Article Number : 1948 |
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| Date | 5/2/2007 8:48:24 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=1948 |
| Abstract | By Deena C. Bouknight High Point, NC—In the sea of exhibit space that covers more than 12 million square feet, it is difficult for any products to stand out... |
| Article | By Deena C. Bouknight High Point, NC—In the sea of exhibit space that covers more than 12 million square feet, it is difficult for any products to stand out. Those that do catch the attention of some 80,000 people who attend the International Home Furnishings Market here, must have a distinct design, color or style story. Consumer spending on home furnishings was up only slightly in 2006 over 2005. With so many companies vying for a share of those disposable dollars, uniqueness is key. On the market’s opening day, furniture trade magazine Furniture Today reported: “Stock-piled inventory and slower-than-usual sales have some retailers saying that what they see here will have to be a real deal or standout merchandise if it’s going to get onto their floors. But others say they will be more daring with their choices.” One of the head-turning lines at this market was Trump Home, featuring rugs by Miresco Decorative Rugs. Greg Jordt, vice president of the wholesale division of Miresco, said that most people immediately wanted to view the new Trump Home line. “This rug collection covers tufted New Zealand worsted wool, hand-knotted goods and high knot count rugs made from New Zealand and Gazni wool,” Jordt said. Once market attendees addressed the Trump Home line at Miresco, they were impressed with the new “very thick and soft shag” from Egypt, Jordt said. “Shag is still very viable in the marketplace. And our strongest rug in the entire line is a tufted wool zebra print.” Shag drew attention as accents in many furniture showrooms. The look offered luxurious high style against the clean lines of Mission, Shaker and contemporary looks, especially. One surprise was seeing shag underneath Sligh Furniture’s sleek new Umber and Belaire modular home office offerings. Attendees remarked how the contrast of the plush texture and the sleek dark woods was striking. Another rug front-and-center this season was the entirely unusual SuperNova product by Homespice Décor. Hand braided in a circular pattern, the swirling lines resemble a supernova’s rays. This rug is affordable at an $89 price point for a 2 x 3. With Asian-inspired accents all the rage—Hooker Furniture even introduced an Asian home office line—Foreign Accents offered a new Zen Shag in seven selections and in such colors as wasabi green, saffron yellow, and cayenne red. At Company C, known for its intense color schemes, hues such as mandarin, peacock, wasabi and ultra-marine were offered in its Chinoiserie Collection. A novel approach to natural was its Bracken rug. This modern interpretation of ferns was conveyed in an over-twisted 100% tufted wool in a sea grass color. Versatile, but still a stand-out for Masland Carpets & Rugs was Harrison. Called a “contemporary classic,” the rug is an abstract geometric pattern, yet it has a soft texture with its mixed cut and loop pile construction. Made of Stainmaster Tacteese BCF nylon, the new collection has 13 contemporary colorways ranging from the black-and-white contrast of Ink to muted neutrals such as parchment, vanilla and dove. A 6 x 9 retails for $659. According to industry trend experts, color and texture are what are currently bringing products into the limelight. When it comes to choosing color, they expect consumers to ultimately be attracted to striking contrasts and combinations. “Mix white with beige, white with oatmeal and accent with very bright colors, such as red, orange, golden tones or even turquoise,” suggested Connie Post, a designer and retail brand strategist. |