Home Accents Today articles from August 2003

Home Accents Today archives from August 2003

An appealing process. .(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... Walking around the summer shows is always a learning experience. It's fun to see which showrooms have a crowd (answer is: those who worked in advance) and puzzling to see others sitting there waiting for something to happen. Honey, it...

Retailers pick favorites among trends.
August 1, 2003... WHAT IS A TREND and how does one develop? Do manufacturers or retailers decide trends? Or does all the power to name tomorrow's IT product lie in the hands of the consumer? Obviously, the answer rests with all three. To get a feel for just what...

Stone County Ironworks sold. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... LAST MONTH'S NEGOTIATIONS for the sale of Stone County Ironworks have come to fruition. Roma Trakru, a certified public accountant from California, bought the assets of the Mountain View, Ark. operation and retail outlet and will relocate...

Hemingway Collection debuts framed art. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... THE ERNEST HEMINGWAY Collection has expanded with a new flamed art group from New Century Picture. Like all extensions of the Hemingway brand, the collection is based on the writer's travels throughout the world. "New Century has produced...

National Geographic inks its first major licensing program: lane to anchor collection with seven accessory vendors. .
August 1, 2003... THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Society, one of the most recognizable names in the country, has signed multiple licensing agreements to develop a line of home furnishings and accessories. Scheduled to debut at the October International Home Furnishings...

Chicago Merchandise Mart expands.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... ENESCO IS SET to open its first showroom at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, part of the show's planned expansion. Enesco will debut in its new 4,874-sq.-ft. showroom at the January Chicago Gift & Home Market. Additionally, the market has...

Fabrics strut their stuff. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A STYLISH EVENING in High Point, N.C., set the mood for Summer Showtime 2003 held last month. Shoppers and exhibitors alike gathered to admire the new fabrics converted to high fashion for the evening. Outfits were constructed from fabric from...

Look for the 'special' touch to help drive sales. .(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN the "dog days of summer" (the hottest, muggiest period between early July and early September, at least in North Carolina) because by the time you get home to rest on the weekends, you're packing for another show. Depending...

Greek revival. .(eLink 500, 546, 556, 560, 563)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... YOU CAN'T REALLY go any more classic, but a revitalized crop of Greek-themed designs are marking this style here and now. Choose from iconic motifs, bold contrasts and a rugged sense of simplicity that will generate stylistic heat in the home....

Homescapes, Carmel: traveling the world for their hometown. .
August 1, 2003... When Thompson and Beau Lange left their small hometown of Carmel, Calif., neither dreamt they'd be back anytime soon to take the town by storm with a high-end specialty store. Thompson studied scenic design at UCLA and was in New York...

Pendants object: fixtures that light up the imagination with style.(eLink 537, 552, 553, 551, 554, 555, 557, 558, 559 )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... W.A.C., eLink 558 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ely's Glass Art, $250 eLink 537 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sea Gull Lighting, $154 eLink 559 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lite Source, $139 eLink 557 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Bed & breakfast. .(eLink 520, 527, 535, 536, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542 )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A HAVEN FROM everyday life, a weekend retreat at a bed and breakfast combines rest and relaxation with pure charm. Small luxuries meet simple pleasures for a style that soothes and refreshes. Look for updated cottage appeal with a modern...

AMIA Studios.(eLink 511 )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A line of beveled sun catchers is in the spotlight. The Old World Window Art Collection features hand-painted designs that depict flowers and birds, inspired by 19th century art ($35 to $40). eLink 511 Shows: All majors except Dallas ...

April Cornell. .(eLink 513 )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A colorful mix of shades and patterns are showcased on the latest soft good introductions. The Blanche Cream Collection emphasizes delicate pink roses on an ivory background, while the Antonia Sage Collection features creamy blooms on sage....

Arcadia Home. .(eLink 515)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Holiday items are in the spotlight. A hand-beaded tree topper mixes gold and silver beads in a snowflake design ($55). The Woodland Collection features a wool herringbone runner with hand-beaded silver glass beads and silver-colored bells...

Arte Italica. .(eLink 520 )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Bamboo collection mixes tropical styling with pastel shades. The ceramic dinner- and serveware designs feature a floral motif with bamboo trim ($28 to $190). Equally lighthearted, the Ice Cream Collection showcases a combination of pewter...

Bee Natural.(eLink 516)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Honeypot premiers as part of the Wildflowers Collection. Made of beeswax and handpicked and pressed flowers with carvings, the candle glows from within when lighted ($30 to $36). eLink 516 Shows: Atlanta, New York, San Francisco

Chinese Products.(eLink 522)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... From the China Contempa Collection, a floor screen offers a bit of shimmer. The wood design is covered in gold and silver foils for a distinctive contemporary Asian look. Each panel combines carved, painted and raised surfaces, giving the...

Cocopa. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Bringing its distinctive accent furniture designs to the bathroom, Cocopa unveils a pine and steel vanity. The Florence Vanity features the trademark shell inlay and is also available with a soapstone top. clink 506 Shows: New York ...

Cole River Company. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... The Tiger StoneLight is a contemporary tea light design available in several bright shades, as well as the natural looking tiger ($20). Several lacquer offerings are in the spotlight, including a Lacquered Window Tray ($85), Sushi Tray ($45)...

Corsican. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... A wine rack etagere is in the spotlight. The wrought iron design features several shelves with a wine rack on the bottom. It is available in all of Corsican's finishes, clink 526 Shows: Atlanta, Dallas, New York, San Francisco ...

Denali Home Collection. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Part of the Denali Home Lodge Collection, the Camouflage MicroPlush throw premiers. The double-sided acrylic design features a sage green, taupe and stone gray pattern backed in sage with brown stitching ($130). eLink 528 Shows: All majors...

Dickerson Browne. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Known for beautiful accent furniture, Dickerson Browne unveils Pewter Chess Pieces with an appropriately regal air ($100). The set is available in burnished pewter or a natural pewter color, eLink 504 Shows: New York, San Francisco...

DJC Design Studio. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Novelty boucle yarns in a variety of color changes per yarn are woven together to create the Provence throws from DJC Design Studio. Available in five colorways--azure, sunburst, gemstone, foliage and marble--these throws provide visual and...

Dransfield & Ross. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Metallic Ribbon Stripe pillows debut in silver and gold. Three sizes are available in the collection. The designs also are available in black and copper ($230 to $330). With a retro sensibility, a pillow has a marble pompom design ($300), while...

East of Eden. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... East of Eden debuts a variety of hand-blown and hand-crafted glass accents from mosaic and antique copper hurricanes ($78 to $84) and glow-in-the-dark glass flowers ($10 each) to capis shells over glass votives ($6 to $8). While color plays an...

Festa & Co. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Part of the Beach Rock Collection, a Wall Candle Sconce features steel wrapped around an assortment of beach rocks with two candle holders ($132). A large river rock is suspended in steel for a captivating Floor Wine Bottle Holder, part of the...

Fiasco. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... The Tropical Collection features tropical nuts rendered in rich tones of chocolate, golden brown and tropical greens. Included in the collection are a set of four square plates ($56) and a set of four latte mugs ($80). The Florabunda Stripes...

First Star Trading. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... The Luma Lantern Accent Light is a handmade, Chinese raw silk hanging lantern. It's available in lilac, chartreuse and golden in two sizes ($55, $65) and includes a light cord for a candelabra bulb. Additional patterns and colors are available,...

Homestyle Soft Furnishings. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... The Round ottoman comes with or without storage ($460 to $520), as does the Bench ($560 to $620), while the Square style has no storage ($360 to $390). Also new, several accent pillow collections, including the Petit, the Silk and the Slipknot...

J. Fleet Designs. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Two collections debut from J. Fleet Designs. Peacock features platters (which look like peacock feathers) and small plates made of spun bamboo and lacquered in the new colors of coffee metallic and cascading eggshell in chocolate (platters,...

La Crosse. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... A group of Radio-Controlled clocks is in the spotlight. The traditional designs self-adjust for daylight savings time and leap year. Crafted from solid wood and wood veneers, designs include the Beehive Clock ($100), the Schoolhouse Wall Clock...

Manorisms International. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Manorisms International introduces Chandelier bobeches, a quick style fix that turns simple candlesticks into elegant centerpieces. Offered in an assortment of colors and shapes, the hand-strung glass bobeches are sold in pairs ($35, set). From...

Middle Kingdom. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Delicate pastel hues mark the Tea Bowl set. Featuring white or black interiors, the designs have a simple, Asian style ($70). The Nested Paper Cups are porcelain nested bowls available in various glaze colors ($50). eLink 508 Shows: New...

Mosaicwares. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... New accent furniture designs featuring vintage porcelain china in mosaic patterns premiers. The Hampton Cabinet has a glass door with an outer mosaic trim ($1,900) while the Shabby Chic Shelf is an open bookshelf design ($950). The George II...

NDI. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Debuting this summer in the Mediterranean collection is the Courtyard/Jardiniere arrangement. Lavender sprays, orange calendula and sunflowers mix with lantanas, varied grasses and vines in a square ribbed planter for rustic, colorful appeal...

Nayer Kazemi Water Art. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... From the Water and Fire Collection, Nayer Kazemi introduces the Tabletop Copper fountain in a flame finish ($495). Additionally, a wall-mounted fountain of copper and slate offers a modern aesthetic ($5,400). eLink 531 Shows: Los Angeles,...

Opus Crystal. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Opus Crystal debuts the Mardi Gras champagne flutes with vase. The handmade, mouth-blown flutes are offered in an assortment of colors, while the vase is multicolored ($240, set of six with vase). The Baja Collection of crystal stemware is also...

Pacific Rim. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Pacific Rim premiers a variety of offerings. The York Mantel Clock presents classic wood styling with crown moulding detailing and a tobacco finish ($30). Lattice trim accentuates the rustic charm of the Tuscan Rooster Plates, offered in four...

Premier Designs. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... From the Windgarden Collection, Premier Designs introduces three sizes of spiraling corkscrews in rainbow-hued colors ($18 to $30). The Canadian Goose Spinner indicates wind direction and is fashioned of durable SolarMax fabric ($35). Also new...

Present Tense. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Present Tense debuts the Stripes & Dots and Classica earthenware collections. Mixing stripes and dots on a rustic background, the collection is offered in four colorways: blue, olive, yellow and red ($18 to $52). Classica features two...

Shoestring Creations. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Whimsical color and pattern mark new designs. The Compartment Chest has three drawers with dividers for each drawer to house CDs ($495). An eight-drawer cart has roller wheels and is crafted of pine with a swirling, polka dot pattern on the...

Suburban Silk. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... A jacquard nubby silk comprises a set of placemats, available in white, ivory, green or royal blue ($32, set of two). Included with the placemats are sets of chopsticks and chopstick rests. A range of silk accessories debuts with a black and...

Textillery Weavers. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... A ribbon style throw in dark pecan with paprika accents premiers ($215 to $290). Other patterned introductions include a check throw offered in earthy shades with a fringe ($265 to $310) and a stripe throw with a contemporary feel to its...

Timeworks. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Nostalgia is behind the Coca-Cola Soda Jerk Clock ($70) and Sign ($80). Following the antique nostalgia theme, the Gallery Collection offers two new reproduction clocks, the Gallery B. Meyer and Gallery Townsend, with wide, round frames and...

Vance Kitira. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Vance Kitira debuts two candle collection designs. The Aged Wood Collection features candles with the color and texture of wood ($8 to $85). Marble Tapers join the popular Marble Candle Collection, available in four colors and gift-boxed ($12,...

Volga River Trading Company. (New products: summer shows).(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Holiday items reflect Russian styling in two introductions. The Father Frost with Deer figure is made from linden wood and has an Old World air ($495). The Russian Nutcracker features a whimsical face and antique styling ($150). eLink 512 ...

Match designs classic form and beauty into handmade Italian pewter. .
August 1, 2003... Nothing outshines pewter for its beauty, warmth, and easy care. And no company outshines Match for its extensive and exquisite selection of pewter tabletop and decor, all handmade by artisans in the north of Italy. In just eight short...

Franz collection imbues porcelain decor with exceptional artistry and styling.
August 1, 2003... When Franz Collection Inc. debuted its first exquisitely sculpted tabletop and home accessory designs in 2002, it marked the fulfillment of a long-held dream of president and founder Francis Chen--and the beginning of a new chapter in the realm...

Arte Italica blends colors and textures for timeless tabletop looks. .
August 1, 2003... The classic tradition of Italian artisanship and a richness reminiscent of the Italian countryside come together in the distinctive line of Arte Italica, a company whose collection--and renown--continue to blossom in the marketplace. Launched...

Manorisms adds whimsy to its casually elegant tabletop. (A.
August 1, 2003... Ever since its first selection of decorative gifts and accessories hit the market five years ago, Manorisms has set itself apart with its distinctive hand-made designs, colorful embellishments, and decorative functionality. Today, those traits...

Red hot.(Art glass.)(Directory)
August 1, 2003... IF THE BEAUTY and form of art glass designs weren't mesmerizing enough, the addition of bold swathes of color make them even more compelling. The color of choice this season? Red. Creating drama and allure in pieces that range from priceless to...

GLM [George Little Management] makes multiple appointments. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... GEORGE LITTLE MANAGEMENT has promoted Leslie Nathan-Street to senior vice president of (White Plains, N.Y.). She is responsible for sales, marketing and strategic planning for the New York International Gift Fair and the GLM-managed divisions...

Capel names design director.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... CAPEL (Troy, N.C.), has added a design director to its product development team. Lou Herring Webster is known for promoting proprietary technologies and chemistries to define home furnishing trends. Webster also assists merchandising efforts by...

AMC [AmericasMart] expands management. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... AMERICASMART-ATLANTA has made several personnel changes to create core customer service teams for each of the Mart's three buildings. Leading the AmericasMart 1 home accents, holiday/floral and gardens sales and leasing programs is David...

David named Burnes Group president.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Marketing and retail veteran Catherine David has been named president of Burnes Group (Austin). She reports to Jeffrey E. Cooley, group president of Newell Rubbermaid's Calphalon Home Group. She comes to Burnes from Target Corporation where she...

Homefires names new president. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Rug vendor Homefires (Atlanta) has appointed Renee Ringstad as president. She has been with the company for 14 years, most recently as COO. In her new role, Ringstad oversees sales force initiatives while managing customer service and marketing...

Jones joins Urban Expositions. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Jennifer Jones has accepted the newly created position of director of buyer relations with Urban Expositions (Atlanta). Jones will oversee relations for shows produced by Urban Expositions and will work closely with GLM's buyer relations...

Enesco Group to focus on Asia, Pacific Rim markets.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Enesco Group (Itasca, Ill.) has opened a new business unit in Hong Kong to serve markets in Asia and the Pacific Rim. To lead the effort, Enesco has hired Nancy Ferriman for the newly created position of sales & marketing director-Enesco Asia....

Murray Feiss names two sales managers. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Murray Feiss (Bronx, N.Y.) has named David Beld national sales manager of its Home Decor line, a division created to service furniture and home design showrooms, and Steve Crawford national sales manager, lighting division. Beld brings more...

Ohio Wholesale names marketing manager. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Ohio Wholesale has named Phillip A. Russo as manager of marketing and corporate communications. As marketing manager, Russo will handle the corporate marketing strategies and plans for all products and services. Cory Morris has been appointed...

Royal visit at the California Market Center. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Paul Lentz, general manager of the California Market Center, welcomed Her Majesty Queen Hemas of Yogyakarta and her delegation during last month's California Gift Show Preview. Queen Hemas oversees international trade for her province and has...

Designers at a glance.(Merilyn Konnerth, Tyler and Julie Williams, and Berry Silverman.)(Interview)
August 1, 2003... WITH INFLUENCES FROM ALL OVER, these designers have used their talents to turn personal experiences in Italy and Japan and passions for color and clean lines into products that run the gamut of styles. Here's an inside look at the personalities...

Editor's notes.(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... At the Kids Today conference in June, noted child psychologist and consumer researcher Langbourne Rust said something in his presentation that's really stuck with me. He said that while young children may not directly influence sales of...

Exclusive report: kids retail giants.
August 1, 2003... High Point--The top 20 kids retailers sold $9.4 billion in kids home furnishings last year, a 4.3% increase over 2001's $9.0 billion. The top 20 sold kids merchandise through 11,000 retail units, catalogs and e-commerce sites. The top 20's...

Prestige finds success with 'baby' characters.(Baby Hello Kitty, My First Snoopy etc. )
August 1, 2003... New York -- Toy manufacturer Prestige has great expectations for its newest addition to the baby family--Baby Hello Kitty. Randi Gershin, national sales manager for the company, said it has also found recent success with its Baby Snoopy...

RC2 making new John Deere products. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Bolingbrook, Ill. -- RC2 Corporation, parent company of Learning Curve, is expanding its line of John Deere licensed products to include additional ride-on products as well as a new line of John Deere FeltKids. The company has made...

Scholastic Entertainment adding 'Clifford's Puppy Days'. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... New York -- Scholastic Entertainment will expand on its successful Clifford The Big Red Dog brand this fall with a new animated TV series, "Clifford's Puppy Days," debuting in September on PBS Kids. "Clifford's Puppy Days" follows Clifford...

Blue Jean Teddy expanding product range. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Canoga Park, Calif. -- Several new companies, including gift giant Applause, have signed on as licensees for Blue Jean Teddy, the Americana bear dressed in denim that had its genesis as a Springs infant bedding collection. Applause will be...

Two Red Shoes looking for licensors. .
August 1, 2003... Lake Oswego, Oregon -- Artist Stephanie Bauer of Two Red Shoes is ready to license her whimsical animal paintings to youth-related companies for children's and infant room decor. Disney has recently licensed several images for its Baby...

Fun Rugs offering Olive Kids line. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Marlborough, N.H. -- Olive Kids, a licensed brand for juvenile-themed designs, and Fun Rugs, a producer of cotton and acrylic printed and woven rugs, will launch a line of hand-hooked rectangular and shaped printed nylon rugs and high/low-pile...

TeaSeaCo producing 'Guess How Much I Love You' line. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... New York -- Children's accessory manufacturer TeaSeaCo is producing a new line of licensed small furniture items based on the children's book "Guess How Much I Love You." The pieces, under license from RJM Licensing, add to a growing list...

Engelbreit to debut on infant line at Mervyn's. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... St. Louis -- Children's book illustrator and artist Mary Engelbreit has partnered with Mervyn's to create an exclusive line of baby items for the retailer. The collection will feature Engelbreit's Lamby and Doggy characters, and will...

Dolly making Boyds Bears decor. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Tipp City, Ohio -- Infant bedding manufacturer Dolly has teamed up with Boyds Bears to manufacture a line of licensed nursery bedding and decor featuring the Americana-style bears. The two newest collections are exclusives for Babies "R" Us and...

United Media representing Arthur. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... New York -- United Media has partnered with Marc Brown Studios to represent the global rights to children's television show Arthur, including all licensing sales and brand management. The company said licensing and promotional opportunities...

United Media promotes Helene Gordon to vice president, sales. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... New York -- United Media has promoted Helene Gordon to vice president of sales. Gordon took over the helm of United Media's domestic sales department last June. With more than 16 years experience in the licensing industry, she manages the...

Wildflower Group adds new vice president of operations.(Jeanne Perry.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... New York -- The Wildflower Group has named Jeanne Perry to the post of vice president of operations. She reports directly to the company's founding partners and principals, Michael Carlisle and Fred R. Paprin. Perry is charged with...

Warner Bros. promotes Antonioni to vice president.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Burbank, Calif. -- Gustavo Antonioni has been promoted to vice president of retail business development, creative and brand assurance, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Overseeing retail business...

4Kids Entertainment taps Saah as director of sales, marketing. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... New York -- 4Kids Entertainment has named Nadia Saah as director of marketing and sales. Saah will spearhead licensing and brand-building efforts of several of the agency's popular properties. Saah was previously the director of...

Little Tikes wins master toy license for 'Caillou'. .
August 1, 2003... New York -- Little Tikes has been named master toy licensee for Cinar Corporation's preschool television show "Caillou." The partnership marks Little Tikes' first foray into the character-licensing arena, and the company will offer a soft...

Ikea opens N.J. store with new kids focus.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Paramus, N.J. -- Ikea opened a new store here on July 30--the third in the tri-state area--and showed many of the new children's products the company will focus on in the coming year as part of its theme of "Living With Children." The...

Kideco makes U.S. debut at Atlanta gift market. .
August 1, 2003... Atlanta -- Kideco made its U.S. debut at the Atlanta gift market here last month, showing a line of French organdy textiles and accent pieces as well as a new convertible loft bed. The textiles are available in six different collections,...

Smilze adds textiles to lineup.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Foley, Ala. -- Hand-painted youth furniture manufacturer Smilze has added textiles to its product mix, with coordinating sheet sets, towel sets and youth robes for each of its six collections now available. The company showed the new...

University Loft expands with Kitties. .(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Indianapolis -- After a retail launch last fall with Art Van Furniture, University Loft Company has now added another retailer to their mix--Indiana-based Kirtles Home Furnishings. Bob Colin, a buyer for Kitties, said that initially there...