Home Accents Today articles from May 2004

Home Accents Today archives from May 2004

Everyone here gets an 'A'.(Best Of Market)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... GOOD, BETTER, BEST. Those are the traditional labels merchants use to distinguish the quality and price points of products. It's the same practice we see in education, I suppose, with what used to be called a Gentleman's C as good, a B as...

High point in full bloom.(Introduction)
May 1, 2004... SPRING HAS SPRUNG. Flower Power. April showers bring May flowers. However you phrase it, for the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., the cutting-edge trend centered on florals, but not the sweet or petite. These blooms...

Color code.(Color Ways)
May 1, 2004... Just like a breath of fresh air, the most prevalent shades this market whistled to the tune of springtime. Saturated, sophisticated mid-tones came on strong in spring-right shades of yellow, pink and green. Deeper and more complex than strict...

Late bloomer.(Trend Retro)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Flowers always have been a part of design and decor, showing up abstractly in prints and patterns, or more realistically in photographs. The International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. in April showed just how important floral...

East side.(Trend Asia)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... In the life of any grand dame the time comes when things don't seem as fresh and unmarked as they once were. Like any woman of position and power knows, when this time approaches there are discreet things that can be done to prolong or extend...

Got milk?(Trend Opalescence)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A timeless classic, art glass has been growing in popularity and diversifying its appeal in recent months. While most often recognized for its bright hues, a major draw for many consumers, this market showed that the glass pieces are just as...

Pink ladies.(Trend Retro)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Retro has ruled market aisles for several cycles now, growing and building momentum with each passing show. The look is still going strong, but it seems a shift seems to be in the works. Dominated until now by a mid-century modern,...

All blocked up.(Trend Color Blocking)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Stripes and dots have been huge in the market for several cycles now. Both patterns play off a fun interchange of color and design that can be lighthearted or serious, depending on the rendering. Not content to stand still in terms of styles,...

Baby's got curves.(Trend Curves)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... With all the talk of late about modernism and contemporary styles, it would seem home accents are in for a long haul of straight lines and clean edges. But don't get too attached to that ruler just yet. This market showed designers have put...

Lush life.(Trend Fine Fabrics)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Home accents are no stranger to richness and luxury, as any buyer who has visited a showroom in the last five years can attest. More and more consumers are demanding the lavish for their everyday lives and manufacturers are eager to supply...

Rainbow connection.(Trend Color)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Perhaps Kermit the Frog was more of a savant than anyone over the age of five ever imagined. When he sang of the rainbow connection, he probably had no idea that such a blending of hues would take center stage in home accents. The color...

Barcelona dreamin'.(Trend Exotic)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The world keeps shrinking and now, more than ever, armchair travelers desire an exotic feel in their own home spaces. Personal expression and eclecticism are high on the priority list, however, which means designers must provide a look that...

Zebra zapped.(Trend Animal)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... It wasn't too long ago that the in look for home decor revolved around island and jungle themes. While the style may not have the favor it once had, it is still very much in evidence around showrooms. Animal prints are certainly one of the...

The new luxury.(From The Editor)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves.--Dorothy Parker That Dorothy Parker had a way with words, didn't she? Her observations always were acerbic, but clever. She's the one, you remember, who first told...

Interlude Home to develop two line extensions: Randy Bourne joins management team to guide brand development.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES and accent furniture importer Interlude Home is developing two line extensions for introduction at the October High Point market. Randy Bourne has joined Trumbull, Conn.-based Interlude in the new position of...

IFDA names Waites honorary chairman.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... THE INTERNATIONAL Furnishings and Design Association has named designer Raymond Waites honorary chairman of its fall conference. The 2004 IFDA Industry Forum and Conference will be held during the October International Home Furnishings Market...

Payne Street Imports changes name to The Breece Collection.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... IN ITS 20TH YEAR as Payne Street Imports, the high-end ceramics, lamps and accent furniture vendor is changing its name to The Breece Collection. Offering imported merchandise from Asia was considered exotic when his partners named the...

LampCrafters shuts its doors.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)
May 15, 2004... LAMPCRAFTERS is liquidating its nearly 27-year-old business and will close its lamp and home accents plant on May 21. "During the past few years, the home furnishings industry has experienced very difficult times from both domestic economic...

Peel debuts Habersham rug collection.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing; Habersham Furniture and Peel Rugs )(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... HABERSHAM Furniture and Peel Rugs have partnered in a licensed rug program, which rolled out at the April International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. "Habersham has created products that I have admired forever, and I have...

Vendors change showrooms for summer markets.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)
May 15, 2004... SEVERAL MAJOR HOME accents vendors will expand their presence at the summer markets as they open new showrooms. Andrea by Sadek and subsidiary j.willfred will open showrooms in Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. Last month, the company...

Home accents vendors mark anniversaries.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... NDI AND ARTISAN HOUSE celebrated their 40th anniversaries at parties with dealers during the April home furnishings market while Meyda Tiffany marked its 30th year. Brewton, Ala.-based Natural Decorations Inc. has adapted through 40 years...

Asia-Pacific Sourcing trade fair set for 2005, featuring products for home, garden, leisure.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)
May 15, 2004... A NEW TRADE FAIR, Asia-Pacific Sourcing, is planned for Feb. 27-March 1, 2005, in the eastern halls of Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany. By presenting Asian products for the house, garden and leisure sector, Koelnmesse aims to link product ranges...

Matthews & Co. launches with full range of iron, metal.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... DAVID MATTHEWS, the founder of Stone County Ironworks, has returned to the industry after a two-year absence following the sale of that company. This time, he and his son, Shane, are at the helm of Matthews & Co., which showed for the first...

Retailing paradigm shift: men shopping like women.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)
May 15, 2004... IT'S WELL KNOWN that the main consumer of concern in the home furnishings industry has historically been female, but times are changing, at least according to a bi-annual study by WSL Strategic Retail. In its report, How America Shops 2004...

Blyth changes management structure, sells gift bag business.(News: trends retailing manufacturing licensing marketing)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... HOME DECOR producer Blyth Inc. has changed its management structure based on its expanded distribution channels, effective May 1 with creation of an Office of the Chairman. The structure will further CEO succession planning efforts that began...

Get buy with a little help from a friend.(Retail Update)
May 15, 2004... AS CONSUMERS LOOK to retail stores for design inspiration, decorating ideas and even services to make their lives easier, retailers can look to vendors for much of the same. At the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C....

Mum's the word.(What's Hot; chrysanthemum in design)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... THE CHRYSANTHEMUM has been under-appreciated as flowers go. That might be set to change, as designers embrace its bold, petal-full look on a range of products. Many of the interpretations have a more contemporary bent, focusing on the outline...

A jolly, holly day.(Design Directions)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... A HALLMARK OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON--the holly plant, once an ancient pagan symbol of kindness and hospitality, also has been associated with strength, good luck, peace and joy. Its glossy green leaves and bright red berries add an earthy...

Exotic spices.(Softgoods Portfolio; India and Asia influence furnishings)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... STYLE GOES GLOBAL with designers drawing inspiration from around the world. In particular, the newest designs pay homage to India and Asia, cultures rich in vivid, provocative references. Take a trip filled with luscious, saturated colors and...

The happy trend: soft goods buyers seeking upbeat color, modern styles.(Softgoods Portfolio)
May 15, 2004... FRESH FROM THE April High Point market, soft goods vendors take note of a revitalized marketplace, a cleaner aesthetic and perhaps even a trend toward happiness. "High Point was great," said Karen Jacobson, director of sales and marketing...

The modern touch.(Softgoods Portfolio)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... CLEAN-LINED, elegant designs make the most of their looks with fabrications that require a soft touch. Vaguely organic in feel, these styles are natural and without artifice. Equally suited to cool neutrals or piquant brights, modern, touchable...

Perennial motifs.(Softgoods Portfolio)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... STRIPES AND FLORALS continue their domination as the patterns of choice in soft goods with a few tweaks and updates along the way. Stripes with curves are the newest shape, and hand-drawn interpretations are set to star. Florals are on the...

Registry of sources in softgoods.(Softgoods Portfolio)(Directory)(Illustration)
May 15, 2004... Registry of sources in softgoods COMPANY NAME & CONTACT PRODUCTS & PRICE RANGES vendor decorative home base, phone number pillows linens...

Number of affluent households grows.(Money)
May 15, 2004... It used to be called the carriage trade. Now it's the affluent market. The difference is, there are a lot more households in the pool of those with incomes high enough to indulge their desire for the good life. Data compiled by Mendelsohn...

Uttermost: Uttermost translates successful elements of wall decor into newest lighting products.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Calling the success at this past High Point market "a confirmation that Uttermost lighting products are moving at retail," company president and CEO Mac Cooper feels the company has great momentum heading into the second half of the year....

Murray Feiss: latest collaboration between Murray Feiss and Bob Mackie highlights popular movies.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Murray Feiss has been the proud manufacturer of Bob Mackie Home lighting for a number of years; this season the partners go Hollywood, introducing an exciting line of movie-inspired products. But that's just the start of the new introductions...

Schonbek: Schonbek's new crystal lamps exhibit a passionate palette of color.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.: continues to revolutionize lamp designs this year with a striking new collection of color-rich crystal table lamps. "Most lamps are mere accessories," says president and CEO Andrew Schonbek. "We aspired to...

Shades of light: shades of light adds distinctive ambiance with four new lamp candle designs.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)(Product/Service Evaluation)
May 15, 2004... Shades of Light has found an innovative way to combine the ambiance of romantic candlelight with the sophisticated elegance of home decor. Introduced to rave reviews in January 2002, this product line continues to attract the attention of those...

Design & Sourcing Int'l.: Design & Sourcing Int'l offers lighting buyers a wide range of expertise.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Having spent many years as a buyer and now through her company Design and Sourcing International, Julie Snider is able to offer lighting buyers complete design and sourcing capabilities. The company's goal is to provide a client with optimal...

Dale Tiffany: Dale Tiffany's Antiques Roadshow[TM] collection tops 100 products.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Dale Tiffany Inc. continues the Antiques Roadshow[TM] phenomenon with the addition of 25 new pieces to its collection, all inspired by the historical and decorative appeal of the popular TV series. Created by award-winning designer Sergio...

Baldwin Lighting: Baldwin Lighting glows with upscale styles & quality.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... The profile of today's consumer is changing. While it's true that many have become more style conscious when it comes to purchasing home furnishings, they're also placing an emphasis on quality brands when making a buying decision. In a recent...

Virginia Metalcrafters: new designs breathe life into an old company.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... When partners Mike Innes and Chris Parks purchased Virginia Metalcrafters last year, they knew they were becoming part of a rich tradition of high quality manufacturing. Though its broad line of gift and home d4cor products has remained...

Kinder Harris: Kinder Harris' new additions present fairy tale enchantment.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Cinderella's world is no longer a fairy tale, as the Kinder-Harris High Point showroom brought the enchanted ballroom to life this past April. A stunning display of coordinated home furnishings, including new designs by internationally known...

Lite Source: Lite Source in expansion mode again with addition of Inmon Kids.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)
May 15, 2004... Lite Source, Inc. CEO David Lu places the highest value on the care of his customers. For this reason, he has recently assembled a new and dedicated staff to insure that Lite Source is properly positioned for yet another wave of growth. While...

Cal Lighting: Cal Lighting responds to customer requests with additional outdoor-themed lamps.(A Special Section To Home Accents Today)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... Due to numerous requests from its customers, Cal Lighting has added a number of new animal-themed lamps this season. From eagle and bear images to fly fishing scenes, these new pieces confirm the company's commitment to meet its customers'...

Affinity for affluence.(The Luxury Report)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... Affluent shoppers are gaining momentum and they aren't necessarily the shoppers you'd expect. The old saying you can't judge a book by its cover couldn't be more applicable when it comes to the "new luxury" consumer. Consider this: of the...

Retailers define luxury consumer.(The Luxury Report)
May 15, 2004... Today's watchword for consumers is luxury. It's not the ornate, over-the-top luxury enjoyed by those who'd appear on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but a more casual, elegant aesthetic, which appeals to a younger clientele. How has the...

Staying on the high road.(John-Richard)
May 15, 2004... WITH ABILITY TO OVERCOME challenges proven through its 24-year history, John-Richard determined it will avoid the movement toward lower-priced imports and maintain the high-end looks its customers demand. "Those retailers, designers and...

Living the luxe life.(The Luxury Report)
May 15, 2004... EVA JEANBART-LORENZOTTI founded her company, Vivre eight years ago selling luxury brands via a magalog and Web site. Vivre offers everything from apparel and jewelry to lamps and lighting, decorative accessories, tabletop, candles, photo...

Riding the upward curve.(Century Furniture)
May 15, 2004... ED TASHJIAN USES AN ANALOGY of luxury cars to describe Century Furniture's role in home furnishings. "The luxury market is expanding on both ends," said Tashjian, vice president of marketing. "The best way to think about that is to think...

Robb & Stucky courts luxe consumer.(The Luxury Report)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... FLORIDA-BASED ROBB & STUCKY pulls out all the stops when it courts the luxury consumer. One way to bring the affluent shopper to your store is to entice them with higher-echelon events. In March, Robb & Stucky hosted a cocktail reception...

Little luxuries mean more to discriminating consumers.(Dransfield & Ross)
May 15, 2004... PERCEPTIONS OF VALUE are evolving to focus on unexpected combinations of materials and exquisite details on smaller treasures for the home. "We've certainly been seeing a shift in luxury within the home furnishings market, in part because...

LuxeHome provides access to the best.(The Luxury Report)
May 15, 2004... LUXEHOME, A RETAIL MODEL for high-end luxury kitchen and bath products, has proven to be a successful business plan for Chicago's Merchandise Mart and more than 25 individual boutiques. Interest has stayed strong since September when...

Expecting upward movement.(Abigails)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... HANDMADE ACCENT ITEMS of artistic or heirloom are boosting the luxury niche for Abigails. Taking center stage at its High Point market showroom in April was The Cherub Centerpiece, a large ceramic bowl that takes an artist about 30 days to...

Nouveau-luxe.(Luxury Reading)
May 15, 2004... TOUTED AS "incredibly smart and illuminating," "insightful, anchored in reality, pointing management toward opportunities for profitable top line growth," and "transform[ing] the way you serve customers and develop products," Trading Up: The...

ART honors Carolyn Kinder and Uttermost.(Accessories Resource Team)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... CAROLYN KINDER AND Mac Cooper of The Uttermost Company were recognized at the International Home Furnishings Show in High Point, N.C. by the Accessories Resource Team for donating proceeds from a lamp to support Gift for Life. "In this, as...

Decorize adds new sales VP.(People: promotions hires appointments)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... * Decorize has named Buzz Leer as vice president of sales, responsible for sales and marketing efforts in the specialty retail business channel. Leer also will coordinate and direct efforts of the sales rep organizations that offer...

Midwest fills president, two VP posts.(People: promotions hires appointments)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... * Seasonal and holiday vendor Midwest (Cannon Falls, Minn.) has promoted three members to its executive team. Jeff Wilson has been appointed president, Beth Lorentz is now vice president of Seasons of Cannon Falls and Ingrid Liss has been named...

Kelley joins Sterling.(People: promotions hires appointments)(Sterling Industries appoints Barry Kelley as a director of creative services)(Brief Article)
May 15, 2004... * Barry Kelley has joined Atlanta-based Sterling Industries as director of creative services, a newly created position. He will report to John Scott, president and owner of Sterling Industries. Kelley was formerly vice president of...

Enesco CEO DalleMolle.(Obituary)(Obituary)
May 15, 2004... Dan DalleMolle, president and CEO of Enesco Group, died April 13, 2004, from complications following a recent surgery. Since March 2001, DalleMolle was president and CEO of Enesco and orchestrated the company's return to profitability. He...

Events: Dallas, June 2004.(Calendar)
May 15, 2004... June 24-28, 2004 Dallas International Gift & Home Accessories Market Dallas Market Center 800-DAL-MKTS dallasmarketcenter.com Thursday, June 24 6 p.m.--How to Have a Winning Year. Ron White, memory expert, will teach...

Calendar.(Calendar)
May 15, 2004... JUNE 2004 5-8 Portland Gift & Accessories Show. Oregon Convention Center. 415-346-6666, portlandgift.com 11-15 Minneapolis Gift & Accessory Show. Minneapolis Gift Mart. 800-626-1298, Fax: 952-932-0847, mplsgiftmart.com 12-13...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
May 15, 2004... On page 54 of the April issue, two images were incorrectly identified. The throw is from Textillery Weavers and the pillows and vases are from Shastra. Textillery is based in Bloomington, Ind., phone: 812-334-1555, and Shastra is based in...

Steel workers.(Portrait)(Twenty Guage reclaims and repurposes furniture)
May 15, 2004... KEY PLAYERS Karen Alweil and Jean-Christophe Hyrb THE BACK STONY Karen, 37, started designing and selling T-shirts in the late '70s when she was 12, before T-shirts became the ubiquitous style icons they are today. Retailers picked up her...