Calligaris' strength is built day by day mainly by way of its product. With the expanse of the range of products offered today, Calligaris boasts a very unique catalogue.
The company continuously develops new products that combine quality, functionality and
technology. The products feature form and substance providing the consumer with the widest range of possible choices.
Design is an intricate concept. Beyond the analysis of the function and the study of the structure, it derives from the direct connection with the materials involved. Calligaris' products make your home cozier and improve our daily life.
Market studies and analysis direct the conception of new products focusing attention on the emerging consumer trends. The steadfast research to find materials with innovative features,
the competence of the technical department, the frequent and consolidated collaborations with internationally renowned Designers along with their proven ability during the manufacturing phase allow them to offer high quality and functional products with an unmistakable supplement: style.
A recent financial report shows that Natuzzi leather sales were down 18% for the first quarter of 2007 with an operating loss of 7.9 million euros. Upon further inspection sales were sharply off by 27% in North and South America.
Based in Italy, Natuzzi leather has been a top of the line furniture maker for many years. Suddenly, they are faced with the dilemma of a world economy characterized by high local wages and outsourcing. Many European furniture manufacturers are already producing furniture in China such as Kuka and Actona. To further complicate the situation, the quality of Chinese made furniture has increased tremendously. As a result of quality improvements, now there are fantastic pieces of furniture available at a fraction of the cost of a Natuzzi piece. Consumers now find it hard to justify spending a lot more money on a piece of furniture, because the gap in quality has shrunken so much.
Natuzzi has a strong brand that consumers will always recognize. Italian made leather has a history that is unparalleled in the furniture and fashion industry. It will be interesting to see if they begin producing a new line of furniture from China or move some of their manufacturing to that country.
TAGS: Furniture News
It seems that every time I go to a party or social event the crowd ends up in the kitchen. With so much focus being put on the kitchen and great room there has been a push for better and more comfortable furniture for these areas. One item that seems to be in demand but is one of the harder to find is the barstool. Of coarse you must consider looks verses comfort and bar verses counter height. Then there are the color that are available and the ability to adapt this item as your tastes change.
The stools that I have found to be the perfect addition as well as comfortable and attractive are produced right here in the good old USA by the Elite Manufacturing company out of California. The constantly growing line included many choices that are height adjustable for counter or bar height. This is important because within these categories the actual counter top height will vary several inches and Elite has the answer for every situation. Elite offers several metal, wood, and fabric options to really fine tune the stools to your décor. Also the fabrics on the seats can be reupholstered over the years to give a fresh new look as your tastes change.
One thing I find very impressive about this line is the construction. Elite makes a very durable item with a steel construction that will last and hold up to anything. I also like the swivel option for easy use and access. The company also makes several stools that are a more conventional type without the height adjustable or swivel feature if this is a better option in both bar and counter heights.
While you are choosing your bar stools, keep in mind how many you would like. To find out the right amount for your space, you should measure your table. Usually you want to have between 25 and 30 inches from the center of one seat to the other. To find this out, divide the length of your counter or table by 28" and you'll conveniently discover how many pieces are needed.
Flokati rugs have been a Greek tradition for centuries. The 5th century Vlachs who lived in Samarina, the highest village on the Pindos Mountains, were the inventors of the Flokati Rugs. As shepherds, they raised sheep and goats, producing dairy products sold during the winter in the plains of Trikala, Thessaly, Macedonia and as far away as Odessa. They used these rugs primarily as clothing and bedding for their tents, keeping them warm during the long winter months. The women of the village, having access to the wool, would weave Flokati rugs to be sold at bazaars during the winter.
This tradition continued for centuries and didnt cease until the early 1960s. The Mazarakis family has continued the tradition of producing fine quality Flokati and hand-woven rugs. The Hellenic Rug Import company is currently importing the Flokati line for the U S market and has a full line from modern to traditional.
Going greener is increasing in popularity. I found this article from the Washington Post that gives some ideas about making the home more enviroment friendly and discusses trends in housing such as larger kitchens and upscale bathroom fixtures.
Homeowners continue to want larger kitchens, and now they increasingly want eco-friendly materials for their floors and space for recycling centers, according to a survey.
Upscale bathroom features are also making big gains in popularity. Those include such upgrades as radiant-heated floors and multiple-head showers, according to the latest Home Design Trends Survey of members of the American Institute of Architects. The survey is based on kitchen and bath trends during the fourth quarter of 2006. Whirlpools, it seems, are losing favor.
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