Home Accents Today articles from April 2003

Home Accents Today archives from April 2003

The makings for a lifestyle. (From The Editor).
April 1, 2003... Back when $42 was a whole lot of money (not only to economists, but certainly to my married-with-kids budget), I splurged on a wonderful lamp too elegant for my living room but perfect for the life I hoped one day to have. It has survived:...

Lifestyle trends focus on stages of consumers' lives. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).
April 1, 2003... As consumers strive to identify their styles and choices in home accents, often they look for a connection to a group, to a way of living. When asked to describe their personal style, many consumers relate it to such popular looks as Pottery...

IHFC targets accessory buyers with new promotions. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).(International Home Furnishings Center)
April 1, 2003... Ten thousand retailers got the scoop on the accessory marketplace in the International Home Furnishings Center recently, and they'll get it again for market. The IHFC: What's New newsletter, developed by the IHFC and its 20-year-old...

Williamsburg signs agreement with Nichols and Stone. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).(to develop solid wood furniture collection)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Williamsburg Products Program and Nichols and Stone have signed a licensing agreement to design, market and distribute a casual, solid wood furniture collection for the Williamsburg Pure Simple Today brand. The initial introduction will...

Parisian expands Flambro's Stetson boutiques. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Last summer Parisian, a division of Saks Inc., opened a prototype store in Birmingham, Ala., which included a 500-sq.-ft. Stetson Gallery by Flambro. Its success led to the addition of two more full Stetson galleries in its Huntsville, Ala. and...

Blyth acquires Miles Kimball Company. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Home fragrance and decor producer Blyth, Inc. (Greenwich, Conn.) has acquired Miles Kimball Company (Oshkosh, Wis.), a direct marketer of giftware and home decor items, for approximately $65 million in an all-cash transaction. Miles...

SCFMA enhances Design Excellence program. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).(Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association will enhance its annual Design Excellence Awards program by adding a shade products category and revising the judging criteria. The shade category becomes the ninth for the awards...

Uttermost launches consumer Web site. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing market).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Uttermost Company (Rocky Mount, Va.) this month will launch the first phase of its new Web site. This phase, directed at consumers, will feature a complete, up-to-date catalog, dealer locator and FAQ, as well as other features, but will not...

Vendors react to war in Iraq with cautious optimism. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(predictions for International Home Furnishings Market)
April 1, 2003... Just over a week into the war in Iraq, vendors, though cautious, seemed optimistic about the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point this month. "The sales reps and retailers I've spoken to are keeping positive thoughts," said...

Shadow Mountain launches casual lighting line at market. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Shadow Mountain, a new lighting and accessory company, will unveil its first collection at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., this month. Founded by Alexvale Furniture founder and former president, Charles H....

First Bloomies furniture store to open. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(in Garden City, New York)
April 1, 2003... Garden City, N.Y. will be the site of the first freestanding Bloomingdale's Furniture Store, slated to open this fall. It will occupy 65,000 square feet on two levels of a former Stern's store at Roosevelt Field and offer a full furniture...

Tommy Bahama, Brown Jordan partner for outdoor furniture. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Tommy Bahama has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Brown Jordan International to produce a line of casual outdoor furniture. The 2004 collection will debut at BJI's Pre-Market Expo in Lake Las Vegas, July 9-13. The agreement is...

Raintree, HomArt join forces. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... Raintree Collection and HomArt (San Clemente, Calif.) have formed an alliance of intellectual and creative efforts. The collaboration will be introduced at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. in the Raintree/HomArt...

Burnes unveils mirror line and new branding. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The Burnes Group has introduced a branded collection of mirrors, designed to stand on its own, as well as coordinate with its core photo frame business. "There's a real void in the marketplace," said Kenneth Jordan, Burnes Group marketing...

Housewares show changes name, moves to March in '04. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(International Housewares Association's name changes to International Home and Housewares Show)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2003... The International Housewares Association has changed the name of its trade show to the International Home & Housewares Show to better reflect the array of product exhibited. The show also will move to the spring in 2004 and will feature new and...

Notable furniture introductions for this spring. (News).
April 1, 2003... APRIL TYPICALLY ISN'T the Market for a lot of big name introductions, and this one is no different. A few new furniture collections include Frances Mayes at Home in Tuscany from Drexel Heritage; Waverly Breeze from Lexington Home Brands; New...

Consumers remain skittish about retail economy. (Business).
April 1, 2003... MARCH'S WEATHER came in like a lion in many parts of the country--following a winter of harsh weather that severely hurt retail sales. The weather has cleared, but other factors don't bode well for a spring sales recovery. With war worries,...

Property primer: the wheres and hows of retail space. (Real Estate).
April 1, 2003... Perhaps one of the biggest decisions in retailing is your location. Should you lease? Buy? Build? And once you've made that decision, the question is where! No matter how long you've been in retail, you've heard the golden rule when it comes to...

Lease negotiations. (Real Estate).(tips for retailers on how to negotiate a lease)
April 1, 2003... "YOU HAVE THE MOST negotiating power before you sign your first lease," Mike Schumann, secretary and treasuree of St. Paul, Minn.-based Traditions said. "It is crucial to do your best bargaining at this point rather than wait until your lease...

Solid expansion plans work in any economy: two retailers show how careful planning and patience can help an expansion strategy overcome a weak economy. (Real Estate).
April 1, 2003... When retailers Ted Watson and Mark Sonna skimmed newspapers in March, they read about the United States in February, suffering its worst job drop since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and consumer confidence plunging to a nine-year low. Yet both...

Objects: vases that capture the imagination with style. (Vases).
April 1, 2003... Accents by Design, $62, eLink 749 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Oggetti, $3,100, eLink 754 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Phillips Collection, eLink 596 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mission Hills Trading Co., $400, eLink 748 ...

Pink-alicious. (What's hot: style).
April 1, 2003... Yes, it can be very sweet, but sexy and sophisticated are the new watchwords for our favorite blushing hue. Taking a cue from the runways of fashion and European home design, pink is poised for a blossoming resurgence. A few tips: streamlined...

Casual regains spotlight. (Style directions).
April 1, 2003... Furniture styling is making a major swing back to casual this market. Whether embodied in the cozy comfort of rustic American and cottage styles or the warm familiarity of country European and traditional designs, producers are focusing on the...

Leather land. (Photo frames: design directions).
April 1, 2003... The richness of leather and suede are the perfect fit for contemporary photo frames. Ultra-sleek and often accented by bold hues, these looks are fun and modern. While the material might be deluxe, it doesn't detract from the image being...

Pearl vision. (Photo frames: design directions).
April 1, 2003... The classics never go out of style, and pearls are nothing if not classic. Adding a hint of refined glamour to photo frames, the latest designs utilize pearls for their ultimate opalescent impact. Like a little black dress, pearls never go out...

Multiple madness. (Photo frames: design directions).
April 1, 2003... One is never enough. And that saying goes double for photos, or triple or whatever the consumer's heart desires with the latest looks in multiple photo frames. Designers are bringing lots of diverse style to these highly functional pieces....

Abigails. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Classic, pure lines define Abigails' selection of glass vases. The handmade Pedestal vase is perfect for larger floral arrangements, while the Giant Chalice vase takes on grand proportions for a show-stopping display ($178, each). eLink 518 ...

Accents of France. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From Accents of France comes the pedestal and Bagatelle vase in silhouette for an eye-catching outdoor accent ($204). Also for the garden, the Hugo set with posts and jardiniere offers classic style ($1,784). eLink 523 [ILLUSTRATION...

Adesso. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... With a quirky, pop art-style approach, Adesso turns the classic lipstick shape into lighting. Designed by Adesso co-owner Lee Schaak's daughter Amanda, the lamp twists open (just like the real thing) to turn on the light. The lamp is available...

Adriana Hoyos. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... The new Coco cocktail table from Adriana Hoyos mixes seike tropical hardwood with a center detail of tagua beads ($1,970). eLink 524

AMS Imports. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... AMS debuts contemporary, geometric-inspired rugs fashioned of hand-woven llama wool. Utilizing a double-sided flat weave, the Cuadrados Nazoa offers a repeated square-within-a-square motif in whitened lavender, yellow and brown shades....

Andrea by Sadek. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Andrea by Sadek debuts a selection of accessories that give a decorative nod to springtime. Patterned in Butterfly Breeze, the decorative openwork porcelain plates showcase various butterfly and floral motifs ($17, each). The coordinating...

April Glass. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Green grapes and bronze leaves embellish an offering of tabletop items from April Glass, including a pitcher, wine glasses and plate ($30 to $65). eLink 541

Archatrive. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Archatrive debuts the Deconstructionist Pedestal Stand in pine finished in golden ocher with hand-thrown ceramic sink ($875, sink sold separately). Additionally, the vendor premiers Archatrive napkins by Flossie Designs, an assortment of...

Art & Frame Direct. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From the Grizzly Adams Wilderness Collection, Art & Frame Direct debuts the first designs, including the bar table (glass sold separately) and the basket chest, embellished with reproduction antlers. eLink 545 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Arte de Mexico. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Debuting from Arte de Mexico are a two-tiered chandelier in hand-forged wrought iron and a Renaissance-inspired, hand-carved wood pendant edged in gilt. eLink 582 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Arte Italica. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Arte Italica debuts an assortment of new pieces in the Tuscan Collection, featuring classic white ceramic trimmed with hand-finished pewter ($24 to $215). eLink 721

Arteriors. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Arteriors debuts a wide range of looks at market, ranging from classic to contemporary. A modern take on the urn, the lacquered table lamp is elegantly chic in crisp black and white ($150). The Transparent Glass lamp in real red features a...

Arthur Court Designs. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Pineapples, the symbol of hospitality, decorate an assortment of tabletop pieces from Arthur Court in cast aluminum, including wine glasses and serve-ware ($20 to $70). eLink 559 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Artist Colony. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From the Dick Idol Northwoods Collection, Artist Colony presents a storage ottoman patterned in Navajo-inspired designs. eLink 557 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Artistry Designs. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... The American Backyard Handthrown Pitchers come in an assortment of three colors with coordinating floral arrangements ($45, each). The Sunflower Field Vase Assortment features sunflower groupings in contemporary black ceramic vases ($22). The...

Artmax. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Artmax premiers a selection of tabletop accessories in striking shapes. Finished with silver leaf, gold leaf and pastel accents, the wood and acrylic accessories are patterned in modern geometric designs ($231 to $265). eLink 589 ...

Austin Horn. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From the Tranquil Hues collection, deep chocolate melds with soft taupe for a relaxing color palette. Utilizing luxurious fabrications such as silk dupi-one, brocade, pearl-embroidered silk, shimmer velvet and silk fortuny, the ensemble...

Babette Holland Design. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Babette Holland introduces two lamps in the Mercury collection. A tall, elegant cylinder base is accented with striped blue bands and a pebble silk shade ($279). Shades of bronze define the rounded Striped Mercury lamp ($279). eLink 555 ...

Bacon & Wing. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... In its Needlepoint collection, Bacon & Wing debuts a selection of whimsical themes including dogs, cats and sandcastles applied to chair backs and pillows. Additionally, Bacon & Wing is introducing licensed collections with artists Anne...

Bago Luma. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Elegant styling with a twist defines the offerings from Bago Luma. The Loo-tagere presents a chic option for bath shelving, fashioned from wrought iron. The Small French shelf, also of wrought iron, is accentuated with a fleur-de-lis motif....

Bailey Street Trading. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Global influences mark the newest introductions from Bailey Street Trading. Featuring a striking hand-painted ebony finish with gold accents, the Ceylon accent table lends exotic appeal to any room. Offering a distinctly English feel, the round...

Barbara Cosgrove. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Barbara Cosgrove premiers a selection of classically inspired lamps. Neal, a traditionally styled lamp, offers a brass patina base ($450). The Barley Twist lamp, offered in both floor and table options, features a silver leaf diamond-patterned...

Bauer International. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... This market marks the official launch of Bauer's new soft goods collection, encompassing bedding and throw pillows. Five collections make their debut, including the Nautical Collection, which mixes classic blue and white stripes with brass...

Beljen Mills. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From its Antique Treasures Collection, Beljen Mills debuts tapestries in faded, earth-warmed colors that hint of days gone by. Seagrove Surprise depicts an arrangement of grapes and jugs ($399, 3'x4'). Sunday Afternoon shows baskets laden with...

Bethel International. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Whimsical and appealing, the strawberry chandelier and console table from Bethel International are as fresh as a spring breeze. Part of the Verona Collection, the pieces are crafted of hand-painted metal ($349, each). eLink 667

Betsy Drake Interiors. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... A sprightly tree frog embellishes the cheerful checked decorative pillow from Betsy Drake ($72). eLink 652 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bettis Brooke Mirrors. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Inspired by a Chippendale design, the King George mirror from Bettis Brooke complements an elegantly ornate design with an antique gold finish ($999). eLink 631 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Big Sky Carvers. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... The Wild Horses II dinnerware premiers. Dishwasher-safe, the stoneware dish set depicts a variety of wild horses in shades of brown and cream ($125, 16-piece set). Stone-cast switchplates also make their debut and include screws ($8 to $10)....

Blue Star Design. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Benches and footrests come alive in a vibrant mix of color, texture and embellishment. Blue Star Design pieces combine multiple fabrications, beads, tassels and hand-painting techniques for an absolutely individual look ($3,990). eLink 629

The Bradburn Gallery. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From the Arbor House collection, a cream table lamp features a crushed duck eggshell obelisk adorned with hand-painted birds ($500). eLink 664 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Brent Jacobs. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Among Brent Jacobs' new introductions are the Montage console, finished in verde green with an oak-plank top ($660). The Ladderback arm and side chairs feature curling lines and mushroom-colored upholstered scats ($435, each). The Monaco dining...

The Canvas Company. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Infinite Dreams, an abstract canvas giclee, premiers ($890, left panel; $500, right). Additionally, the vendor &buts Truth, a contemporary canvas giclee in warm shades of red and orange ($850, left panel; $500, right). eLink 691

Cape Craftsmen. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... A clever take on the Hawaiian shirt, the Jamaica Joe dessert plates come with their own tropical plate hanger and are perfect for eating a pineapple slice or displaying ($20, set of four). From the same collection, the Hawaiian Shirt cabinet is...

Carolina Mirror. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Traditional offerings reside next to modern in Carolina Mirror's market introductions. A subtly textured frame lends depth and interest to a silver toned mirror ($300). The Coventry mirror features a crested top detail ($400), while a burnished...

Caspari Studios. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Caspari Studios takes inspiration from ancient grottos to create a wide-ranging assortment of accents for the home. New for market is wall art accented with shells and featuring an oval centerpiece ($495). eLink 697 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Castilian Imports. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Classical style reigns at Castilian Imports. An oversize wooden clock is balanced by delicate floral patterns against a black ground, accented with golden ram heads and three finials ($540). The French Toile planter mixes black and beige...

CBK. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... CBK's Trendsetter planters combine an asymmetrical top edge with bold bands of color for a thoroughly modern approach to gardening ($120, set of three). The Pinnacle lamp accentuates the base with a Gothic scroll design for interest ($110). A...

CD Designs. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Traditional with a twist, the footstool from CD Designs tops a snappy black and gold stripe with a coordinating chenille floral and beaded band trim ($480). eLink 642 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Central Oriental. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Central Oriental's newest introductions run the gamut from classic to contemporary. From the Reflections collection, a pure wool rug features a subtle hint of ethnic design in deep, muted shades ($299). Multicolored, multi-patterned squares...

Chandler 4 Corners. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Chandler 4 Corners debuts a selection of hooked footstools and area rugs. The footstools feature wood bun feet and are offered in five patterns, including bear, floral and mountain cabin ($175). The hand-hooked rugs come in a variety of nature...

Chelsea House. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Brass-capped feet adorn the Round Marquetry table from Chelsea House, featuring satin, eucalyptus and oak burl inlays ($2,225). Additionally, the vendor debuts a porcelain swan tureen from the Winterthur Collection, a direct replica of one of...

Chinese products. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From the Classic Chinoiserie collection, a two-drawer black table with hand-painted gold accents in the Chinese landscape style premiers ($320). eLink 671 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Clay, Metal & Stone. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Wall panels featuring garden scenes debut from Clay, Metal & Stone ($399). Additionally, the Bridgeport candleholder in elegantly scrolled wrought iron premiers ($59). Texture updates the classical shape of the Port Royale jar ($99). eLink 684...

CMI. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... CMI introduces the Four Seasons collection in four colorways: winter, spring, summer and fall. The braided texture area rugs are offered in oval and rectangular shapes. eLink 669

Cole River. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Exotically chic, touches of tortoise enhance Cole River's new accessories. The Tortoise Window vase applies a tortoise finish to a lacquered wood vase ($54). A simplistic black lacquered wood serving tray is finished with an inlaid tortoise...

Collective Images. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Exotic images theme the newest introductions from Collective Images. Thai Bamboo, a modernist rendering of bamboo shoots, is framed in a simplistic black frame ($219). Juicy pineapples perch atop a pedestal dripping with pearls in Pineapple and...

Colonial Accents. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Cheerful teapots embellish the scalloped wooden tray from Colonial Accents ($70). Additionally debuting is a country French magazine rack with delicate scrolling treatment ($37). eLink 699 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Company C. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Company C premiers the Samarkand rug, melding blues, red, sage and gold with swirling floral designs for an overall effect that easily translates heritage into modern living ($995, 6x9). eLink 680

Compradores. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Compradores debuts a selection of sleekly styled accent tables. From the Inlaid Stone collection, the modern cocktail tables are hand-crafted in solid elm with traditional Chinese joinery and are offered in a choice of medium tan stain and...

Couristan. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Couristan debuts the Oushak rug from the Kashimar Collection, featuring hand-knotted fringe detail and semi-worsted wool pile in brick red ($599, 5'5"x8'3"). A more contemporary offering, the Tropical Swirls rug is fashioned from pure virgin...

Craft-Tex. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From Craft-Tex, an elegant shell-ornamented plate holder makes its debut ($36). eLink 683 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Cricket Forge. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... The Butterfly pedestal from Cricket Forge doubles as a birdbath as well as a floating candle holder. Glass and copper bowls are offered in several options ($200 to $300). The Leaf bench and stool/table are weatherproofed and offered in a fresh...

CTC. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Versatile and stylish, the new No-Tip Blocks from CTC provide a myriad of uses from seats and footrests to stools and tables. Blocks are slipcovered and available in various fabrics in more than 30 color choices. CTC created a complementary...

Currey & Company. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... From Currey & Company, the Avalon Wall Sconce offers old world charm with a Renaissance gold finish and lilac crystals ($400). Uniquely exotic, the Odessa chandelier makes a delicate, yet elaborate statement ($1,500). eLink 685 ...

CWL Designs. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Tropical breezes sweep the new Bali Hai collection from CWL Designs. A palm-print cotton jacquard meets ruby red and champagne silk as well as gold chenille; the duvet also reverses to silk ($1,632, ensemble). eLink 716 [ILLUSTRATION...

Cynthia Scott. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... The Sunflower Gathering basket and the Sunflower Wall basket are part of the Provencal Collection. The baskets mix sunflowers with dried French lavender for sweet, rustic charm ($195 to $249). eLink 710 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Dale Tiffany. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... Elegance meets function in Dale Lighting's Madison candelabra table lamp and Dale Tiffany's Olivetta four-light hanging fixture. Madison has an antique gold finished base and antique amber glass front and is topped with a jacquard fabric shade...

David Lee Designs. (New products: High Point).
April 1, 2003... David Lee debuts several collections of Pennsylvania-made pieces all available in 20 finishes. The Victorian Cheval Mirror in parchment features decorative molding details ($950), while the Lucerne side table ($295) and nesting tables ($550) in...