table, bench, buffet and chairs are offered, with a table and four retailing for about $4,000.

A new buffet was also added to Harmony, serving as a stand-alone cabinet in solid maple. Its targeted demographic is younger consumers who may be short on space.

“This program has been a great way for us to reach younger consumers who yearn for good-looking, quality furniture that will actually last,” said Bontrager. “We know that many are urban dwellers who live in smaller spaces, and that means they need smart, multifunctional pieces, especially for entertaining.

While this market specifically didn’t represent a massive new product launch for the company, Bontrager said the company has introduced around triple the amount of product it usually does for the year as a whole.

“There’s really been little innovation over the past few years,” he said. “That’s why in 2023 we’ve been pumping out styles. Anything to grab attention. But we will eventually scale down. Our plan is to finish the year big and then pull back.”

Sales are down around 20% for the company since mid-2022, Bontrager said.

“I’m not sure when things are going to pick up,” he said. “I’m expecting the next six months to be slower and we’re really going to have to put our heads down.”

See also:

• The big new look for 2024? White oak, says this furniture executive
• Fusion Designs takes aim at cheaper imports, unveils high-volume program

The post Go big with new product now, pull back later, says this case goods manufacturer appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT – Besides a big new product launch, Bernards Furniture’s goal for this week’s High Point Market was to offer a better experience for retail buyers. That begins with product presentation.

“Consumers want to be submerged in an experience,” he said. “That means setting up product in an environment they can get their arms around. That means curated vignettes. We want to show furniture in actual room settings, and we want retailers to show our furniture that way too. The old way (of displaying furniture by category) just doesn’t work. People aren’t buying that way.”

Bernards unveiled the 70-piece whole home Assemblage line at market, marking one of its largest introductions ever. The line is catered to have more of a designer and feminine feel, according to Swick, with modern looks, earth tones and soft curves. The set includes three beds retailing at $699 and three dining tables starting under $500. Whole bedrooms can retail at $1,999.

Another new line was Modern Comfort, a 30-piece line with items in bedroom, dining, occasional and upholstery. It’s a modern take on traditional, said Swick. Features include birch construction, leather drawer fronts and white and mocha finishes. A third new line, Winter Haven, includes case goods only.

Swick stressed that he doesn’t consider Bernards to be a “promotional” company, despite having furniture priced near the range. “Our price points are in the mid-range. We’re trying to pack as much value in there as we can.”

New product will continue to be a chief focus for the company going forward. Around 85% of the company’s showroom this fall was new product. “People want a reset,” he said. “Retailers have been living with old product for a long time. They want new.

Despite calling this market one of its best ever, Swick acknowledged that business is down. Still, he’s optimistic.

“There’s no question demand is down,” he said. “Retailers were hedging their bets and brought in fall product early. Imports are down, but that isn’t a good indicator of business health.

“Ocean rates went up in August after all, and the industry’s third quarter earnings reports were better than expected. I don’t believe consumer confidence is low. People have just been traveling. They will still spend if we give them a reason to.”

Swick said the plan is to keep going bigger and keep being aggressive on new product. A showroom expansion is in the works, as well as experimentation on more promotional items.

See also:

• A look at Martin Furniture’s big Market debut: Dining
• Magnussen converts 85% of its showroom to new product

The post Customers want the furniture shopping experience, so ‘submerge’ them in it appeared first on Furniture Today.

The fall High Point Market is behind us, and the next market on the horizon is in Las Vegas, Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2024. Any company exhibiting at the January market is welcome to participate in our coverage of your market introductions and highlighted product. The deadline for sending information and photos about your company’s new product is Friday, Dec. 15.

Having those introductions covered in Furniture Today is made easy with our online product submission form. Use the drop-down menu to select “Winter Las Vegas.” Photos are welcome (up to 10 per company), product information is a must, and we’d love to hear about new programs and other company updates.
Reminder: This link is new for 2024 markets.

Here’s what you do:

• PHOTOS: You may submit high-resolution photos for consideration. Be sure to include information for every image. Image size must be at least 4 inches wide at 300 dpi.
• TO UPLOAD DIGITALLY, go to this link at furnituretoday.com/products (new for the 2024 markets), and enter information into appropriate product categories along with product description for any photos you may be submitting. Drag image files into the space at the bottom of the form. You may use the description box on the form or include a text document along with the image files. Be sure to include information for every image.

In addition, Furniture Today welcomes press releases about product, programs and personnel.  Press releases may be emailed to Managing Editor Vicky Jarrett at vjarrett@furnituretoday.com. Please include your company name in the subject line.

The post Getting ready for Vegas product coverage: How to submit product info appeared first on Furniture Today.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Seating is the focus of three new pieces from designer and artist Sarah Sherman Samuel, creator of SSS Atelier. Included in the new collection are the Alba sofa and chair and the Kamp chair, all of which are informed by Samuel’s youth in Western Michigan.

“I’m thrilled to bring seating to my atelier collection with the introduction of our Alba sofa and lounge chair and Kamp dining chairs,” said Samuel. “An extension of our current collection of tables and case goods, the seating is also inspired by the landscape of my childhood and endless summer days spent outside.

“In my interior work, I am often trying to bring the magic of the natural world indoors, so it was apt to have my furniture designs reflect the same,” she said.

The upholstered Alba sofa and chair, with petallike box pleating, were inspired by the Michigan wildflower Prenanthesalba, while the more utilitarian Kamp chair, constructed of white oak, leather and brass with an upholstered stretcher, evokes favorite childhood memories “of nights spent under the stars,” she said. The pieces range in price from $1,950 to $12,500.

Samuel’s collection is available through her website at sssatelier.com and at Colony in New York, which features furniture, lighting and textiles from independent producers.

See also:

• DTC furniture line grows with 2 new sofas
• Sitting pretty: Dozens of seating options make up DTC brand’s new introductions

The post Rural Michigan serves as inspiration for new seating collection appeared first on Furniture Today.

HIGH POINT – New Classic Furniture introduced product across all of its offered furniture categories at the High Point Market but with a focus on new motion and stationary upholstery.

The company’s introduction count this time around was comparable with last market, with around 30 new collections. New lines are not whole home per say, bucking a current trend seen in much of the industry to offer collections that are more all-encompassing.

“Most people’s homes don’t align neatly throughout,” said Michele McPherson, the company’s vice president and general manager. “We had a whole home focus this market, but all of our collections are independent of one another. They’re all of individual categories and values.”

McPherson said the whole home trend, and the push many companies are making into new categories, is logical for the industry as business is tough, but it’s challenging to achieve success.

“You have to make sure you have good people managing,” she said. “You can be a great case goods merchant, but that doesn’t mean you’ll move seamlessly into upholstery. You’re going to need your own upholstery experts to make it work. It’s also challenging to find the right suppliers. Quality has to be consistent.”

New Classic operates in both the mid and promotional price point ranges. The focus this market was on both, with new product spread across each range.

“Promotional has been stronger over the past eight months or so,” McPherson said. “We’ve really been focused on getting more value into our product while keeping prices low. Our upholstery especially has seen success in the promotional range.”

Value means features, the company said, with the more things to talk about, the better. That’s true in both upholstery and case goods.

“We touch on many different looks and styles, but in the promotional price point where I feel we are the best value in the industry,” said Scott Hill, president of sales. ”It is all about the clarity of the finish, the shaping of the cases and the chairs.

“In a lot of people’s minds there isn’t a whole lot you can do to make a $399 retail dinette different than others, but that is where Bill Dominguez, our vice president of product development, really gives us an advantage. His attention to detail on a category where many people are walking away from in promotional dining is second to none.”

See also:

• Promotional price points aren’t going anywhere, says New Classic’s head of sales
• Taking a look at A.R.T.’s new intros, and its reasoning to ditch the term ‘coastal’

The post Promotional price point and upholstery continue to shine for New Classic at Market appeared first on Furniture Today.

CYPRESS, Calif. — Online retailer Albany Park has expanded its North America-made seating options with two new sofas.

Joining the ranks of its existing armchairs, ottomans, loveseats, sleeper sofas and sectionals are the Barton, a larger, low-profile sofa with deeper seats and wood legs; and the Lido, a smaller-space option offering an off-the-floor design with tapered legs and earth-tone textiles.

Both sofas are pet- and kid-friendly, offering removable covers. The Barton is available in eight fabrics, including some stain-resistant and performance options, as well as three leg colors: black, oak and walnut. The Lido offers the same fabric choices and leg options in brass or black.

“Everyone at Albany Park is excited to launch these newest designs,” said Jessica Ross, co-CEO. “We pride ourselves in having a very focused selection to make sofa buying easier, so any new product line must be truly special to make the cut.”

Albany Park, which was founded by Ross and Darryl Sharpton, is part of the Exemplis group of brands, which includes direct-to-consumer furniture line Edloe Finch.

See also:

• California company acquires DTC companies Edloe Finch and Albany Park
• Sitting pretty: Dozens of seating options make up DTC brand’s new introductions

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