Home Accents Today articles from March 2005

Home Accents Today archives from March 2005

Zippity moolah.(From The Editor)(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... Zippies. Now, that's a demographic term I like. It's what the young, burgeoning middle class in India is being called. The name comes from New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman who describes them as young, Indian and walking with a zip...

Oriental Accent to debut Nautica line in High Point.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... NAUTICA APPAREL AND ORIENTAL ACCENT have signed a license agreement for the production and distribution of home decor, table lighting and accessories. This new collection will include lamps, vases, hurricanes, wall shelves, boxes, bowls and...

Frederick Cooper sells building, plans to relocate.
March 1, 2005... LIGHTING VENDOR Frederick Cooper has sold its quarter-million-sq.-ft. Chicago factory for between $7 million and $9 million. Fred Gershanov, vice president at Cooper and a part owner, said the company is searching for a smaller facility in...

New Dick Idol collections target urban consumers.
March 1, 2005... NEW LICENSEES Willow Green and Padma's Plantation are joining a stable of other Dick Idol licensees for the line's latest collection, Urban Craftsmen, one that offers a contrast to the existing lodge-style lines. But according to Idol,...

TreeMasters to offer Rita Nova designs.
March 1, 2005... TREEMASTERS primed the pump last fall to make a big splash for the Rita Nova Collection, set to debut at the April home furnishings market in High Point's Showplace. TreeMasters President Bob Baker Jr. had described having a few of Rita...

Robert Idol to launch three lines.(News)
March 1, 2005... DESIGNER ROBERT Idol will launch three lines under his own name next month at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. The vice president of corporate design for Lane Furniture, Idol is debuting a furniture collection...

'Apprentice' stars Global Views, Barbara Cosgrove.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... IN ITS THIRD SEASON, The Apprentice II is pitting "book smarts vs. street smarts" for job interviews with real estate mogul Donald Trump. During the 15-week interview, the contestants are housed in the show's posh 5th Avenue suite. For the...

Eminence Style closes.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... EMINENCE STYLE, Atlanta-based manufacturer of accent furniture, upholstery and decorative accents, has closed its doors after nine years of business. "I'd been antsy the last year and I'm in that 'over 50 realm,'" said JoAnn Antonelli,...

Decorize secures $4 million line of credit.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... HOME ACCENTS vendor Decorize, Inc. has secured a $4 million line of credit with Bank of America to be used for working capital. The Decorize board of directors also approved a management plan regarding time periods of outstanding warrants. ...

Robb & Stucky Interiors wows Tampa.
March 1, 2005... FORT MYERS, FLA.-BASED Robb & Stucky forged new ground once again with the Feb. 26 opening of its 120,000-sq.-ft. Tampa store. Not only is this the largest of the retailer's 17 stores, it's the first mall location. The tony International...

Penguin peekaboo paying off for Arhaus Furniture.(Retail Update)
March 1, 2005... EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE you come across an ad or mailer that actually grabs your attention, like the latest catalog from Walton Hills, Ohio-based Arhaus Furniture. The front cover features a single black leather chair... with a Magellanic...

Posh peacock.(eLinks 511-516)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... IN ASIAN CULTURES, peacocks are an ancient symbol of beauty and knowledge because of their beautifully embellished plumage. The flamboyant birds have consistently shown up in classic motifs, but are making a new statement with contemporary...

Color in mind: Matteo & Co. succeeds through love of design and intution.(Retail Profile.)
March 1, 2005... LIKE MOST ENTREPRENEURS, Tamera Matteo didn't start out life with the intention of owning a retail store. She was an advertising director for Ralph Lauren Home Collection living in New York when she and her husband decided they wanted to move...

Island flair.(Permanent botanicals: design directions. eLinks 500-505.)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... IF AN ISLAND EXCURSION is too far from home, exotic permanent botanical arrangements bring the tropics to your store. Birds of paradise, orchids and other tropical blooms are sure to warm any decor. Large in style and scale, these designs often...

Fresh bouquets.(eLink 506-510)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... WARM SPRING DAYS bring thoughts of garden-cut flowers and simple bouquets. These permanent botanicals maintain that fresh-cut feel with bright colors and simple arrangements of a single flower variety. By Diane James Designs, Cambridge and...

Channel surfing: discount department stores/off-price retailers.
March 1, 2005... Owning nearly one-fifth of the home accent universe, discount department stores and off-price retailers pulled in an estimated $12.1 billion in 2004 retail sales. The channel is second only to home accent/gift stores in terms of total home...

Seminars.(Events/ High Point)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... Thursday, April 14 Where is the M.E.A.T. (More Effective Advertising Today)? 8:30-9:30 a.m.--Philip Gutsell of Gutsell & Associates ,viii give the 10 critical elements that make advertising campaigns succeed. Learn how to develop a...

Home Accents Today to present trends.(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... BECKY BOSWELL SMITH, editor-in-chief of Home Accents Today, will present an exclusive overview of styles seen amongst the hundreds of products introduced this spring in High Point, N.C. The seminar will be held at noon Tuesday, April 19,...

Parties.(Events/ High Point.)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... Thursday, April 14 8:30-9:30 a.m.--Historic Market Square Ground Level Breakfast, Market Square 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.--Complimentary Buyer Lunch, Hamilton Market 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.--Complimentary Buyer Lunch, Hamilton Square 4-5...

Rug styles: highlighting the hottest rug styles in High Point.(A Special Advertising Section.)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... HELLENIC RUGS Rugs for all Lifestyles... Featuring our newly licensed lines at High Point Furniture Show April 11-21, 2005 Market Square, 200 W. Commerce St., Suite M57 Mezzanine Level Tel: (36) 882-3818 Atlanta 6th...

For Furniture Classics Ltd., internal expansion paves the way for strong expectations in 2005.(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Expanded showroom visibility, strong offshore partnerships and streamlined distribution efforts have put Furniture Classics Ltd. in a strong position for growth in 2005. "Working closely with our offshore partners has enabled FCL to...

Moe's Home Collection: shops the world over for exquisite furnishings.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Visionary Moe Samieian has always seen the big picture. Long ago, he began traveling the world in search of beautiful rugs. While on those quests, other incredible items caught his eye: sleek sofas, exotic armoires, fine leather chairs. Moe...

Antiques 2000: carves niche in accent furniture market with exquisite design, superior detailing.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Capitalizing on a love for styles of days' gone by, Julie Shadforth and her brother Brian Phelan began Antiques 2000 in 1999 with the desire to import antique reproduction furniture. With a strong emphasis on hand carved detailing, the...

Dick Idol[TM]: teams with Klaussner & Padma's Plantation & Willow Green to debut Urban Craftsmen Collection of rustic origins, modern vision.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... World Vineyards[TM] Toasts New Vintner's Blend Collection Dirk Idol Ventures is celebrating 2005 in a big way, launching the Dick Idol Urban Craftsmen Collection of home furnishings and accessories and building on the successful debut of...

ELC Wholesale: offers specialty retailers one-stop shopping opportunity.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... As a distributor for more than 200 diverse manufacturers, ELC Wholesale presents a strong mix of product that showcases the beauty of Spanish influence, yet blends perfectly well with a host of today's most popular design motifs. With its focus...

Global Treasures by B & I Direct Imports: expands collection with host of new vanities.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... From rounded bombe vanities to two-door, double sink cabinets, Global Treasures by B & I Direct Imports has greatly expanded its beautiful collection for this upcoming High Point market. In total, the company has about 35 different sink...

Bauer International: partners with The PGA in new clubhouse furnishings line.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... As a result of its exclusive agreement as "The Official Clubhouse Furnishings of The PGA of America," Bauer International will unveil The PGA of America collection at the upcoming High Point market. "This line of furnishings and fixtures was...

Ultimate Accents: seeks to present complete package of 'jewelry for the home'.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Living up to its name, Ultimate Accents is a fashion-forward company whose mission is to appeal especially to female consumers with its growing collection of "jewelry for the home." "In the last two years we've really concentrated on...

Palecek's: Indochine collection combines rich past, modern styling.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Following a year that brought two prestigious industry awards to its growing accent furniture collections, Palecek continues to focus its attention on "creating looks that sell." Indochine is the company's newest environment, which will...

D.B. Imports: sets itself apart with larger pieces, use of color.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... D.B. Imports Ltd. continues to carve its niche in the accent furniture market by concentrating on larger pieces and freshening the line with attractive new colors. Sage green was the first color to be seen in the line, and now pink and yellow...

Product integrity is guiding force for Vintage Imports.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Imports is a company that prides itself of "pushing the envelope" when it comes to creating new designs. This season, the fruits of its labor can be seen on its New Gothic line, first introduced at the January Atlanta market. The collection...

The Breece Collection by Payne Street expands with wooden accent pieces.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... With accent furniture accounting for half of its total volume, The Breece Collection by Payne Street continues to expand its offerings in the category. This season, the company has broadened its selection of high-end wooden furniture pieces, a...

Asian Loft: continues to expand with contemporary pieces.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... After making its mark with Chinese and Japanese antiques and reproductions, Asian Loft has been expanding its product line over the last two years by introducing contemporary collections from Indonesia and Vietnam. Asian Loft offers...

House Eclectic: mixes styles, shapes and colors to appeal to younger consumers.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Targeting younger consumers by presenting a variety of interesting accent furniture pieces that blend styles, shapes and colors is at the heart of the House Eclectic presentation. Unlike previous generations, this consumer--well traveled, but...

New pieces from David Lee Designs incorporate fine detailing.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... This year, beautiful embellishments such as architectural elements and carved details are the focus from David Lee Designs. "This progression into a more decorative presentation is in response to my own taste and direction as a designer as well...

Orientique's: exclusive designs blend fusion style & functionality.(A Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Celebrating its eighth year of direct operation in the U.S., Orientique continues to make its mark with a distinctive fusion-style line that blends traditional Asian design with functionality for today's consumer. The company draws on its more...

Rare exotics.(Soft Goods Portfolio)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Vibrantly-hued velvets showcase sparkling beads, embroidery and tassels for full-on bohemian glamour from Divine Designs ($35 to $65). eLink 526 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Elegantly detailed botanicals lend a touch of raw natural appeal to...

Bridging the gap: soft goods vendors take a multi-faceted path to success.(Business & Trends.)
March 1, 2005... While the majority of soft goods vendors report a promising start to 2005, manufacturers are actively seeking and implementing new ways to court success. Despite positive reports at retail, vendors remain proactive in their choices to diversify...

Sea swept.(Soft Goods Portfolio)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... COOLER TONES OF BLUE AND GREEN turn up the heat this season, inspired by the natural hues of the ocean. While both are tried-and-true favorites for the home, this dazzling duo is downright splashy in combination. Cool, saturated tones like...

White hot.(Soft Goods Portfolio)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... SHADES OF WHITE spring forth with statement-making appeal this season. A new twist to this ultra-chic look, precious elements such as beads, pearls, sequins and gold rev up this elegant and cool neutral with electric, sizzling style. ...

Refined luxuries.(Soft Goods Portfolio)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... CLASSICALLY INSPIRED DESIGNS present a unified, up-to-the-minute front, pairing hints of Asian and retro with more solidly rooted traditional influences. Voluptuous patterns evoke a feeling of richness, while heady touches like velvet and...

Registry of sources in softgoods.(Soft Goods Portfolio)(Directory)
March 1, 2005... Registry of sources in softgoods COMPANY NAME & CONTACT PRODUCTS & PRICE RANGES vendor decorative home base, phone number pillows linens quilts throws 123 Creations...

Lamps light a path to $7.35 billion in sales.(Special report: lamps & lighting)
March 1, 2005... ABOUT 8 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS purchase a lamp each year, according to Home Accents Today's exclusive Consumer Buying Trends Survey. Floor lamps and table lamps are the top two buys, followed closely by desk/reading lamps. Discounters, including...

The lamp consumer: are all lamp buyers the same regardless of lamp type purchased?(Special report: lamps & lighting)
March 1, 2005... Not necessarily so. Demographic differences among buyers of table, desk, small accent and floor lamps exist. Households making $75,000 or more are likely buyers of small accent lamps and households making between $40,000 and $74,999 are likely...

Sconces, chandeliers shine in fixtures category.(Special report: lamps & lighting)
March 1, 2005... RETAIL SALES FOR LIGHTING FIXTURES totaled $4.21 billion in 2004, according to Home Accents Today's exclusive 2004 Universe Study. Lighting fixture sales are projected to increase 3.3% this year, reaching $4.35 billion. Households...

Padma's Plantation.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... A line of accessory items made with natural materials has been introduced by Padma's Plantation to coordinate with the current furniture line. The accessory line uses natural materials including sea grass, rattan, abaca, water hyacinth, bamboo,...

ABP Imports.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... ABP Imports is offering a new design in hand-painted bone china by Asianera called The Ching Dynasty Emperors. Each emperor image is depicted on a cigar tray bordered in red or gold trim and is packaged in a brocade gift box ($38). eLink 545...

Atmosphere Sud.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Atmosphere Sud unveils a line of pink, coral, turquoise, green and yellow hollowed-out candles. Each lantern is lit with a reusable and replaceable candle inside, so the wax form itself never melts. eLink 549 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Kurt S. Adler.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Kurt S. Adler has introduced new Halloween decorations, gifts and tabletop accessories including the Fabrice Cooking Witch Figure ($75). eLink 546 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] kara.cox@reedbusiness.com

Park Avenue Candles.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Park Avenue Candles has introduced a new line of electric CandleLamps, resin lamps with classically shaped wax shades that resemble real candles ($15-$60). eLink 547 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] kara.cox@reedbusiness.com

Bernard Pecaso Lighting.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Bernard Pecaso Lighting has introduced Cubix, a collection of "mini-modern" pendants with unique geometric shapes and Swarovski Strass crystals in shades of green, red, blue and yellow. eLink 552 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

W.A.C. Lighting.(Product News)
March 1, 2005... W.A.C. Lighting has introduced QuickConnect halogen and xenon lamped elements for its low voltage Linear System Track. Crafted of colored glass, the shades are available in amber, blue, peach, red, yellow, white, platinum and chrome. eLink 550...

Object Collection.(Product News)
March 1, 2005... Object Collection introduces a new ceramic collection including the Bent Vase, a classic white porcelain vase with a modern shape. eLink 541 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] kara.cox@reedbusiness.com

Lightlink Lighting.(Product News)
March 1, 2005... Lightlink Lighting has debuted a collection of handmade art lighting using translucent papers made from exotic fruit trees and grasses wrapped around aluminum frames and stainless steel uprights. The lights are available in three...

SiwThaiSilk.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... SiwThaiSilk has debuted a line of table linens called the Sonoma Sky Collection, inspired by the colors and textures of California. eLink 543 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] kara.cox@reedbusiness.com

Franz Collection.(Product News)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2005... Franz Collection has introduced additions to its fine porcelain home collection including 71 porcelain, tabletop and decorative accent pieces. These designs include the Stemware Collection, a line of Austrian crystal and porcelain sculpted...

Marinha Grande mglass.(Product News.)
March 1, 2005... Marinha Grande mglass presents a collection of Portuguese Art Glass including the Dune Collection of clear and amber wave-shaped vases. eLink 542 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] kara.cox@reedbusiness.com

Brownlee Currey named COO.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... BROWNLEE CURREY has been promoted to chief operating officer of lighting producer Currey & Company. He fills the position recently vacated by Sonny Koontz who has moved to a consulting position with the company. Currey formally joined the...

Midwest appoints VP of sales.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... MIDWEST, designer of Seasons of Cannon Falls holiday and seasonal decorations, has named Renee Solczak as vice president of sales. Most recently, she served as the vice president of sales for Burnes of Boston. Her new responsibilities at...

W.A.C. Lighting promotes Tham adds Camp.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... W.A.C. LIGHTING has promoted Sean Tham to vice president of marketing. Tham has served as both product manager and marketing manager for W.A.C. in his new position, Tham will oversee the firm's national marketing programs and strategies to...

L.A. Mart names Nahin director of leasing.(James R. Nahin director of leasing.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... MERCHANDISE Mart Properties, Inc. and the L.A. Mart have named James R. Nahin to director of leasing at the L.A. Mart. In this position, Nahin will be responsible for the leasing of permanent gift and home furnishings showrooms and will report...

DiVittorio joins Artistry Designs.(Lawrence DiVittorio.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ARTISTRY DESIGNS by Reliance has hired Lawrence DiVittorio as the Autumn and holiday decor specialist on its product development team. In his new position, DiVittorio will be dedicated to designing Harvest and Christmas decor. Additionally,...

Dale Tiffany names new sales VP.(Philip Nielsen VP sales.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... PHILIP NIELSEN has been named vice president of sales and marketing for Dale Tiffany. Nielsen will manage sales and marketing functions for all accounts, independent representatives, rep groups and Dale Tiffany showrooms in the Eastern...

Artisan House adds design director.(Kelly Johnston new assistant design director.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ARTISAN HOUSE, designer and manufacturer of three-dimensional metal wall decor, has named Kelly Johnston as its assistant design director. Johnston has more than seven years in fine arts, specializing in painting, as well as freelance...

LaMarche expands HQ, names sales mgr.(Steve Korwin named as national sales manager.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... LAMARCHE HAS ADDED 50,000 square feet to its Southern California headquarters and named Steve Korwin as national sales manager, President Robbie LaMarche announced. The headquarters now total 120,000 square feet and include a design...

1988.(Home Accents Today looks back.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ACCESSORIES/TODAY still was published four times a year in 1988, and lighting, rugs and wall decor seemed to be the three strongest categories. The Dallas and Atlanta market centers talked of stepping up their commitment to decorative...

Styles of the times.(Furniture styles.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Sketchbooks highlight looks from the markets: Aztec Accents, Venetian Splendor, Oriental Inspirations, Soft Contemporary, Silver and Gold, Rich Traditions, Trendy Safari, Stately Neoclassic, Puttin' on the Ritz, Turquoise Revisited, Worldly...

Lighting fixtures.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Lighting fixtures set for big growth surge; may be enjoying same kind of surge torchieres first showed a few years ago.

ART adds members.(Alliance for Responsible Trade members.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... ART adds members: Bruce Brad-burn, China Sea Trader; Harvey Hollingsworth, The Natural Light; Walter Blackburn, Sedgefield/Woodcraft by Adams; Howard Olesky, Artmaster Studios; Binnie Lanahan, Binnie Enterprises and Tom Hoffman, Distinctive...

Chubby Checker.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Chubby Checker to perform at the Dallas Winter Home Furnishings Market.

Dallas Market Center.
March 1, 2005... Dallas Market Center expands accessories area on 12th floor.

Colonial Williamsburg.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Colonial Williamsburg opens its first Southern Furniture Market showroom with two room settings.

Ray Charles and Johnny Cash perform.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Ray Charles and Johnny Cash perform at the October High Point market.

Austin Productions.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Austin Productions adds a 35-piece collection of outdoor sculpture made of marble or granite, retailing for $50 to $170.

Couristan.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Couristan makes its High Point debut.

Louise Mandrell is headliner at the Accessory Gala at the Top of the Mart.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Louise Mandrell is headliner at the Accessory Gala at the Top of the Mart, sponsored by the Southern Furniture Market Center and accessory and lighting exhibitors.

People said ...(Looking Back.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... * "I think that probably the only solution is really up to the buyers. Some of the high volume dealers will find a good selling lamp from one manufacturer and give it to another manufacturer to make at a cheaper cost." Fred Gershanov, Frederick...

America 1988.(Looking Back)
March 1, 2005... * Sony introduces the Pocket Discman. * Who Framed Roger Rabbit? feature film combines live action, animation. * First transatlantic telephone call over fiber optics line. * Government brochure mailed to 107 million addresses. ...

Experiential designer.(Portrait of Richard Frinier.)
March 1, 2005... CALIFORNIA DREAMER Richard Frinier THE BACK STORY Richard Frinier was born and raised in California and, as a teen-ager, led the typical California life of surfing and life guarding, anything to be near the water. To this day, the...

Editor's notes.(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... In our Metro Report this month we take a closer look at Chicago a Midwest city with a wide range of juvenile retailers, from giants like Ikea to morn-and-pops like Lazar's. It is also the home of specialty store Land of Nod, owned in part by...

Big cities to spur growth in infant gear sales: South a prominent player, according to research data.
March 1, 2005... Kids equipment sales will grow by 8.9% between 2004 and 2009, according to forecasts by New York-based Easy Analytic Software Inc. EASI's projections are based on projections of population growth and shifts in age and ethnicity. Most of...

ToddWorld debuts on plush, soft toys.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Los Angeles -- Specialty toy maker Action Products International plans to develop a line of toys based on the children's book and television series "ToddWorld," under an agreement with L & G Licensing and Taffy Entertainment. Created by...

RJM Licensing to handle Burton book properties.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Mahwah, N.J. -- RJM Licensing has been appointed to represent titles from Virginia Lee Burton's children's books, including "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel," "The Little House," "Katy and the Big Snow," "Maybelle the Cable Car" and "Choo...

Russ Berrie named master licensee for Raggedy Ann and Andy.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... New York -- Plush and gift company Russ Berrie has signed on as master licensee for the Raggedy Ann and Andy property. The agreement coincides with the upcoming 90th birthday of Raggedy Ann, according to United Media, the licensing company...