TCHFM, The Canadian Furniture Market, Releases Show Information

Furniture World Magazine

__________________________________ The Canadian Home Furnishings Market Fact Sheet: __________________________________ Site: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4V 1E8, (near Pearson International Airport, Toronto) Produced by: Quebec Furniture Manufacturers’ Association No admission outside the official dates or times. Admission only to adults and children over 14 years old Area: 700,000 square feet (70,000 square metres) Who and what: Nearly 400 exhibitors: home furnishings, bedding, lighting, decorative accessories, juvenile furniture, and appliances (Halls 1 to 6), plus related goods and services (on the mezzanine). More than 70 permanent and outside showrooms. Eighth edition of Trends Display (Hall 5). Special events: • Friday, January 12, at 6 p.m.: Kick-off Cocktail Party (Hall 1, Main Entrance). Sponsored by Furniure/Today • Saturday, January 13, at 6 p.m.: Trends Display 2007 Launch Party (Hall 5). Sponsored by Furniture Style. • Sunday, January 14, at 6 p.m.: Canadian Home Furnishings Awards 2007 Gala. Organized by the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers’ Association. Info and reservations: (905) 677-6561. __________________________________ The Canadian Home Furnishings Market: brimming with vitality at 35 __________________________________ The upcoming edition of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market is all set for January 13 to 16, 2007, at the International Centre in Mississauga, near Toronto. This 35th-anniversary edition of the show is shaping up to be more dynamic than ever, following in the footsteps of the Canadian furniture industry by taking a fluid approach to recent shifts in the marketplace. The Canadian Home Furnishings Market is unique among furniture shows - a very smart business proposition that provides an overview of the entire industry. Showcasing the country’s most complete and varied range of home furnishings for the retail market, this year’s show will feature 700,000 square feet of great products from nearly 400 exhibitors, including more than 70 permanent and outside showrooms. In this era of pervasive technology, direct contact between manufacturers and retailers remains the most effective way to do business. Visitors will appreciate the human scale of the Toronto show, which provides a host of opportunities to meet and greet colleagues in a highly professional yet relaxed atmosphere. When retailer meets manufacturer – a win-win scenario On the eve of the show, at 6 p.m. on Friday, January 12, in Hall 1, exhibitors and visitors are invited to attend the Kick-of Cocktail Party, an ice-breaker sponsored by the weekly trade journal Furniture/Today. On Saturday, January 13, visitors and exhibitors again rub shoulders at the Trends Display Launch Party in Hall 5 at 6 p.m. Wineglass in hand, this is the time to admire the latest Trends Display, expressly designed to give retailers inspirational ideas for showing off stylish new pieces on the store floor. Fourteen display windows equals fourteen terrific room settings full of smart ideas. And this year we have something really special to celebrate: the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market! Come and mark the milestone at the Launch Party, courtesy of Furniture Style magazine. On Sunday, January 14, the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers’ Association invites everyone to salute the winners of the Canadian Home Furnishings Awards. Guests will start to gather at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton at 6 p.m. Winners’ names will be announced during the dinner. The CHFA has added a new award this year, the Canadian Retailers’ Choice Award, which goes to the Manufacturer of the Year, elected by retailers from coast to coast (to vote for your favourite manufacturer, go to www.canadianhomefurnishingsawards.ca) __________________________________ Spotting the top trends for 2007 at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market __________________________________ The 35th edition of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market is fast approaching. The dates are January 13 to 16, 2007, and the place is the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Nearly 400 exhibitors will be flocking to the show from Canada and other countries to launch their latest collections before they’re released in the consumer marketplace. This is the event that brings the whole industry together, and the perfect place to check out all the trends for 2007 – everything that’s new and noteworthy in home furnishings. Hint: style and comfort are written all over… On the style front, anything goes Many collections feature contemporary style, as expressed in pared-down silhouettes, free of decoration, warm and relaxed in mood, along with transitional, the perfect blend of past and present. Traditional furniture is back in force, with period pieces in traditional style reinterpreted for today. Some collections have a retro look, with distinct echoes of the 1980s and the Scandinavian influence. Mixed-and-matched styles and influences are the buzz – it’s not unusual to see one piece with a contemporary profile and another with a traditional flavour in the same collection. Customization, versatility, flexibility – all reflect a totally contemporary design esthetic. Customized, supremely flexible furniture Consumers crave comfy, personal, casual rooms – and more than ever, they want practical, flexible pieces. Manufacturers, large and small, have clearly taken the point, designing furniture with great customization potential and flexible features. For example, consumers can choose their wood essence, colour, dimensions, the shape of the base, and so on. There’s a vast selection of fabrics and leathers to choose from, and modular, shape-shifting sofas and other models are quick-change artists. With flat-screen TVs selling like hotcakes, we’re seeing some great new wall units with custom features galore. Storage is a major focus this year, and there’s a great profusion of occasional pieces that boast innovative storage solutions. To mention just a few great finds, look for chairs that turn into beds, storage cleverly concealed in sofas, ottomans, tables, and beds, armoires with all sorts of storage options, modular systems and units… you get the picture. Colours and finishing details: texture, shading, “back to nature” Dark wood finishes remain firm favourites, but we’re also seeing a slow return to a palette of lighter finishes – warm browns and reddish tones. Grey, extremely popular on the fabric front, also appears as a finish on wood pieces. The wood grain shines through this season – opaque finishes that mask the true nature of the wood are gone. In wood and fabric alike, textures and shading are all the rage. Wovens top the fabric hit parade, along with corduroy, cotton, and wool. Plain fabrics are extremely popular, but graphic motifs and stripes are making a strong entrance. Living-room pieces combine plain and graphic fabrics, different textures and colours. And speaking of colour, neutrals and earth tones lead the pack: cream, beige, sand, pale or dark grey, and tan – not to mention the whole range of warm browns. To add a welcome touch of colour, look for melon, apricot, strawberry, bright pink, pale yellow, fern, and khaki to come on strong in 2007. Trends that emerge from currents in today’s society make one thing very clear: in 2007, consumers care less about perfection and luxury, and more about quality and feeling a “personal connection” to products for the home and flexible, artistic pieces. Wellness and serenity are strong values that translate beautifully in home design. __________________________________ Furniture in the spotlight at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market __________________________________ For the past eight years, the Trends Display, a creative concept that gives retailers inspiration galore for showcasing furniture in their store windows or floor displays, has been a major drawing card for industry visitors to the Canadian Home Furnishings Market. The displays, which focus on furniture made by exhibitors at the show, provide proof positive that following a few important ground rules is a great way to maximize impact and attract consumers. For André Caron and Pierre d’Anjou, the expert duo who’ve been producing the Trends Display since day one, there are four fundamental rules to follow for rave reviews: choose a heme (romantic, playful, country, urban, etc.); find a focal point – a visual centre, the kind of thing you see in paintings, creating a harmonious composition that’s balanced by the arrangement of accessories; colour is key – it’s the central aspect of your composition; and last but not least, don’t forget the lighting – the best way to create a sense of drama. The 14 windows to be unveiled at this year’s show are based on an organic concept that visitors can discover from various viewpoints. Two sets of seven displays are arranged at an angle, with no separations except for four transparent panels. The overall concept is fluid and dynamic. Inside each display, the furniture, as always, plays a starring role, showcased in a setting that brings out its full beauty and character. __________________________________ Great furniture makes the bedroom an oasis of serenity __________________________________ In 2007, what consumers realy seem to crave is not so much perfecton andluxury as a sense of personal connection with their surroundings – and above all, a feeling of serenity. Bedroom furniture, preferably madeofwood, is beautifully pared-down and free of artifice. While warm, dark finishes and texures remain firm favourites, we’re seeing a strong return to reddish tones and rich, deep browns that let the wood grain shine through Here are some highlights from the terrific collections for the bedroom slated for unveiling at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market from January 13 to 16, 2007. Laurier’s Mirage collection is made of Sapelli wood, an exotic essence from Africa whose contrasting grain can be used to great effect. This elegant collection features eye-catching geometric handles made of stainless steel. The Nantucket collection from West Bros Furniture harks back to the historic island of Nantucket, evoking the warm touch of Cape Cod’s far away island and 17th-century architecture. The bedroom suite’s austere profile gives it a timeless feeling. The Bridgeport bedroom from Shermag is thoughtfully designed in an urban architectural mood, each component carefully linked to the others. The headboard, with delicate grooves that form a linear motif, features two full-height storage units. Meticulously executed in solid wood and cherrywood finish, Bridgeport is available in a range of finishes: smoke, wheat, rye, onyx, and sterling, with brushed nickel pulls. Valco makes its first foray into the contemporary arena with an adult bedroom set that’s all pared-down lines. The collection includes a platform bed, and customization choices include 16 finishes and seven knob styles. Valco hasn’t abandoned its roots, though – look for a traditional bedroom set in pine. The Lyric collection for the bedroom from Villageois has all the gracefulness of a dance step, stripped down to its very essence, the better to show off the meticulous details. The epitome of classic chic, the collection combines sophisticated lines and quality craftsmanship. Note the curvaceous lines and gently flared feet. The new Dakar bedroom suite from JLM Furniture comes in a luscious chocolate finish. The textured wood slats used as handles on the dressers cleverly echo the geometric design of the headboard. The Gabrielle collection from Visu is a tour de force of creative design, combining elegant curves (on the headboard) and convex curves (on the dressers and night tables). It all adds up to a distinctive collection with a touch of daring. Worldwide Homefurnishings proudly presents the Manchester collection, which includes three beds – one, a sophisticated bi-cast faux leather model in a textured matte chocolate finish. AP Industries has added a new double dresser to the sleek, sophisticated Le Nouvel Art collection in a rich Manhattan cherry finish, the elegantly curved base topped by a designer wall-hung mirror with wood frame. AP’s elegant, comfortable Ameican Journal collection includes a double dresser with matching mirror – a super storage unit, with rows and rows of drawers, large and small. The Loisir bedroom by Eztia is a real looker. The platform bed features a hydraulic lift system that provides easy access to storage space galore. The gently padded headboard is perfect for reading in bed, and the whole collection comes in a warm cappuccino finish. Amisco’s contemporary Clayton bed comes in a dozen shades of metal, including grey, a strong favourite this season. The frosted glass insert on the headboard adds a certain “je ne sais quoi”. __________________________________ Casual conviviality in the dining room __________________________________ Mix-and-match styles and influences – even combining contemporay and traditional in the same collection – is a strong trend in the new collections for the dining room that will be taking a bow at the Canadian Home Furnishngs Market Today’s dining room is casualand laid-back, with tables that extend to accommodate guests – the more the merrier, in fac. Unpreentious entertaining is the buzzword for 2007. The Urbania collection from Midi, in solid birch, features an attractive steel-gray wiped finish that lets the wood grain shine through. Noteworthy details on the chairs include wide slatted backs and traditional feet curved behind. The StLaurent collection offers a fresh take on traditional, with a large triple-door dresser, carved double pedestal on the table, and fine slats on the chairs. The ultra-convivial Moderna collection features a gorgeous deep bourbon finish. The trellis motif on the chair backs is the only ornamentation on this straightforward suite. Dine-Art’s transitional dining set is the ultimate in urban living. Made of solid birchwood with a cherry finish, it beautifully bridges the gap between past and present. There’s a round table on a large carved pedestal, classic chairs with openwork backs, and a hutch with built-in wine storage. It all comes in solid birch with a cherry finish. Canadel’s exclusive Workshop concept lets consumers design their own dining room – model, wood essence and colour, fabric, dimensions, pedestal shape, and so on – from life-sized samples right in the store. And there’s a solid-birch bistro-style dining set that’s très chic, with tabletop in Zodiac, a non-porous material that’s virtually indestructible. The 1271 collection from Bermex includes a contemporary table with pleasing proportions and a traditional buffet, both crafted with care from solid North American birch. And how’s this for a charmer: a contemporary dining suite that includes a buffet with centre drawers and two glass doors on each side, plus chairs with wide slatted backs. Element Furniture Designs presents the Rotary extension dining table, with an attractive glass top and a thoughtfully designed extension mechanism that lifts and locks into place. The 9916 collection from Finnline Design comes in oak or maple, with a choice of double pedestal table, including two stowaway leaves and transitional chairs, or a single-pedestal round table with swivel-tilt and height-adjustable chairs. The 3100 collection, also in solid oak or maple, has that coveted Euro-style look that established this manufacturer’s reputation. The Bono table from Chair-Tech, which extends to a full 130 inches, can accommodate 12 to 14 guests. The wood tabletop comes in wenge and walnut finishes, and the feet are chrome metal – an intriguing combination. The curvaceous Fabio chair from Classic Loom Fine Furniture combines loom upholstery and chrome in one sophisticated statement. The chair, which would go beautifully with virtually any type of table, also comes with a leather front and with armrests. Reemka Imports believes in “making life stylish.” A case in point: a rustic oak table that extends to seat eight, with built-in storage space in the base and comfortable upholstered chairs that invite diners to linger at the table. Eztia proudly presents Ariel, a stylish two-tone dining set with a high-gloss wood finish and pewter handles. The buffet/hutch, server, and table stand all have the same elegant tapered silhouette, and the black leather padding on the chairs takes comfort levels to new heights. For the deck and patio Ratana’s St. Kitts collection, in contrasting black and brown, features gracefully curved arms and legs on chairs and table. The Arica outdoor dining set, made of resin and cast aluminum, is a true classic with an exotic touch. The braiding on the chairs cleverly counterfeits wood, and the collection comes with a choice of tables, 48” round or rectangular. Trica, the stool experts, have two great new collections for the patio, Island and Garden, in weather-resistant aluminum (the indoor version comes in stainless steel). Cut-out backs add eye appeal, and other options include armrests and cushioned seats and backs. Stools are available in two heights: 26" counter or 30" bar. __________________________________ Upholstered furniture – sectional, traditional, versatile, motion furniture… __________________________________ At the Canadian Home Furnishings Market, customization and flexibility are the top trends, as witness the super sectional sofas and shape-shifting models on the market today. Chair and sofa designs feaure built-in stoage space cleverly concealed in thebase, on the sides, or in the arms. Wovens top the fabric hit parade, along with corduroy, cotton, and wool. Plain fabrics are still extremely popular, but graphic motifs and stripes are making a strong entrance. Look for combinations of plain fabrics and graphic moifs, differen textures and colours. And speaking of colour, neutrals and earth tones lead the pack: cream, beige, sand, tan and pale or dark grey– no to mention the whole range of warm bowns. Flexible modular pieces The curvy Mix sectional sofa by William, in a textured grey, is poised on a delicate chrome metal base. The curvaceous configuration makes this a most distinctive model, also available in chair and sofa sizes. The resolutely contemporary Cigar Lounge sofa from Lucy Au leads a double life. By day, it serves as an inviting chaise longue; come nightfall, it opens into a double bed with a comfortable mattress – the stuff of dreams… The Casa collection from Palette Furniture provides the smart storage solutions consumers crave. There’s room under the chair and sofa seats to stash blankets and pillows, and in the arms for CD and DVD storage – the front pulls out like a drawer. And then there’s the Miami bench, poised on six slender feet, and Sierra, a chic chair with flared arms. A playful collection from Huppé includes an armchair, loveseat, and méridienne in organic shapes and great combinations of vivid colours. The armrest can be arranged to face left or right. The contemporary Jacob sectional from Van Gogh Designs Furniture offers generous seating, with low wide padded arms and an ottoman that can be used as a coffee table or footstool. Other models are also available in a broad selection of fabrics and leathers. Italdivani’s Pamela sectional offers multiple configuration possibilities. The pared-down profile is a real eye-catcher, and it comes in full-grain leather and a range of fabrics and microfibres. The Sabia collection is highly architectural, with a geometric base and broad, structured armrests. The Stressless Arion collection by Ekornes combines great contemporary looks and superior comfort levels, with a choice of high or low back. Available as a two- or three-seater sofa, it can also be combined with the new Midi Corner to create a stylish sectional. Ekornes also makes recliners in three widths to suit large or small physiques. With the addition of an adjustable ergonomic table designed to hold a laptop, the Stressless recliner turns into the Stressless Home Office. Classic chic Four new collections from Palliser showcase four styles, four approaches. For starters, there’s the casual urban style of Riverton. Celia is laid-back and accessible, while the Kingpin recliner collection is generously padded. Luna ‘s curvaceous half-moon shape is très chic. What all the collections have in common is incredible comfort, thanks to the premium Horizons frame. Jaymar’s Porto appears to be sculpted from every angle. Its design pedigree is impeccable, from the precision curvature of the arms to the custom-contoured wood base. The Vintage collection takes a leaf from contemporary European design – note the slightly lower base, right in line with the current trend. The 1680 collection from Sofa by Fancy is notable for its clean, straightforward silhouette, with seat, back, and cushions outlined in contrasting piping. The imposing and rather masculine 258 collection, in thick, cushy leather, would look right at home in an opulent setting. With wide armrests and large square cushions, it’s just the thing for the den. Romano’s Byward sofa appears to float over the delicate metal feet (also available in wood). The Platform collection, by designer Pierre D’Anjou, is a standout, with clean lines and laid-back allure, low seat and back, and extreme comfort levels (down and feather stuffing), plus throw cushions. The Modena collection from Via Furniture features high backs and deep seating for those who seek extreme comfort. It comes in Portofino, a supple full-grain leather with a wax pull-up finish that sets off the natural qualities of the leather, as does the decorative stitching. Model 0622 from Dynasty Furniture has great eye appeal with clean lines. It comes in a versatile mushroom colour, with multi-coloured striped pillows. Noteworthy features include the wood base and clean, straightforward silhouette. The latest models from Dynasty feature retro flair. The Paige condo sofa in cream, with narrow arms, is just one of the models Stylus is unveiling at the show. There’s also the urban Link chair; the Diaz sectional sofa with a built-in méridienne section; and the Lexi chair, a classic with rounded back and arms picked out in decorative studs. Motion furniture The elegant Woodbridge collection by Coja is poetry in motion. The collection includes sofa, loveseat, and chair recliners, featuring the Legatt & Plat recliner mechanism with zero wall clearance. It comes in 100-plus custom leather colours. The sleek multipurpose Vania chair from Crinar reclines, rocks, and swivels, and features a patented flip-out footrest and lever-free recliner mechanism. The collection comes in a range of styles and colours, all designed to meet the comfort needs of the most discerning consumer. Dutailier has added a new collection of Scandinavian-inspired recliners to its vast product range. With a soft reclining system and 360-degree swivel mechanism, the new models meet Dutailier’s exacting standards at an excellent price/comfort ratio. There are three different models to choose from in three leather options, each with a matching ottoman. Demare Gliders presents two new chairs that glide, swivel, and recline. Designed by Julie Larochelle, both models feature beautifully balanced proportions and a simple mechanism – all it takes to set the recliner in motion is a one-time tension adjustment. And be sure to check out three elegant upholstered chairs and ottomans that rock, swivel, and recline, with a no-sag seat support system. This collection is designed for sales over the Internet and for stores that prefer not to keep an inventory; delivery’s a snap via FedEx or UPS. Pel International, which makes metal glider chairs that rock, recline, and swivel, will be unveiling a collection of great-looking chairs in the “non-rocker” category, at attractive price points. Pel’s R&D department has come up with three unique systems: a 12-inch rocking system that feels like an old-fashioned rocker, an extremely durable multi-position reclining system, and a lifetime-lubricated Nylatron swivel system. The Romeo recliner collection from El Ran is a true classic with original touches. A case in point: the square armrests that appear to box in the seat for added comfort. It’s a true urban classic, generously padded for comfort to the max. For deck and patio Zen from Futé Design comes in indoor and outdoor versions, both with brushed stainless steel frames – the indoor version made of hand-woven paper rattan and the outdoor version of synthetic fibres. Both incarnations are specially treated so they can be safely left outdoor year-round, regardless of the weather. Cathay Importers 2000’s Gardenia collection for the deck and garden includes chairs with or without arms, round and rectangular tables, and seating that adjusts for sunbathing or snoozing in the shade. The collection is made of acacia, a highly resistant and durable hardwood from South Asia with a beautiful rich grain in contrasting shades of pale yellow and brown – a warm, exotic look. Ratana’s Lewisburg Living collection, in all-weather woven wicker, is equally at home indoors or out. Pieces include a club chair, loveseat, ottoman, coffee table, and end table, all with that great braided look that adds such warmth and texture. Boca Rattan introduces four new “outdoor room” groupings made completely of PVC woven wicker, designed for dining and lounging. Chairs feature worry-free weather-resistant acrylic and spun polyester fabrics. The synthetic materials bear a remarkable resemblance to rattan and wicker, but are much more durable. American Home & Patio is introducing an elegant and exotic collection that’s designed for deck living – and for the great indoors. Look for a collection of stylish armchairs set on a mahogany base, accent chairs made of sea grass, and chaise longues for the deck with moveable arms. __________________________________ Juvenile furniture and accessories adapt to meet the child’s changing needs __________________________________ In the juvenile furniture and accessory sector, represented by a number of manufacturers and distributors attending the Canadian Home Furnishings Market, the focus is on flexible, multipurpose pieces – quick-change artists that fill various functions and grow up with the child. Warm wood tones sport colour accents on panels, facades drawers, and frames. The topcolours righ now are ladybug red celery green, sunflower yellow, and blue. The supremely flexible Alex collection from Dutailier has great customization potential – for a quick change, just switch the padded panels on the headboard or footboard, which come in several great colours. The collection also includes an armoire with doors, drawers, and shelves designed to stash electronic equipment – TV, computer, and video games. The colourful two-tone Cubino kid’s chair from Monte Design Group is très cool, sturdy and comfy, with a removable machine-washable cover. Perfect for curling up with a good book or watching cartoons on TV. The 9000 collection from Morigeau-Lépine grows up with the child. Clever options include a changing table that turns into a mirror and a crib that turns into a daybed or double bed – just add the guard rail, arrange the storage shelves differently – you get the picture. The equally flexible 2800 collection comes in two-tone colour combos with an eggshell finish contrasting with the blue, orange, mustard, or green for a vibrant look. Logiq Space has devised a clever concept called logIQ kids – sharp combinations of components and elements with traditional, contemporary, and modern styles that include high-tech features. The new line gives consumers the opportunity to mix and match, as parents and kids work together to create a great living environment that won’t strain the budget unduly. As the child grows, other pieces can be added to reconfigure the room for each new age and stage of life. AP Industries presents four new cribs: Lollipop, which converts into a junior bed or daybed, comes in weathered white or black and cottage white; Nanucket, which turns into a daybed, comes in antique white, weathered black, cherry, and sand dune; Louis, which turns into a daybed, comes in cottage white, cherry, and caramel; and Irish Coast is available in country and African twilight finishes. Canwood’s Base Camp LShaped Loft puts the “fun” in functional. The ultimate space-saving kids’ bedroom combo includes chests, dressers, a desk, and bookcases that make maximum use of space under the twin or loft bed. Sierra, constructed in solid Canadian Lodgepole pine, comes in a full range of sizes for kids and grownups – how’s that for flexibility? Sierra headboards can be combined with cases from the Erika and Apex country collections, all with that popular rustic look. The 0922 collection from Ideal Furniture is meticulously made of solid birch and veneer. The collection includes bunk beds, a sailboat bed, standard bed, computer desk, hutch with doors or drawers and built-in changing table, and other pieces – all in three great colours: amber, honey, or two-tone amber/honey. Drawers are fitted with safety stops. Accessories for the juvenile market Pim Pam Po imports and distributes Primo Baby and Litaf Indusries products with reassuring safety features. A case in point: Pick Up, the all-purpose “hitchhiker,” attaches to the stroller so an older child can go along for the ride, standing or sitting. Eurobah, the first “smart” bath, has a unique anatomical shape that keeps baby in the ideal position for bathing. As the baby turns into a toddler, he or she can safely sit in the bath with the safety post in position. Kushies Baby presents ultra-cute playwear collections for girls – Funky Flowers, in a soft colour palette for spring, and for boys – Lil’ Aviator, in bright colours based on an aviation theme. And then there’s Stracrobats, which gives kids a chance to create their own circus, fostering imagination and coordination skills as they play. The zippered storage bag does double duty as a magnetic staging platform. Dodo Magic, a division of Colimaçon International, designs great linens for the nursery. There’s the Carreaux collection in blue and green, Maracaibo fuchsia in exotic shades, the retro Marguerites rouges, Joy in vibrant colours and motifs, the urban chic of Graffitis bleus, and Wave Fuchsia, which coordinates with plain avocado sheets for a fresh look. __________________________________ Manufacturers of entertainment units make creative use of space __________________________________ The growing popularity of plasma TVs has inspired manufacturers to design ultra-flexible entertainment units – many in modular form, the better to suit consumers’ preferencesand needs. Here are some must-sees at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market. The contemporary Ultimo collection from Laurier includes a wide range of components – everything it takes to assemble an avant-garde home theatre unit. A flat-screen TV can be mounted directly on the back panel (kit sold separately). The unit, in black oak or Maya veneer, has space galore for equipment, with sliding glass doors, interior LED lighting, plus multiple entry points for wiring. The modular Wynona collection from Visu is the epitome of avant-garde design, a functional yet esthetic way of organizing audio-video equipment and accessories. The Rosalia collection is another real stand-out, with discreet full-width shelving for CDs. Note the original shape of the base. The unit comes in various combinations of maple veneer (a dozen shades) and high-gloss finish (choice of eight colours). West Bros Furniture presents a Louis-Philippe style plasma/LCD console that’s all gracious curves and delicate mouldings, astutely combining period style with contemporary features, such as media trays and adjustable shelves. The TV can be top-mounted. South Shore Furniture presents the Vintage entertainment unit – reassuringly retro in flavour. Amply proportioned, with attractive mouldings, it’s large enough to hold a plasma screen, books, CDs, knickknacks, and more. Smart ideas from Buhler include the Richmond, Burnaby, and Cascade corner entertainment units and the Malibu and Monerey credenzas. These multifunctional units include an electric fireplace and storage for wine, knickknacks, CDs, and a flat-screen TV or other equipment. In western oak or Merlot maple, the classic elegance of these collections makes them winners in every department. Touch of Country Home Products makes some great armoires in traditional 1800s French Country style, designed to accommodate today’s electronic equipment. Hand-made by expert craftsmen from 7/8-inch thick solid white pine, complete with tongue-in-groove backs, they come in seven colours with an exclusive weathered finish. The finishing touch is wax, lovingly applied by hand for a truly distinctive appearance. __________________________________ Accent pieces, accessories, and light fixtures add personality to any room setting __________________________________ Various collections spotted at the Canadian Home Furnishings Market are clearly Asian-inspired, with China and Indonesia as prime sources for both tradiional and conemporary styles. Another trend is the capacious modular storage units tha have been sucha hiin Europe for years Over in the lighting departmen, white textured shades are in with trendy coloured glass or chrome bases. Colibri Art Design will be unveiling four great new accent chairs with pared-down silhouette and an exotic look, from Indonesia. In genuine or peeled rattan, the chairs put a tropical twist on contemporary. And then there’s a retro braided armchair in three colours, brown, green, or natural. From Delias Canada, a practical European-style modular storage system that comes in a number of attractive styles, colours, and options. Consumers can choose modules with different sizes, doors, drawers and so on – even the popular walk-in closet – to maximize storage space. The bright red Del Sol chair from Kinetic Living Concept features a shell made of reinforced fibreglass covered with polyester fibre and foam core, upholstered in wool/nylon bouclé, set on a chrome steel rod base. On the “rediscovered classic” front, look for the Anti chair by Charles and Ray Eames, with a moulded fibreglass seat on a steel wire base, plus the Chera table by Isamu Noguchi, with a round pastille base supported by interlocking, steel wires. Collection A-2000 presents the chic Andrew accent chair, with birch mouldings on back and arms, plus the original Rainbow chair. The stackable Dalida accent chair is all dressed up in removable back and seat covers – perfect for the dining room, as extra seating elsewhere in the house, or alongside the Incognito console table, which comes in console, games table, accent table, or dining-room versions. Worldwide Homefurnishings introduces a sleek Asian-inspired trio, the Shantou collection, with a console table, wall mirror, and side cabinet that can be used together or as separate pieces. Iondesign Furniture Marketing will be bringing along some great new items, including a jumbo square coffee table in birch, with divided storage space underneath; the Asian-inspired Yoshi sideboard, with traditional lines and broad mouldings; a stripped-down sideboard designed for a Zen environment; and a French-provincial style armoire that comes in an ebony or white finish. A classic bookcase in the old-fashioned vein from Antiques 2000 can also serve as a breakfront. It’s hand-crafted from reclaimed pine, with Corinthian columns between the glassed-in sections and a frieze. The finish is highly distinctive and the piece is definitely top-of-the-line. The Padma accent chair from Chair-Tech and matching ottoman are all dressed up in corduroy – a fabric that’s in great favour at the moment due to the comfort factor. The round EG drinks trolley looks like a little glass table on rollers – cocktails, anyone? Bethel International will be bringing all sorts of items to the show, to wit armoires, three-drawer chests, and a bath sink with marble top. Decorative yet practical, these original pieces are entirely covered in antiqued mirrors, the wood painted in a gold/bronze wash. The overall effect would enhance virtually any style of decor, especially traditional. The new Kenton electric fireplace from Dimplex is a compact classic with clean, uncluttered lines and contemporary flair, making a sophisticated statement with a deep espresso finish, or in medium oak or white for more traditional environments. And then there’s the Carlyle electric fireplace – designed with harmonious traditional elements, simple carved pilasters, and a luxurious granite-look base for a graceful look. Lamps and accessories The new collections of lamps from Gen-Lite Industries revisit the candelabra concept, with a contemporary twist, as reflected in details like sheer shades, clear glass strands, and chrome- finished bases. Slim Boy from Sundial reflects the latest trends in lighting with its distinctive burnt amber glass base and beige striped shade. It’s also available with a black drum shade. There’s also the BlueSky table lamp, with a round blue glass base and tall shade in chocolate circled in blue, and the Bubble model, with a round translucent glass base and white shade, and the Rainforest, similar to Bubble but for the base, which comes in a trendy green. Korson imports accent pieces from around the world in a great range of period styles. The latest lamps belong to the Distinctive Accents by Stein World collection. Ornamental lamps in luxurious materials go beautifully with sideboards from the same collection, or from the new Provence collection of accent furniture. Shaw Living presents the elegant Timber Creek carpet collection, with more than 30 rugs inspired by popular wildlife artist Phillip Crowe that meets strong demand for rustic outdoor themes in home decor. Randomlane/Oakdale Décor goes beyond the mat-frame-glass recipe used by most framers, with treatments that become novel design elements and create a real impact. __________________________________ Choosing the right mattress – an investment in good health __________________________________ The bedding sector is constantly evolving, and the Canadian Home Furnishings Market provides a fine forum for this dynamic industry. Consumers – especially babyboomers – are now willing to spend more on bedding, opting for top-of-the-line products that offer customized comfort and a reliable warranty Today’s savvy consumer realizes tha buying a mattressmeans making an investment in good health. The Cirrus airbed from Ther-A-Pedic – a new mattress category that’s really taking off for the company – features double compartments, each containing three microprocessor-controlled air chambers. Separate levers on each side of the fully finished bed adjust for extra comfort at the leg, torso, and head levels, with a choice of 75 comfort points per air chamber. A built-in pump responds to levers on either side. Dreameasy by Foamco presents the customized Luxury Bed collection, which gives consumers the option of selecting a different level of firmness for each side of the mattress by remote control. Mattresses are covered with a quilted wool/silk blend and come with a reversible (summer/winter) pillow top. The super-soft memory foam moulds perfectly to each sleeper’s body contours, and all components are waterproof and rip-resistant. Hypnos targets the contemporary mattress market with a new collection that turns the traditional deluxe mattress on which the company built its reputation into something a little different – affordable as always. The new foam-free mattress is made with nothing but the finest of natural fills and a high coil count – 1,000 in queen-size. Zedbed, manufacturer of the Zedmatic adjustable beds and Zedpur mattresses and pillows, proudly presents the new Fuzion Grand Confort mattress collection, with a new formulation of Zedpur materials designed to relieve pressure points. Two new pillow models, the Euro T and the Paris T, plus new adjustable beds, complete the line-up of new offerings at this year’s show. Dream Star Bedding continues to expand its range of mattresses, from low-end to high-end price points. The latest product is the popular five-pound Visco Elastic Memory Foam, which shapes to the body for heavenly comfort. The soft-touch fabric zips off for easy washing. The Comfort O Pedic Memory Foam also comes with a semi-flex box spring. Caber Distributors, Canadian distributors for Protect-A-Bed, Sleeplogic, and Comfor-Pedic, will be featuring all product lines at the show. Comfor-Pedic is a luxurious lifestyle line with advanced engineering. All beds feature a Patented EdgeTM support system, a visco-elastic comfort layer with Comfort Advantage®, a ComfoechTM base, and Flame Shield® fire-retardant technology. Caber also plans to launch the revolutionary NUVÖ Sleep System with a unique movable base.