Laneventure Invites You To Experience Tuscany… Just Outside Your Back Door

Furniture World Magazine

Laneventure, a leading premium indoor-outdoor furniture manufacturer in the U.S., is partnering with Frances Mayes, the author of the number one New York Times best seller Under the Tuscan Sun, to bring the feeling of an Italian terrace to life with the introduction of the “At Home In Tuscany” outdoor living collection. “At Home In Tuscany” will feature 15 seating, lounging and dining furniture pieces with decorative accents inspired by the Tuscan garden style. “Laneventure recognizes the growing interest in bringing the Tuscan way of life into the home through cuisine and home décor. It is a natural fit to work on Laneventure’s new line with Frances, an American who lives and breathes Tuscany,” said Art Thompson, CEO of Laneventure. “She has put her Tuscan experience into words for us to read and enjoy, and we are so pleased to have her also translate her experience into the new collection.” In November, the Laneventure design team began conceptualizing the collection, by traveling to Italy and embarking on a personal tour with Mayes through the Tuscan region. The team experienced the culture and witnessed first-hand the beauty of the area’s landscape and how the locals enjoy the outdoors in Tuscany. “The experience in Italy and Mayes’ expertise will influence the collection’s design direction,” added Thompson. “At Home In Tuscany” will feature complementary items made of iron and teak with accessories such as olive jars, urns and a statuary mirroring the beauty of Tuscany’s pottery. An iron gazebo will be the centerpiece of the entire line. The outdoor furniture line will have custom fabrics with traditional Tuscan colors such as soft greens, golds, rose, coral or terra cotta. “Many of my favorite memories of Tuscany include time spent lounging on the terrace under the shade of a neighboring tree, planting geraniums in pottery along our terrace’s wall, or grilling a traditional Italian meal for guests outdoors,” said Mayes. “The Tuscan garden is an extension of the home, and it is a pleasure to unite my passion for Italywith Laneventure’s outdoor living expertise to create a collection inspired by the Tuscan garden style.” The collection will be first introduced at The International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market in Chicago in September 2004, and will available to consumers for purchase in early 2005. Frances Mayes is the author of three best-selling books aboutItaly. Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun was adapted by Miramax in 2003 for a movie starring Academy Award nominee Diane Lane. Lane®venture, one of the leading premium indoor-outdoor furnishings manufacturers in theU.S., has positioned itself as the leading marketer of outdoor living environments.For more than 30 years, Laneventure has offered the best in casual furniture for inside, outside and all around the home. Laneventure creates lines for designer and national names including Raymond Waites, Cabana Joe and Eddie Bauer. Laneventure is a division of Furniture Brands International (NYSE: FBN). To learn more, visit www.laneventure.com.