New April Market Styles And Fabrics For Norwalk

Furniture World Magazine

What best describes Norwalk's April 1998 introductions? Sophisticated ... but unpretentious ... and above all, comfortable! You will see an emphasis, in both Norwalk and J. Raymond, on styling that addresses the continuing trend toward furniture that's for living, Once again, we have found it pays to listen. As a result, you will find a chair-and-a-half and ottoman added to the Sonoma group. And by popular request. the Laguna and Milford silhouettes will now offer sofas and loveseats. Finally, you will see new "demi" sofas in the Morro Bay in fabric and leather, ten inches shorter than current sizes. Norwalk features four new sofa-based profiles. The Avanti reveals definite European inspiration, and is sleek in fabric and leather as well. We have chosen it to showcase unique new faux suedes and metallic leathers. The Amelia offers another sumptuous profile, always slipcovered, like last season's Jasmine. Down and fiber cushions and ultra-sofa back pillows will be standard. Also featuring a standard slipcover will be the Chatelane available just as a small sofa, approximately six feet long. We anticipate this will be frequently sold in pairs. The Palais sofa will be the most architectural of the group, featuring six exposed legs, and lots of pillows and bolsters. Cover application will define this versatile style. Sales of occasional chairs continue to be a growing part of Norwalk's business. Five totally unique chairs, the Marquis, in a real mohair; the Morris, an authentic Arts and Crafts/Mission reproduction; the Garbo, in a leather that will amaze you; the Tilbury, always slipcovered; and the Tanner. the perfect "cigar" chair, will be presented, with all but the Tilbury available in fabric and leather. Finally, the perfect "lifestyle" recliner appears in the Lindsey. In J. Raymond, six new sofa groups will appear, with five offering sleepers. The Manchester combines high-back styling, with an American traditional theme. The Bennington offers comfortable pub-back styling, while luxurious semi-attached back comfort is available in the Richfield. Two versions of the extra inviting Rosedale are available, with loose back pillows. Finally, the Danbury will offer fashionable "life-style" lines, at a starting price point. 160 new fabrics and leathers will portray three strong color themes for this season. First, the strength of red continues, but now it is described as salsa. paprika, terra cotta. umber, or clay. By any name, it is even warmer and more inviting than ever. The purple family has evolved into amethyst this season. A little bluer than the plum coloration of previous seasons, amethyst combines beautifully with crisp tones of apple green. The third color family to make a strong statement this season, led by apparel, is brown. These browns combine beautifully with mid-tones, especially straw hues and the salsa reds. Fashion ... color ... value ... excitement! You will find it all in the Norwalk and J. Raymond showrooms! Norwalk welcomes members of the media and retailers at 215 South Main Street, on the second and third floors.