The Vintage Collection Debuts During April Furniture Market United House Wrecking’s Collection Targeted to Designers/ Antique retailers.

Furniture World Magazine

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, Connecticut-based home furnishings expert United House Wrecking, Inc. (UHW) is expanding into wholesale arena with its launch of The Vintage Collection during the April 2004 High Point furniture market. The Vintage Collection is an exclusive furniture assortment that blends the beauty of centuries-old antiques with the function required by today’s lifestyle. It is the cornerstone of UHW’s debut in High Point’s 2004 International Home Furnishings Market, held April 22 through April 29 in that North Carolina city. The firm, which was founded in 1954, will display in its European Pavilion showroom, 215 Hamilton Market. In all, the Vintage encompasses more than 100 pieces. UHW executive Ross Lodato, Jr., whose family started the business, said that his product development teams are committed to maintaining the integrity of original design and finish while incorporating discrete modifications to insure the furniture’s fit to today’s demands. “Eighty percent of each item is authentic, original antique,” Lodato said. “The blend between antique and retrofitted sections is barely discernible. The magic begins when an original antique is enhanced into a more functional item while still maintaining its Old World look.” Elaborate and ornate French-styled antique beds highlight The Vintage Collection. “Each bed is unique,” Lodato said. “The antique designs, which traditionally do not adapt to US sizes, have been enhanced to include king and queen sizes.” Lodato, a UHW partner and 2nd generation in the business, said, “Even with our vast connections around the globe, buying has become more difficult. The difficulty is in locating items at reasonable prices that will help our customers fulfill their decorating needs. We still handpick much of our antique inventory. Our “Vintage Collection” is the next best thing!” While new to the High Point furniture market, United House Wrecking is an established home furnishings retailer, specializing in offering items imported from over fifteen countries and salvaged from beautifully-appointed turn-of-the-century homes. UHW’s inventory of furnishings and accessories is as impressive as it is extensive: A beautiful eighteenth century armoire; unusual antique mantels; Victorian doors; stained glass windows, and even a claw foot bathtub. The Lodato family started United House Wrecking as a demolition business in 1954 when New England houses were dismantled to make way for Interstate 95. UHW teams salvaged doors, mantels, stained glass and other architectural remnants of value. Consequently, the store became a haven for unusual items with character, and expanded to include the entire contents of homes. With over two acres of garden decor and over 40,000 square feet of retail space, it's no surprise customers’ travel to United House Wrecking from all over to decorate their homes. Their selection is as diverse as the countries they buy from and the clients to whom they sell. Their client list reads like a who’s who in the fashion and entertainment industry and enjoys celebrities such as Faith Hill, Kathy Lee and Whoopie Goldberg as customers. The firm has been featured in hundreds of magazine publications and television programs, including “This Old House” with Bob Vila and “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” UHW has also been an inspiration and source for set designers of many television programs and feature films. Last summer, designers from the new, ”Stepford Wives” film, starring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick, enhanced their movie sets with many items purchased at UHW. Its reputation as the place to go for unique and original home decor items attracts a diverse clientele. Based on early reviews and pre-market showings, Lodato is excited about the April market. “The Vintage Collection has already been given high marks from the design trade and in test markets and showrooms,” he said. “United House Wrecking’s 50 year history is the foundation upon which this great collection is based.”