Lauren Brooks Collections by Vanguard To Show Four Lines At High Point

Furniture World Magazine

Taking her love and passion for all things beautiful to heart, self-taught furniture designer, Lauren Brooks, is taking the furniture world by storm. Lauren Brooks, whose real name is Kathy Imes, is an unprecedented furniture designer of upscale collections. The collections are inspired by her family and are the result of a distinctive creative process that grow into designs of lush textures and rich combinations of colors and patterns with touchable and inviting shapes. In looking at the diverse furniture line, it is difficult to describe the uniqueness of each piece. The products are functional and comfortable, luxurious and adventurous; elegant and stately, while touched with a funky sense of drama; genuine and soulful, while at the same time inviting and fun. They are genuine and intuitive; elegant with attitude; wholesome with a dramatic flair; distinct and diverse; spirited and magical and so much more. “The designs are fresh and exciting. They represent the loves and passions that pour from the wellspring of my mind. All my designs leap into my head, almost like a vision… I can look at most anything as a starting point and grow a new design that elicits feelings of comfort, familiarity, friends and family,” said Brooks. Perhaps this is why Lauren Brooks’ mission is to create and deliver beautiful and timeless products that embrace the heartfelt image of home and family. Starting with the first Lauren Brooks store in 1991, she has created a complete collection of case goods and upholstery in honor of her adventuresome spirit and love for the hearth of the home. The furniture appeals to the high-end consumer who enjoys the glamorous yet highly functional aspects, as well as consumers who identify Lauren Brooks as treasured heirloom pieces. Named for her four children, each grouping has its own personality, tying together both romantic and masculine touches to create the ambiance of a home. “My children are my inspiration. Each line is a celebration of the essential beauty and character of each child,” said Brooks. The four lines include; Shelby, which reflects sophisticated elegance in an old world manner signifying a life well-lived; Michael David, which communicates distinguished taste through rich tones and glamorous fabrics representing all things fine; Seaney, which displays irresistible charm with a playful mix of patterns and texture contrasting rugged masculinity and simple grace; and Abigail, which warms the heart with whimsical and surprising appeal that is all her own. Brooks, a self-taught expert in color, texture, fabric and design, is driven by a purpose and passion that has not gone unnoticed since taking the furniture industry by storm. Notable design resources such as Home and Garden Television have recognized her fresh and provocative approach that offers a timeless antique-like collectible look with a flair for today’s modern living. The pieces range from a round photo table with pop-up easels and photo slots, to grand beds with swooping curves, to sofas and chairs with exotic leather and funky fringe, to sumptuous bedding and pillows. “Because my ideas are not produced from a formal training process, neither is my approach. I think in highly visual and three-dimensional images that come into my head with clarity and speed,” continues Brooks. “I have learned it is wise to follow my instincts. Therefore, I don’t follow trends. I don’t look for current color or shape popularity. I create a fusion of colors, patterns and fabrics that feel right. They come to me like a gift.” Although her childhood was not idyllic, Imes pursued her dreams and has worked diligently to bring them to fruition. “I learned the value of hard work at an early age, learning to honor deadlines, commitments and my sense of humor. Her goal is to create full collections in all home accessory areas so buyers can create a “Lauren Brooks” feel in each room of the home. In addition to her furniture collection, Lauren Brooks has already established her own line of trims with Expo International, a rug line with 828 International Trading, and her own line of pillows and bedding. She has recently inked a deal for her upcoming ceiling fan collection with Fanimation. She is pursuing deals for her lighting and accessories as well. The Lauren Brooks collections of furniture are manufactured through Vanguard and available in more than 100 retail furniture locations throughout the country, including Louis Shanks, Horchow, Domain, Robb & Stucky and many others. The Lauren Brooks corporate offices are in Golden, Colorado. Collections will be shown at the upcoming High Point Show in April.