Global Furniture Industry Highlights

Design Philosophy

Discover the three steps to Komorowski's beautiful designs

1. Eco-conscious

The sustainability principle: we live on one earth and it's the only one we have, so we should preserve it. We are constantly making ourselves aware of what materials we are using, new sustainable resources in the market, and production processes, ie factories and how these all affect the environment.

2. Simplicity

We believe simplicity and purity are vital to making beautiful pieces of furniture. As much as possible we prefer to keep our designs simple and sleek and bringing designs back to basics. We like to look at nature and gather inspiration from its natural shapes, textures and colors, and use these to create furniture naturally fitting the contours and curves of the human form.

3. Style

We cannot forget the basic tenets of design-those that affect the arrangement of objects within a composition and, in turn, play a big role in the look of my designs.

(This article was first published in Furnishing International Spring Issue 2009)

U.S. Furniture Imports Fall 22% in First Half of 2009

By Thomas Russell

U.S. furniture imports fell 22% for the first six months of 2009 as consumer demand skidded during the recession, according to new figures from U.S. government sources.

Numbers compiled by Furniture/Today's market research staff from the U.S. Customers Service, Census Bureau and International Trade Commission data showed that furniture imports in the first half were just under US$9.1 billion, down from US$11.6 billion in the same period in 2008.

Of the top 20 countries shipping furniture to the U.S., 17 saw double-digit drops during the period. Two, Vietnam and France, fell 6%, while only one-Poland-posted a gain, an 86% jump to US$103.4 million that placed it at No. 9 on the list.

China retained its No. 1 spot, although its first-half shipments to the United States fell 19% to US$5.4 billion.

Remaining a distant second was Vietnam, whose shipments fell 6% to US$612.7 million.

No. 3 source Canada's shipments fell 44%--the sharpest drop among the top 10 countries-to US$580.9 million from US$1.03 billion a year ago.

In order, Canada was followed by Mexico (down 22% to US$415.5 million); Malaysia (down 15% to US$290 million); Italy (down 43% to US$257.9 million); Indonesia (down 23% to US$216 million); Taiwan (down 23% to US$216 million); Poland (up 86% to US$103.4 million) and Thailand (down 19% to US$95.7 million).

Further down the list were Germany (down 35% to US$91.3 million); France (down 6% to US$62.7 million); Brazil (down 40% to US$54 million); Austria (down 41% to US$49.7 million); the Philippines (down 52% to US$41 million); India (down 13% to US$40.9 million); the United Kingdom (down 30% to US$35.5 million); Sweden (down 23% to US$26.9 million); Norway (down 32% to US$25.7 million) and Denmark (down 25% to US$24.9 million).

For many source countries, shipments dropped more sharply in the first half of this year than they did for all of last year. For all of 2008, total U.S. furniture imports were down 6% from 2007, to US$22.6 billion. (This article was first published in Furniture/Today issued Nov. 9, 2009, Vol. 34 No. 9)

New Youth Designs: Smaller, Tech-friendly

By Gerri Hunt

Recent trends in the youth furniture segment include enhanced storage, more use of technology and cross-over collections that can be moved from a child's room into a guest or master bedroom or a vacation home.

And now manufacturers are rethinking their designs, taking small rooms into consideration.

Traditionally, many youth lines evolve from an already established adult line that gets a twin bed added to its mix. But Aspenhome, realizing master-size furniture may not fit in today's smaller rooms, has added not only twin beds, but smaller case goods.

"We see this category addressing smaller footprints that fit the youth buyers," said Jena Hall, executive vice president of merchandising and design for bedroom, dining and occasional. "You can mix the master pieces with the youth pieces, and entertainment cabinets can cross-market for kids with videogames."

The new case goods also have the high-function features found in Aspenhome's home office lines, adding to their appeal.

For example, Aspenhome puts electrical outlets in the drawers of its nightstands and desks; USB ports in the desk drawers; and a nightlight illuminates the floor in front of the nightstands.

For Opus Designs by Hooker, the new Kendall collection fits into a small space. "It's a living room look for the bedroom," said Cindy Hall, Hooker merchandising manager. "It's an urban casual appeal for young kids to teens to tweens, who love to hang out and have a lot of stuff."

The collection includes beds with bunching case foods such as dressers and tall or short bookcases that sit tightly against them. "They have soft edges for safety, and three-prong outlets in back," said Hall. "This is how kids live today, doing their homework, listing to music and hanging out with their friends."

On the other end of the spectrum is Maxtrix, which has been making loft beds with storage units fitting snugly underneath. Bookcases, dressers, nightstands and desks slide perfectly into the same footprint of the bed.

And in an effort to maximize space even more, the company has introduced its Ultra High Loft, six inches taller than its High Loft.

To extend the life of the furniture, Maxtrix pieces can be separated and arranged like a traditional bedroom with bed, dresser and bookcase. Crown molding and taller feet can be added to the freestanding case goods. (Excerpted from Furniture/Today issued Nov. 9, 2009, Vol. 34 No. 9)

Big Screen Magic

Tune into the high frequency of stylish, essential audio-visual furniture

With more people spending more time at home, audio-visual furniture has truly come of age. Tuning into consumers' social habits-and habitats-the AV market has never been more switched on. Whether producing furniture specifically for this market or adding to a cache of lines, AV furniture manufacturers are providing a platform for the social centers of every person's home.

The Morris Furniture Group has developed AV furniture from each of its cabinet companies. Every piece is designed to be multi-functional and ensure that it co-ordinates with an already extensive collection of occasional pieces, which have been designed to complement its living, bedroom and dining furniture. Zone Furniture, for instance, has audio/TV pieces as part of its Inca, Loft and Fuse collections.

"They incorporate storage and display space for DVD players and satellite boxes plus up-stands to mount large plasma TVs and further storage shelves for the owner's DVD collections," comments group marketing manager Gavin Douglas.

G Plan Cabinet's Village collection has an audio/TV unit, which is a massive 1,338 mm wide. "This is perfect for large plasma screens at the same time as providing open storage for equipment. The crafted drawers are made for DVDs, games and son on," adds Douglas.

A valid point from Douglas; given that home owners, engrossed in television programmes, gaming or music, will be focusing their attention towards the requisite piece of accommodating furniture. Yes, AV furniture has to be functional with necessary storage, but it has to look good too.

One manufacturing company specializing specifically in this sector is Alphason Designs. Recently launching a smart new high gloss white TV support, the company is working in line with current style trends. This design is anticipating demand from consumers wanting to complement their new white flat screen panel.

Another new line from Alphason is the new up-to-the-minute Aura furniture range. It reflects a general trend towards products that are architecturally curved and in this case designed to echo the contours of the latest TV panels. It is available in light oak, walnut and black finishes in widths of 1,100 and 800 mm.

The cabinet-style plasma and LCD features a spacious yet discreet design which accommodates flat panel screens of up to 50 inches, while at the same time providing ample space to house most AV equipment, including set top box, DVD player, games consoles and so on.

As well as enhancing the appearance, the practical enclosed design protects valuable AV equipment from "inquisitive fingers" and dust particle damage. Safety was also paramount in designing the door. Special attention has been focused on the door opening mechanism to make it more "child friendly" and ensure it operates with a smooth action opening and closing gradually; thereby not descending with an impact.

DVD storage within the central shelf area will accommodate 10 DVDs or 15 CDs. Low profile roller glides have a 360-degree rotation, which allows safe and easy movement while being hidden from view.

The range features natural wood veneers combined with contemporary etched piano black glass, all underpinned by a rigid steel support frame. The real wood veneers complement both contemporary and more traditional wood furniture.

The emphasis from Stressless (Ekornes) is that its home cinema system aims to make everyone a VIP viewer. Based on individual reclining pieces that can be linked modular fashion, the look is streamlined and contemporary.

An alternative is to utilize individual chairs, sofas or recliners with "wedge" shaped corner tables. The angular look allows for seating to take on a gentle "theatre" style arc.

Rooms of various dimensions can be accommodated and the brand's signature-making form and function ultra comfortable-is obvious. According to Ekornes, the typical Stressless home cinema buyers has all the very best sound and vision equipment and wants Stressless to complete that "state-of-the-art" look. Just how seating can be formatted to realize that multi-media dream room, is illustrated in its full color customer brochure and though an online site and digital catalogue.

Known as a quality manufacturer of traditionally made solid wood furniture, Ercol is bang up-to-date when it comes to its range of media units. With media units in four of its cabinet and occasional furniture ranges, designs range from the dark stained traditional style Mural television cabinet to the contemporary Artisan collection made of oak, finished in clear matt wax lacquer.

With more than 30 years trading at the forefront of the furniture industry, Kesterport has become a leading supplier of contemporary products to both specialist and major retailers within the UK and Ireland.

Over the years the company ethos has remained unchanged. "We are design-led and value-driven," says Tom Huges. "People's taste in decor is much more varied than it used to be. Oak is still a favorite but no longer predominant."

Woodberry Bros & Haines is well aware of how important aesthetics are to a successful piece of home AV furniture. Band manager David Evans comments: "This is why we have always seen our entertainment and media cabinets as an essential part of any collection, not just for their functionality but also for what they add to the finished look of a room."

Balmoral Furniture's range of furniture extends to over 450 pieces manufactured in mahogany, yew, cherry, oak, and burr walnut. Carly Murray said: "Specializing in traditional English furniture, we have more than 33 different designs of media storage and TV stands in our collection."

"We have many shapes and sizes of plasma TV stands, whether they are to go flat against a wall or fit into a corner. Many are available with either a solid door to hide away all of the equipment, or a beveled glass door so that the remote controls will still work," Murray stated.

With the Setis collection, Gautier brings originality to basic furniture. Various units are offered to give up-to-date styling and the finishes that fit perfectly with other ranges.

The signature piece of the range is the TV unit. With its graphic design and its "trendy" material alliance of stainless, lacquered glass and black acrylic, it is the ideal element designed for the multimedia world. This unique piece is a support for flat screen TV (to fix or stand), as well as arrangements for audio-video equipment and storage for CD or DVD.

Herve Soulard, territory manager for Gautier UK, said: "Products more natural in their finish are reinforced here by this stunning lacquer. The existing Wenge and white lacquer finishes complete the offer."

The new Manhattan TV unit can incorporate a wall unit, which produces a decorative and modern set up. "The curves of the unit add softness to the range's angular design. This TV bench is available in its basic from or with a panel. Mobility is the master word as castors can also be added. Three niches in the units allow the position of Hifi elements."

With the digital switch over rolling out across the country, it's worth remembering that many consumers are upgrading televisions to wide-screen, creating demand for both standard and wide media units, a trend that is set to continue for sometime and one that is set to keep the AV market switched on to continued expansion. (Excerpted from the United Kingdom's Cabinet Maker issued June 12, 2009)

Cover Stars

The beauty of fabric upholstery is more than surface deep

Fabric upholstery is enjoying a renaissance. With more companies producing more cover choices than ever before, this vital segment of the market is flourishing. And with UK manufacturers delivering superb quality and design features, the options for retailers have never looked so good.

Buoyant Upholstery is one of the UK's largest manufacturers of upholstered furniture. Established for over 100 years, Lancashire-based Buoyant Upholstery produces upwards of 1,000 suites a week.

With the benefit of an in-house design and development facility, Buoyant is, according to John Wakeman, the company's sales manager, very much in touch with current trend, in terms of both shapes and fabrics.

Milly is a new departure for Buoyant. A loose cover, transitional model in a washable cotton fabric, it has apparently received a great response. Tobago is a fresh design with stitching detail and a retro look. Fitted with Extraflex seating technology, it has a high-density seat cushion with a carded fiber top for added comfort and support.

For the traditional market, Woburn has a classic shape with elegant curved arms. Fitted with Duratech seat cushions, this is an innovative sales feature as the new environmentally-friendly fiber cushion is manufactured from plastic bottles.

Contemporary is also covered by Buoyant. Bari is a clean design with solid timber feet in a choice of finishes. Available as a standard or pillow back, it is available in a wide variety of stylish, durable fabrics.

Contemporary is also taken care of affably by Ercol. Alcamo is a distinctive yet clearly "Ercol" collection of modern design sofas and easy chairs. The high quality upholstery and hardwood interior frame ensures that it has excellent comfort and functional attributes.

Good looks are not compromised as comfort is high on the agenda for Ercol; while a solid beech show wood frame gives a stylish finish to the furniture and comes in six different wood finishes. The company has over 100 fabric options to guarantee that customers are able to create just the image they are looking for. Price pointed as an affordable range, it is available as a large sofa, small sofa and an easy chair.

Affordability is a critical factor and one that the majority of companies include in their portfolio as a strong selling tool. Feather & Black, upholstered bedroom furniture specialists, emphasize this point, along with the fact that all items are crafted to exclusive designs. And, with the benefit of a UK factory, the outfit can also help customers achieve a truly unique look with bespoke designed headboards, valances, upholstered beds and chairs. Personal fabrics can even be used to match existing furnishings.

Quality, comfort and style form the core of Forest Sofa's product design and build. Therefore it's no surprise that two of their newest models-the Latino and Rico-match these criteria exactly. These models are part of its new designer fabric collection and are available in a variety of contemporary covers from suppliers such as Romo and Mode.

The Latino's cushions come with a FIRA gold award winning Duratech(tm) fiber fill as standard. Not only are these cushions incredibly comfortable, but they are also made from 100% recycled material.

Rico comes with an individual coil-sprung base and deep-fill cushion interiors to ensure a luxurious sit. Both models feature an innovative fish mouth spring system, creating a soft and comfortable feel.

"We manufacture quality products of a commercial design and provide our retailers with point-of-sale material which is refreshed every six months with new designs and styles," states managing director Dave Foster.

What is most heartening about the fabric upholstery market is the level of dedication, both in terms of the extent of the quality and the perseverance to push forward. Karl Walker of Lebus comments that the real center of his business is the design and development department.

"We also believe that diversity of product is a key; it allows us to offer model from very traditional right through to highly contemporary. This means our stockists can buy various looks from one source," he states. "Shape and complexity gives us a unique handwriting; consumers appear to respond positively to the looks we create."

"The market now demands a constant stream of new, fresh looks on a regular basis. We have to constantly push innovative looks through the business; it is a formula that appears to work for us. Even in this climate we are currently producing around 3,500 pieces of upholstery per week," Walker continues.

Heartening news indeed and evidence that there is reason for renewed confidence. Relaxateeze has recognized and embraced the increase in demand for fabric upholstery. In the occasional club chairs market, the company has already been manufacturing their best-selling models in fabric options.

"We have brought out models such as Torino, Venezia and Roma," says Gavin Douglas, head of group marketing (Morris Group). Adding: "And there are new models like Milano-with a stunning black-on-black fabric design. New textures in crushed velvets produced the Angelo models, already a best seller, along with colors in burgundy, black, brown and green. These are seen in the Sandro, Mario and Apollo models."

Swivel recliners with matching footstools were next in line to be recreated in fabrics as Relaxateeze introduced Saleno, Supra and Alto. "We introduced inspiring new textures and colors in rust cream and brown," says Douglas.

Recliners have had a makeover, with Como and Capri in grey and mink, plus the Florence lift and tilt model in a dark brown.

Sutcliffe Furniture is a family-run (the Mitchell family) business and has been established since 1887. "We trade under the names Sutcliffe Furniture, White and Newton and a combined name, White and Newton Contracts," says Wendy Dunmore, marketing manager. "We manufacture both upholstery and cabinet furniture."

"Our market is middle to high end," she adds. "Show wood is the real wood frame/trim that is exposed. Collection come with a choice of finishes, such as teak, mahogany, European cherry, American walnut and also natural finish for a lighter option."

"All of our sofa collections have a selection of chosen fabrics, but domestic customers are able to choose from out Master Swatch in stores that currently contains 70 different fabrics," Dunmore continues.

Tailored Vasari is a new show wood sofa collection. Soft curving frame lines are seen on the seat pads. Features include a high back finish with a contemporary single row of buttons.

"The Abbey collection was inspired by our success of producing that 'extra' chair-the fireside chair. Ideal for smaller interiors and for those looking for a supported back, this pretty two seated sofa and fireside chair is a neat addition to our range," Dunmore adds.

Stressless (Ekornes), although well-known for leather, also manufactures fabrics sofas and recliners. While all the designs retain the same quality components, attention to detail and high comfort factor, fabric options certainly provide a further dimension for the brand.

Stressless Space high and low back sofas and armchairs demonstrate this perfectly; in either a classic or traditional setting. Duncan Box, marketing manager for Ekorne, says: "Customers are still learning about out new fabric ranges and they tend to fall into two categories: those customers who already know us for previously using leather only and now want our recliners in fabric, and totally new customers who only want fabric upholstery, but want all the benefits of Stressless."

Four contemporary fabric ranges: Natura, Cocoon, Oasis and Placidus offer warm and luxurious plain fabric flat weaves and soft velvets. They can be used on selected sofa and armchair models including Paradise, Arion, Classic, Space and Wave. All recliner modes can also be covered in fabric.

Fabric upholstery is not limited to sofas alone. Spina demonstrates versatility and adaptability of creating awe-inspiring luxury lifestyle accessories, furniture and lighting.

By selecting some of the finest materials, crystals, stones and trimmings and putting them together in a totally unique way, Spina has reinforced its reputation as "accessory couturiers for the haute-home market".

Spina's house-style is instantly recognizable; usually through their trademark tassels and fringing. In the last few years the company has also expanded its product portfolio to include poufs, throws, and lighting designs.

Evidently, the resourcefulness of the fabric upholstery in the UK market is vibrant and enticingly active. With so much choice and attention to detail, retailers have an abundant supply of fresh and innovative designs to update and enrich the shop floor, at all levels. (Excerpted from the United Kingdom's Cabinet Maker issued July 10, 2009)

A Nice Mover

Motion upholstery has all the right moves to be a strong and consistent seller

Lift, tilt or recline; motion upholstery has all the necessary features to attract strong sales. With benefits that can be demonstrated on the retail floor to draw in consumers' interest, the latest models are now an important aspect of the burgeoning upholstery sector.

Natuzzi's Clyde furniture collection features a range of motion options. With a classic, robust feel, it has been designed exclusively with comfort in mind. The range is available in a huge variety of options; from a single armchair to a sectional corner unit with chaise longue.

The wide selection allows for maximisaton of space in the home without compromising on style or comfort. For the ultimate in elegant relaxation, a manual or electric recline function is available on all versions except the chaise longue, ensuring that where comfort is concerned, the Clyde is king.

Combine this function with the movable headrest; it can be adjusted in both height and angle to ensure complete support of the back. The design is stylish with simple clean lines and attention to detail. This is illustrated by the option for contrast stitching and piping around the arm.

Natuzzi identifies that individual options are an important option for its customers. Clyde can be personalized in hundred of different color leather combinations and in varying grades of leather, depending on lifestyle requirements.

If the preference is for fabric, there is also a wide array of colors, patterns and textures to contrast or complement the home environment.

Relaxateeze, too, specializes in motion upholstery. A best-seller throughout the UK, Avanti is one such model which continues to attract due to its range of colors, price point and style. "When looking for full top grain leathers the Clara is one of a range of models which meets the bill and comes with a choice of bases including natural mahogany finishes," says Gavin Douglas, head of group marketing.

Relaxateeze is part of the Morris Furniture Group. Over a century old, the group has spanned three family generations and has been offering quality of design, planning, manufacture and service since 1904.

By popular request, Sherborne has introduced a full range of large Lynton pieces to match the large recliners and large lift and rise recliners. "These have always been a key part of this exceptionally popular range," says Chris Fort, chairman and managing director of Sherborne Upholstery.

"To offer even more sales opportunities we are also adding to the range a fireside chair and high seat chair, together with matching two-seater settees. This brings the number of modes in the Lynton range to a staggering total of 20," Fort adds. "Not only that, but as always all the reclining pieces are available with the full choice of finger-release catches or large handles, powered options with handsets or switches and rechargeable powered versions with the same two choices."

Creating comfort in living furniture has been the focus of the Ekornes (Stressless) story for the past 30 years. Besides making a top of the range selection of recliners, its high and low back sofas, chairs and footstools all have reclining or tilting mechanisms too.

Every detail of a Stressless recliner is designed to make the body as comfortable as possible; from the headrest through to the whole body support system. Many are available in small, medium and large sizes.

Stressless recliners are available in four leathers and four plain contemporary fabric ranges. The latest models-Jazz and Blues-are extremely contemporary and their glossy image adapts to a wide variety of settings.

This year, further models of Stressless sofas have been introduced in two options of size including the medium or large seat Paradise. The seat depth, adjustability and option of high or low backs stay the same, but the width is adjusted.

Several Stressless sofas can also be arranged modular fashion with the choice of a medium or large corner section. In addition, the sofas can be a combination of a two or three seater mix, with high and low backs.

Ekornes has also developed a number of seating options that are perfect for the "home cinema" room look. These can be linked using a sector unit or corner table, to give a streamlined seating area.

Sectors have in-built armrest tables for drinks, snacks and remote controls. Again, care has gone into the dynamics of the seating functions to ensure correct lumbar support and ultimate comfort throughout viewing.

Complementing existing upholstery ranges, Ercol has three recline models, which are high on versatile style. Cortona, with smooth lines and a smart finish, is a modern design which best suits a home office environment. As its name suggests, Modena offers a fabric option. The smooth styling, synonymous with the brand, is presented in a light, fresh interpretation.

With a slick, sophisticated look, the Gina recliner is built from solid ash on a steel chassis. An award-winning model, it allows for synchronous movement between the seat and the backrest. Promoting the natural angle between the upper and lower body, the seat is kept at virtually the same height while the back reclines. (Excerpted from the United Kingdom's Cabinet Maker issued July 24, 2009)