Home Accents Today articles from April 2009

Home Accents Today archives from April 2009

Looking for signs of stability in first quarter retail reports.
April 1, 2009... Susan Dickenson Retail Editor Several consumer spending reports worth noting came out in the last several weeks, including TNS Retail Forward's composite retail sales number for 40 large department and discount chains. As a group, the...

On the Rocks.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla Designers unearth brilliant works of art straight from nature, perfectly presented and one-of-a-kind. Luminous crystal formations, geodes and minerals radiate an almost otherworldly beauty whose allure is impossible to resist....

No frills at Real Deals.
April 1, 2009... Story By Susan Dickenson Real Deals on Home Decor is a franchise network of 60 stores where overhead is minimized with a limited operating schedule in no-frills, non-traditional locations so that the goods can be delivered at a lower...

Coping Mechanism.
April 1, 2009... By Lindsey Strader Economy-conscious colors for 2010 There is not much that remains untouched by the heavy foot of a down economy, and trend forecasters are in agreement that the downturn will be one of the key influences on color...

Safe Haven.
April 1, 2009... Staff "Historically, when money is tight and there is a concern for the longevity of a given color, people have a tendency to play it safe with neutrals," said Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute's executive director In general,...

Great Escape!
April 1, 2009... Staff The visible effects of the uncertainty of the times are also playing out in palettes that reveal the need to take a mental or physical break from the here and now. This translates into hues that breathe exoticism and luxury. ...

Radical Rules.
April 1, 2009... Staff "In today's challenging economic climate you need colors and designs that are fresh and exciting to get the consumer's attention and to get them to buy," said The Trend Curve's Michelle Lamb. "The best defense against slow sales is...

Natural Embrace.(Color Association of the United States)(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Staff "As we enter a new decade, the importance of sustainability is still at the forefront," said The Color Association's Leslie Harrington. "The concept of eco-friendly as a trend is replaced with the belief that it is a responsibility."...

Shape up.
April 1, 2009... Lindsey Strader Chandeliers and lighting fixtures flash ultra-shapely figures, highlighting geometric formations such as circles, squares and triangles. Whether the silhouettes are highly detailed and complex or straightforward and simple,...

Ornamental ode.
April 1, 2009... Lindsey Strader Glass and crystal embellishments drape chandelier offerings with fine finesse this season. As ornamentation takes the trend spotlight, look for glass balls, beaded strands and crystal pendants to transform these designs...

The High Point market sketchbook.(Brief article)
April 1, 2009... Staff Take a tour through our dream house for the top trends of Spring 2009. While it may be slightly schizophrenic from a style perspective, we're sure that shoppers will delight in a few must-haves for the season. Our cover trend...

The Living Room.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla It's all about embracing contrast for an of-the-moment and highly livable look. Rough textures against smooth (think leather vs. llama wool), modern vs. ethnic, sleek vs. organic -- and so on. Linked by a rich palette of...

The Dining Room.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla Equal parts soulful and sleek, a serene environment strikes the right chord for relaxed entertaining without sacrificing on style. Spare, elegant forms achieve tranquility and balance through temple-inspired motifs and lush...

The Library.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla A warm and richly welcoming study beckons with the heart of a well-worn English library -- one that has strayed from the course in favor of exploration and enchantment. At its soul, the scents of exotic streets seem to linger...

The Boudoir.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla Rapturously feminine, the reincarnated sitting room bursts on the scene in a flurry of good taste. Curves and softness rule the roost, while maintaining a deceptively simple mix of chic, yet cozy style. Classical motifs give...

The Sunroom.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla This light-filled and abundantly airy abode takes its stylistic cues from an old-fashioned Southern sun porch, full of charm and grace. Deftly blending antique styles with more casual looks, the result is easy, inviting and...

Economic stimulus.
April 1, 2009... Jenny Heinzen York One of the recurring comments I've heard over the last few months is, "where's my bailout package?" or "who's going to bail me out?" And while our industry certainly isn't getting anything directly from the...

The key to survival: Leverage your branding.
April 1, 2009... Melissa Galt Are you struggling to survive? Do you find yourself trapped in a vortex of negativity, budget cuts and staff reductions? I believe the answer to your pain is to leverage your branding. You are all tied together in this...

Store Openings.
April 1, 2009... Staff Rye, N.H. - Summer House Furnishings has moved to an expanded location at 25 Sagamore Road at Foye's Corner. The store, now in its 10th year of operation, showcases Maine Cottage Furniture, lighting, bedding antiques and original art...

Going toward the light.
April 1, 2009... By Thompson Lange In January's issue of Home Accents Today, my friend Lynni Megginson wrote in this space about the steps she's taking at her store in Maryland to survive in our current economy. It will come as no surprise that 2008 was a...

Permanent botanicals vendors weather 'slow but steady' pace.
April 1, 2009... By Susan Dickenson and Jenny Heinzen York The permanent botanicals business is "slow but steady" said Kris Nolan, president of Lawrenceville, Ga.-based permanent botanicals manufacturer Artistry in Silk. Greenville, N.C.'s New Growth...

What retailers are saying.
April 1, 2009... Staff In an online survey of retailers who carry permanent botanicals, conducted in April at HomeAccentsToday.com , the biggest complaint about carrying them is finding quality looks at wholesale prices that allow for enough retail markup....

New Products.
April 1, 2009... Tracy Bulla, Angela Heck, Jenny Heinzen York, Lindsey Strader Home Accents Todayis offering an inside look at the most recent product designs to hit the High Point Market from more than 140 vendors. The following pages include an...

Cover Story: The Sunroom.
April 1, 2009... Staff Our Market Sketchbooks lead you on an exclusive tour through a very stylish home -- furnished and decorated with products debuting this month at the High Point Market. For our cover look, a light and airy sunroom is punched up...

Furnishings retailer Z Gallerie files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
April 1, 2009... By Clint Engel Top 100 company Z Gallerie has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to strengthen its balance sheet and get out from lease obligations associated with 21 closed stores and an Atlanta distribution center, the company...

Lazy Susan names Moses CEO.
April 1, 2009... Staff Industry veteran David Moses has been appointed chief executive officer of home furnishings and accessories wholesaler Lazy Susan USA. "We are looking forward to David taking us to the next level," said company co-founder Daniele...

Thom Filicia to debut home furnishings collection.
April 1, 2009... Staff Celebrity interior designer Thom Filicia will introduce a comprehensive home collection this year. Designed by Filicia, the collection will initially feature furniture, textiles, lighting and area rugs, among other categories. ...

Americasmart renews emphasis on home.
April 1, 2009... Staff Newly expanded exhibitors anchoring Americasmart Home's new 14th floor, which opens in July, include four signature showrooms showcasing more than 20,000 square feet of furniture, lighting and accessories. Joining 14th-floor...

Retailer Insight.
April 1, 2009... Compiled by Susan Dickenson What's the most difficult change you've had to make as a result of the recession thus far? What markets doyou plan to shop in 2009, and what will you be shopping for? This is a special year, my 20th...