HIGH POINT -- The 2007 Spring Furniture Market that kicked off Monday is in full swing. While the show is primarily for dealers and those in the furniture industry only, you don't have to wait until the trends hit area stores to get a peek.
Al Gore wasn't on hand, but the 2007 Furniture Market went green.
"Our goal is to follow through with the mission statement of being sustainable, being eco-friendly," said Dallas dealer Chris Bruning, the vice president of Groovystuff Furniture Accessories.
From hybrid cars which burn cleaner fuel to green schools that conserve water, environmentally-friendly goods are part of a trend sweeping the United States.
Continue reading "Eco-friendly furniture on display" »
Some buzzwords you may hear when shopping for leather furniture are "top grain" or "full grain". These terms basically describe the type and condition of the hide. Top grain simply means it is the outer most part of the hide, and that it is not a split or under part which has less strength and durability. When the processing is started the top of the leather is sheared from the hide leaving a split. A split is good for a back or side, not a place where you will sit as the hide will stretch and lose its shape. A full grain hide is left with all its natural characteristics and markings in the processing stages. You will see a variety of grains from small to very heavy and this is ok. This shows that you are getting a genuine, minimally processed hide with natural markings. You will see many types of grain patterns and can determine which fits your preference. The majority of the leather sold on the market has been buffed to eliminate heavy grain or imperfections and give a smooth uniform appearance and feel. Some hides are embossed with a simulated grain to give a very uniform look. Nevertheless, these are all good, long lasting alternatives to fabric and micro fibers. For those who suffer from allergies, the dust that collects in conventional fabrics can easily be kept in check with leather.
Remember that leather is a natural product so it is never perfect. Scars and various grains are all normal characteristics of genuine leather. The more expensive and natural, the more this rings true. Finally, beware of ultraviolet rays that can dry, crack and fade just about anything and leather is no exception. Look for a conditioner with UV protection. The good news is, leather can get better with use and age as it loosens up and develops a softer feel if taken care of properly.
In my 20 plus years in the furniture business, I have spoken with many people that have incorrect impressions on leather upholstery. This is usually due to preconceived ideas based on negative things they have heard or assumed. Let me give you some first hand information from a seasoned professional. I can with all honesty tell you there are many advantages to this timeless, stylish, and cost effective covering. True, there are some situations that the consumer should be aware of and I will let you know about these pros and cons so you can make an educated decision.
First of all let's look at the major categories of leather so you can pick something suitable for your lifestyle and level of use. Basically there are two major categories, protected and non-protected (also known as aniline dyed or natural leather). The tanning process for the most part is similar in either category along with other processes that prepare the hide for the dying stage. For natural leather dye is added and nothing else to resist against absorption of spills or hand and hair oils. If natural leather is introduced to moisture the dye can run and cause a stain. Also, the places that are repeatedly touched will darken as the hide collects oils from our hands and hair. Not to sound to gross, the industry has a nice name for this darkening, a patina. I highly recommend a darker color to help mask this kind of look if the furniture will be in a heavy traffic area. Cleaning is limited to damp cloth and light non- detergent soap mixed in a diluted solution. It is also important not to use a lot of leather care products as they can darken the leather with the oils they have in them.
The second type of leather is the protected kind which makes up the vast majority of leather on the market. From furniture to automobiles the ease of cleaning and cost effectiveness make for a long lasting, durable and low maintenance upholstery. Within this category there are many looks and feels, from embossed to full grain, and thin to very thick. All of these are simply characteristics that give the consumer a variety of articles to choose from. Because there is a urethane surface on the outer most part of the hide which resists against spills and the elements, this is a much more cleanable type of upholstery. When shopping for furniture it is important to discuss your expectations and lifestyle so you get the most suitable type for you. A simple damp white cloth will keep you dirt and dust free, and a high quality leather conditioner will neutralize body oils and restore a supple feel.
AT THE MARKET -- Casual furniture resource Laneventure is launching the Tortuga collection, an eclectic indoor/outdoor group inspired by the Caribbean seaside town in Belize.
It will be available at retail this summer.
The 31-piece assortment evokes an elegant style reminiscent of the British gentry that settled in Tortuga in the 1800s. Their mahogany furnishings were designed with cane to allow increased air circulation in the tropical temperatures.
The Laneventure collection features upholstery, dining and occasional pieces made of mahogany and wicker. It is available in more than 70 finishes and 300 fabrics, in both indoor and outdoor construction.
"The cushions and finishes and construction in this new collection are a little different for indoor or outdoor use," said Gary McCray, vice president of marketing for Laneventure. "This is the best of two worlds: indoor and out."
"The catalog was set up for our wicker -- and now this new wood category -- to make it easy for the consumer to understand the differences and the options available," McCray said. "We have done this before, but have not packaged it like this. This represents the merging of our TradeWinds (indoor) and WeatherMaster (outdoor) brands under the Weathermaster banner."
The options also are explained in point-of-sale materials, he said.
Highlights of the Tortuga line include a gate-leg craft console, a space-saving item for craft projects. Targeting the $25.7 billion craft market, the table features a flip-top work surface, antique hardware and storage drawers. The retail price is $1,309.
Another offering mixing mahogany and cane is a sofa or loveseat, available in two styles -- a loose pillow back casual frame influenced by sleeping porches, or a classically influenced model with a button-tufted back. It is available for indoor use at $1,749, or in outdoor construction with weatherproof fabrics at $2,189.
Source: Furniture Today
Stores in Broward County, Orlando expected to open this fall
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. -- Home furnishings specialty retailer Ikea is planning to increase its Florida presence with a 353,000-square-foot store in Tampa, its third in the state.
Pending city government approval, construction could begin later this spring, with an opening in summer 2009 at a site currently occupied by buildings at the former Tampa International Center, bordered by 22nd Street, 26th Street, Adamo Drive and the Crosstown Expressway.
The Top 100 Sweden-based chain is working on a store in Sunrise, Fla., in Broward County, and another in Orlando, Fla., both set to open this fall.
The Tampa store will be built on 29 acres and feature Ikea's typical 10,000 items, 50 room settings, three model homes, a supervised children's play area, a restaurant and 1,700 parking spaces.
Ikea Director of Real Estate David Iemolo said the Tampa store would be "more convenient to existing customers while also introducing the unique Ikea family-friendly shopping experience to new Tampa Bay and Sun Coast shoppers."
Source: Furniture Today
IKEA Sunrise
151 NW 136 Avenue
Sunrise, FL 33325
(954) 838-9292
As of April 2008 the Tampa store is still in the planning phase.
