Archive for February 17th, 2006
You don’t have to give up lumber to live in a desert
By Scott Calhoun
Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona
When it comes to building materials for outdoor furniture in desert climates, wood is the redheaded stepchild.
Concerns about dry rot, termites and sun damage tend to steer people toward plastic, steel and aluminum — materials that look good but lend themselves to mass production rather than personalization. Which brings us back to good old wood. Yes, wood requires more upkeep in the desert than some other materials, but it also has big advantages for the do-it-yourselfer.
Consider: Wood is easy to work with; wood is cheap; wood does not get scorching hot in the summer sun; and wood can be painted bright colors to match almost any garden décor or house trim.
On Tucson’s Southeast Side, Penny Pederson needed some sturdy, cheap furniture that could be built by volunteers and painted bright colors by children for the Civano community garden. She found plans for simple furniture that could be made entirely out of standard 2-by-4 lumber. Adult volunteers built the furniture, and children painted with patterns from Joan Miró and Georgia O’Keeffe paintings.
“We were really pleased at how it turned out,” Pederson says. “It is simple and handmade, just like the rest of the garden.”
Other Tucson homeowners have taken classic outdoor furniture designs like the Adirondack chair and customized them for the Southwest. Duane Bateman, a Tucson resident and former professional carpenter, found a plan in Sunset magazine for a clean-lined chair called the Sunset Chair.
“Except for where my dog chewed on a leg, the chair has been outside for over five years with minimal maintenance. I just primed and painted the chairs after I first built them,” says Bateman. Plans for the Sunset Chair are available free on the Internet.
New York City’s beloved Wave Hill garden offers plans for modern-style Adirondack chairs that look smart on contemporary desert patios. Based on a 1918 design by the acclaimed Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld, the Wave Hill chair is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Massachusetts-based garden book editor Carleen Madigan Perkins — a twentysomething who describes herself as an “enthusiastic novice who knows how to operate power tools” — built a Wave Hill chair for her husband with little experience and minimal tools. Perkins says she enjoys making furniture because “it’s usually less expensive, definitely more creative, and, if it’s a gift, I feel like it’s appreciated more. I also love the smell of wood.”
● Scott Calhoun is a local freelance garden writer.
February 17th, 2006
HIGH POINT, NC —
Leather Italia USA has recently leased showroom space in the Atrium Furniture Mall located at 430 South Main Street. The building has been successfully transitioning from strictly retail to a wholesale/retail showroom concept with wholesale tenant Leather Italia joining Sansegal – China and others.
Leather Italia is a premium quality collection of fine leather furniture, who is one of just a handful of the better leather manufacturers that grade and finish their own raw leather hides. Only premium grade Italian top grain leather is used and the frames exceed the industry standards for quality and construction. Luxury automobile manufacturers like Mercedes Benz and Porsche use the same type of seating in their leather interiors.
Sansegal who is a supplier to the upper middle US market for Chinese manufactured bedroom, dining and occasional products was the first wholesale tenant in the building two years ago and has seen success with their 10,000 square feet. “The Atrium is the best value in the market,” says Chris Pfaff, General Manager of Sansegal, formerly CEO of Thomasville Furniture Industries. “All of our top retail and OEM customers visit because everyone knows where the Atrium is. Free on-site parking during Market makes it easy for them.”
Jim Wall, the Atrium’s building manager who landed the tenant says, “Being in business as long as I have—for 50 years in various aspects of the furniture industry—I know exhibitors will see the benefit of market to market leases for only $5 per market.”
“Our leasing strategy is to create an overall value proposition that gives companies a chance to make their showroom a profit center throughout the year doing both wholesale and retail out of the same showroom,” says listing broker Audie Cashion, President of Alpha World Properties, LLC.
About Alpha World Properties, LLC
Alpha World Properties based in High Point, North Carolina, is a highly personalized, commercial real estate brokerage firm focused exclusively on fast-track marketing, property and site location, and sale leaseback transactions. As a native of High Point having extensive international furnishings experience (exporting fine furniture such as Drexel Heritage, Henredon, Lexington, and Thomasville among others to Europe, the Far and Middle East for 12 years) and living abroad, Audie Cashion is dedicated to the dynamic and smart growth of the Piedmont Triad and North Carolina, while serving the needs of the furnishings industry. www.AlphaWP.com
Media Contact: Audie Cashion, 336.886.8899, AudieCashion@AlphaWP.com
February 17th, 2006
— Furniture Today,
He succeeds Wahlman who is now CEO
SOMERSET, Ky. — Donald R. Smith has been named president of Ultra Shield, an international supplier of home furnishing protection products and warranty services.
Smith most recently was vice president of Guardian Northeast, a distributor of Guardian Protection Products, for 10 years, covering Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. Previously, he was national trainer for retailer Value City in Columbus, Ohio, where he began his career as a store manager. Smith was also affiliated with Simmons Mattress and Bassett Furniture.
“Don has more than 38 years experience in the home furnishings industry,” said CEO Randy Wahlman. “Combined with his knowledge of the warranty service business, he’ll be able to grow with Ultra Shield in responding to the significant increase in retailer interest in our products and services.”
Smith succeeds Wahlman as president of the company, which Wahlman created in 1987.
February 17th, 2006
By: Furniture World Magazine
Service Lamp Corporation announced that Top Furniture ordered a Janmar track lighting system for their new store now under construction. By installing an energy efficient lighting package Top Furniture will receive a rebate from the utility and is likely to qualify for a tax deduction under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
Donna Goodrich, co-owner and manager of Top Furniture, said that her main objective was to have a great looking store. “We saw an installed system and the store looked great. We knew we wanted that kind of presentation for our customers.” Co-owner Kurt Tourangeau agreed. “We did not want to choose solely on a rebate and have too much glare or bad color.”
Top Furniture’s new, full line furniture and appliance store will serve a large trading area in the Northern White Mountains from their new location in Gorham, NH. The 30,000 square foot showroom and attached distribution center is scheduled for a grand opening April 20. The present Top Furniture store has begun liquidation sales in preparation for the move.
Janmar’s track lighting system is unique in the lighting industry. The ceramic metal halide lamp used in Janmar track heads greatly increases light output when compared to halogen but consumes only 44 watts. The PAR30 sized head also has a unique Janmar color filter to give light from the metal halide lamp the warm look of incandescent, a highly desirable quality for merchandise presentation.
Top Furniture’s lighting design uses fewer track heads than would be needed in a halogen system. The combination of lower watts per head and fewer track heads brings the Top Furniture store in at 1.2 watts per square foot for the sales floor and office areas. That translates into savings of one million kilowatts per year for the New Hampshire retailer.
Service Lamp Corporation designed lighting for the sales floor and distribution center and shipped the fixtures and lamps for installation. Service Lamp has designed a number of stores using the Janmar Logic-6 system including the 150,000 square foot Furniture Mall in Manchester, NH and several stores in California.
“Janmar gives us the footcandles we need for merchandise presentation and the economy we need to comply with state energy regulations,” according to Monte Lee manager of Service Lamp’s High Point office. “California’s Title 24 and other state regulations almost preclude using medium base halogen lamps. The Janmar CMH system is our best choice for those states.”
Utility companies offer rebates for Janmar fixtures using ceramic metal halide lamps because the store can’t substitute less efficient bulbs. Energy efficient bulbs generally carry a premium price. “Even though the cost is paid back in energy savings stores often ‘go cheap’ on replacement bulbs. Power companies don’t want to give a rebate for lower consumption only to have it go away after the store opens. The Janmar fixture doesn’t have that problem and commands a rebate of $90 per head in some cases,” explains Lee.
Monte Lee will discuss lighting design, code compliance and the benefits of efficient lighting at the NHFA Retailer Resource Center ® (IHFC-M1210) during the April 2006, International Home Furnishings Market in High Point.
Service Lamp, headquartered in Voorhees, NJ, is a distributor of lighting products specializing in the furniture industry. Through a regional office in High Point, North Carolina, Service Lamp is supplier to National Home Furnishings Association, has national accounts with furniture manufacturers, and supplies Top 100 retailers and independent furniture stores. Service Lamp uses fixtures from Janmar Lighting and other quality suppliers in their lighting design.
February 17th, 2006
By Nandhini Sundar
The decor of a bedroom depends on the size of the room, and has to necessarily reflect the age of the occupant, keeping in mind the budget available.
Bedrooms are certainly personal spaces and hence have to be designed accordingly. The decor of a bedroom depends on the size of the room, and has to necessarily reflect the age of the occupant, keeping in mind the budget available.
A large bedroom to be occupied by young working couples houses a lot of scope for experimentation and introduction of new concepts. The theme can be contemporary, minimalist or ornate, reflecting the preference of the occupants. It is important to decide on the concept first and then work accordingly.
A large bedroom allows a lounge area which can have wooden seating arrangements with a chaise lounge, complemented by coffee tables, a planter in the corner and floor lamp to allow lighting in that section alone. Having a floor lamp in the lounge section of the bedroom makes sense especially when one of the occupants decides to stay up and read without disturbing the other.
A wooden entertainment unit would blend well into this setting. Some china can be displayed to add character to this section. Display of a set of family photographs would lend warmth. A silk rug should complete the picture.
The bedding could come as a four-poster bed. Crystal night lamps can be placed on either side of the bed.
“It is preferable to use light coloured fabrics if the wood is dark,” says interior designer Aarti Sud. “A large painting behind the bed, like a canvas, would give a rich look to the decor. The smaller paintings can come on the rest of walls. Silk rugs on either side of the bed would complement this setting.”
A smaller bedroom will not allow the luxury of a lounge area. When there is a budget constraint, metal beds make a good option. Alternatively, a metal-wood combination would be a sensible option.
Says Mrs Sud, “the TV stand could be wood, the dresser metal and an accompanying chair wood. This saves on cost and at the same time breaks the monotony of metal.”
Carpeting
Wall to wall carpeting in a bedroom should be avoided as it can harbour dust and cause allergies. “It is best to use smaller rugs where necessary. This facilitates easy maintenance while ensuring hygiene.”
If the occupant is a senior person, the furniture in the bedroom would have to be designed and arranged accordingly. The cot and the mattress should not be too low, as it would prevent the user from getting out of the bed easily.
The accompanying chairs too would have to be at the right height and incline to facilitate easy movement.
The most important aspect to be attended to here is proximity. “Things should be reachable, close at hand, so that the older occupant is not necessitated to move too far to reach things,” says another interior designer, Satish Naik. “The furniture too should be placed to enable free movement.”
The wardrobes, besides being easily accessible from the bed, could also have specially designed upper shelves that can be reached easily, “with a pull-down design.”
The children’s room requires a completely different approach to accommodate growing years. If two children were to occupy the room, it would be best to go in for bunk beds. “The important thing here is to ensure maximum space for the children to move around,” says Aarti Sud.
If cost is a factor, metal bunk beds can be resorted to. The study table too can be metal to match the bed. But if cost is not a constraint, wood is a good option. Wood gives a richer look to the decor.
One side of the room can be devoted for storage. “The whole wall can house the cupboard, providing storage space for books, toys, sports equipment. Even the study table can be worked into this section so that the rest of the area is free for the children to move without hindrance,” says Sud.
It is best to laminate the wood with colours as this provides easy maintenance while lending colour to the room. Drawers can also be provided under the bed. This gives extra storage space without eating up the room space.
There should be no rugs but only durries. “Durries are easy to wash and allow children to sit on the floor and play.”
Floor lamps are strictly prohibited here. “All lighting should be on the wall and ceiling with just one table lamp on the study table. Floor lamps can be easily knocked down by children when playing,” warns Sud.
All the furniture in the room should necessarily have rounded edges to prevent children from injuring themselves. “The accent should be on providing minimum furniture,” she says. It is best to ensure that this furniture is not heavy so as to prevent injury. There should be no mirrors outside but tucked into the dresser to avoid accidental breakage.
It would be a good idea to design furniture such that it grows with the children. Currently, there are chairs and tables available in leading lifestyle stores that can increase in height when inverted.
Again some of these tables are designed to serve as chairs for an older child. Similarly, storage spaces can be designed to accommodate changing requirements over the years by providing adjustable shelves.
The writer can be contacted at E-mail: nandy6488@yahoo.com
February 17th, 2006
By: Furniture World Magazine
WoodMac China (forestry and woodworking machinery & supplies), together with FurniTek China (hardware & furniture manufacturing accessories)
and WoodBuild China (wood veneers & wood products) will take place from 27 – 30 June 2006 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Pudong.
A total of 380 exhibiting companies from 12 countries and over 16,000 trade buyers will be looking for business partners during the four days of the event. The machinery hall for WoodMac includes top Chinese manufacturers of primary to tertiary woodworking equipment from all over China. In the wood product hall of WoodBuild, two of China’s largest brands for panel boards and flooring will head the Chinese displays and make their presence felt not just as sellers at WoodBuild, but also as buyers from WoodMac China machinery exhibition.
Dare Global and PTP Group are two of the country’s biggest buyers of panel board making machinery. “As a major industry player, it is important for us to participate in WoodBuild China as part of our marketing plan. We have supported the event for four consecutive years and have found the exhibition a great platform for making new contacts and developing new business deals. At the same time, we are interested to source for new equipment and technology at WoodMac to add on to our existing facilities,” shared Mr Zhou Li, Manager – MDF Products, PTP Group. Dare Global will also be showcasing their range of panel, 3-ply wooden floors and laminated floors.
Also featuring flooring products at WoodBuild China will be a group of companies from Peru. Exhibiting with Prompex Peru (Commission for Export Promotion), these companies are keen to explore the market in China as well as the surrounding region. “We will have 20 Peru companies exhibiting with us. Most of them are new to this market and are very excited about the business leads the event will provide them. Taking part in the exhibition is an effective way for the companies to test the market response to their products, specially for new varieties of tropical hard wood and at the same time close some business deals,” commented Mr.Juan Carlos Rios, Commercial Consul of the Consulate General of Peru in Shanghai.
Mr Brendan Jennings, General Manager of organiser China International Exhibitions said, “It is pivotal for us to hold FurniTek and WoodBuild alongside WoodMac China. We cover a good segment of the supply chain of the woodworking industry and our exhibitors can be ensured of a good base of high quality and targeted trade buyers.”
Alongside the exhibition is a series of seminars on forestry, panels, timbers, furniture exports & manufacturing as well as flooring. The seminars are organised by the Chinese Academy of Forestry, China National Forestry Machinery Association, China Furniture Industry Information Centre, Shanghai Timber Industry Association and the Shanghai Building Materials Industry Association – Flooring Committee.
About the organiser: China International Exhibitions Ltd, a member of the Allworld Exhibitions Alliance has had a fully staffed office in Shanghai since 1994. Its stable of events include industries such as food & beverage; hospitality & retail; packaging; processing; pharmaceutical technology; brewing technology; woodworking technology; furniture manufacturing and accessories; wood & wood products. For more information, visit www.chinaallworld.com.
February 17th, 2006
CLEVELAND —
There’s no better place than your patio to express your personal style. Design expert, author and do-it-yourself television personality Kathy Peterson suggests fun-filled themes and bold color combinations for painting outdoor furniture. “Outdoor spaces are often the backdrop for entertaining, so consider strong, vivid colors for sunny spaces, or metallics that dazzle in the moonlight.”
To demonstrate, Peterson used Krylon(R) Outdoor Spaces(TM) spray finishes to create four distinctly different looks with the same outdoor furniture pieces. These satin, metallic, textured and hammered paint finishes offer lasting beauty in designer-inspired, coordinated color palettes, so you can infuse your favorite outdoor space with colorful whimsy or refined sophistication, whatever suits your fancy.
Island Dreams
Dreaming of an island lifestyle? Peterson paired Outdoor Spaces Mango Satin with Watermelon Satin to punch up plain wood with Key West colors. Accessorize with decorative pillows and batik throws then sit back and sip a pina colada. For fabric furniture cushions, outdoor rugs and tablecloths, use Outdoor Spaces UV Fabric Protector to protect against fading from UV light, while repelling rain, moisture, spills and stains.
Precious Metals
Indoors and out, black is becoming more popular in decorating as consumers are becoming more sophisticated, while hammered metal finishes add warmth and a global dimension. For the ultimate in outdoor elegance, Peterson suggests teaming Outdoor Spaces Hammered Black with Metallic Copper for furniture pieces, while accessorizing with Hammered Platinum candleholders.
Country Retreat
Try combining Outdoor Spaces Brick Satin and Earth Satin with natural materials and warm, inviting textures. Textured Khaki accessories such as the pitcher, topiaries and a woven rug add interest to complete the look.
Garden Oasis
Outdoor Spaces Satin Lime and Satin Moss celebrate nature’s palette and giving outdoor furniture a cozy, cottage garden feel. Carry through the garden theme with accents of outdoor statuary, birdhouses and potted, flowering plants.
Outdoor Spaces Satin, Metallic, Textured and Hammered spray finishes may be applied directly to metal with no primer. They are ideal for use on previously painted surfaces or wood, metal, wicker, pottery, ceramic, glass, tile, drywall, or masonry and are available at craft, hardware and home center stores. For inspiration and more home improvement hints, visit the Krylon website at www.krylon.com.
February 17th, 2006
– Furniture Today
Second Asian deal for company
FALL RIVER, Mass. — Quaker Fabric has signed an agreement to distribute microdenier and velvet sueded fabrics from Korea’s Daewoo International to the furniture industry.
It’s the second Asian deal in as many months for Quaker, which in January signed an agreement to source fabric from Hangzhou Zhongwang in China.
“Teaming up with Daewoo is important to us because, for the past several years, imported leather and microdenier sueded products have been costing us substantial sales in the domestic market,” said Larry Liebenow, Quaker president and CEO. “This is our chance to recapture at least a portion of that business. …”
He said the company remains committed to “strengthening and growing” the business in Fall River as well.
February 17th, 2006
By: Furniture World Magazine
Nationwide Marketing Group, the largest buying and services organization for appliance, electronics and furniture retailers in America, has gained three new large dealers that left the MARTA group. Combined, the three retailers have more than $150 million in volume and 67 stores.
Nationwide announced that Schewels Furniture, Olinde’s, and Grand Appliance and TV have joined its $10 billion organization.
Robert Weisner, Executive Vice President of Nationwide, said, “We look forward to working with these major retailers that have built strong reputations in their markets for many years. They are respected, growing dealers, and we believe that Nationwide can help them grow even stronger.”
Ed Kelly, President of Nationwide, said Nationwide “will demonstrate to these new members many of the benefits our organization offers at PrimeTime!, its semi-annual buying event February 26 through March 1 in Las Vegas. We welcome them as new members and look forward to having them attend what promises to be the best ever PrimeTime! event.”
Grand Appliance & TV, headquartered in Libertyville, IL, has eight stores in northwest Illinois and Wisconsin. Founded in 1930, it was a member of MARTA for eight years.
Olinde’s, in business for 120 years, is a seven-store chain in Louisiana specializing in furniture, electronics and appliances. It was a MARTA member for 12 years.
Schewels Furniture, headquartered in Lynchburg, VA, has 52 stores in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia specializing in appliances, TVs, and furniture. In business for 109 years, Schewels Furniture was a MARTA member for 20 years.
Nationwide Marketing Group is the nation’s leading independent appliance, electronics and furniture marketing group. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, Nationwide Marketing Group has approximately 2,500 members throughout the United States – independent retailers with more than 7,000 storefronts and $10 billion in annual sales. The fact that it is larger than all competing groups combined provides members with unprecedented marketing advantages. Its members receive from Nationwide the products, services, and buying power necessary to remain competitive in today’s highly competitive retail environment. Nationwide Marketing Group, founded 35 yeas ago, hosts two premier buying conventions each year – PrimeTime! – that draw thousands of retailers and major manufacturers. These events feature nationally-known keynote speakers, provide education programs through PrimeTime! University, and allow retailers to see new products and talk directly with manufacturer representatives. The next PrimeTime! will be at The Venetian in Las Vegas Feb 26-March 1.
February 17th, 2006
By: Furniture World Magazine
American Furniture Warehouse’s President and CEO, Jake Jabs, has recently been honored by both the Metro North Chamber of Commerce, which serves one of the fastest growing regions in the state - four counties just north of Denver, and ColoradoBiz magazine, one of Colorado’s top business publications. At its annual gala earlier this month, the Metro North Chamber of Commerce presented Jabs with its Businessperson of the Year Award.
Nominated by the Chamber’s general membership, the award was presented to Jabs for his outstanding commitment to the Metro North region and the businesses located within it.
American Furniture Warehouse’s Thornton Super Store/Warehouse one of the company’s largest locations and is one of the largest businesses in the region served by the Metro North Chamber. In addition to being honored for his business contributions and success, Jabs was also recognized for his outstanding track record of giving back to the community through his work the hundreds of Colorado non-profit organizations he supports each year.
In addition to the Businessperson of the Year Award, ColoradoBiz magazine has ranked American Furniture Warehouse the largest family-owned enterprise in the state - taking the number one spot from Coors Brewing Company. The honor is bestowed upon the company that has the largest number of employees and that is controlled by a single family, with family members active in management. American Furniture Warehouse employs 1,600 people throughout the state, and Jabs’ immediate family has been active in the company since it was founded in 1975.
“Of course, I am always proud when our contributions and continued growth are recognized like this, but I have to say that even if we never received any accolades, providing our customers excellent service and giving back to the community would always be two of our top priorities. Not only because doing so is good business - but because it is simply what we love to do,” Jabs said.
About American Furniture Warehouse: Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, American Furniture Warehouse is Colorado’s largest furniture company. Founded in 1975 by entrepreneur Jake Jabs, the company has grown year-over-year to become one of the top furniture retailers in America and one of the largest privately-held businesses in Colorado. With ten locations in metro Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs and Pueblo, American Furniture Warehouse provides quality, stylish and affordable home furnishings and accessories to customers throughout the state. American Furniture Warehouse is actively involved in the community and the company contributes time, monetary support and in-kind donations to hundreds of non-profit organizations each year. The company and Jabs have received numerous awards and honors including Colorado’s Top Company Award, the National Home Furnishings Association Retailer of the Year, Colorado Easter Seals’ Champion Award and Muscular Dystrophy Association Humanitarian Award, among many others. For more information, please visit www.jakejabs.com.
February 17th, 2006