Capturing the spirit of today's consumers, a new "American Style" was front and center in home furnishings designs unveiled to the trade at the spring International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC last month.
"Consumers are more nostalgic than ever," says Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president at the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. "Patriotism and a fondness for all things American continue at an all-time high, and people are enjoying being at home with their families and friends. New furniture styles tap into these trends."
The new American Style for 2002 reaches to Mission, Shaker, Cottage, and Country elements with contemporary and multicultural influences. Comfort is key, with warm wood finishes and soft, inviting upholstery.
Stanley Furniture, one of several producers exhibiting the new American Style, unveiled American View, a 50 piece collection of bedroom, dining room, accent and home entertainment. Pieces crafted of cherry solids and veneers are accented with unexpected elements such as leather, woven banana tree husk, and brushed nickel hardware.
Pennsylvania House introduced American Traditions, a 54 piece collection also in cherry. More traditional than Stanley's American View, American Traditions features exposed English dovetails on bracket feet and inlaid walnut pegs placed throughout.
Solid American cherry also is featured in Brookside Cherry, a new lodge inspired collection at Kincaid Furniture, and in Cresent's American Heirlooms, featuring a rustic design with farmhouse and antique elements.
The American Heritage collection at Lane features Arts & Crafts style with glass and metal accents. A signature piece of the collection is a bed with a leather panel headboard. Also new at Lane is the Liberty Cedar Chest depicting an American flag on the front.
from Realty Times