Many showrooms at the High Point Market this week are proving that manufacturers are ready to go where they haven't been in a few years.
From a fabric palette that includes everything from vintage-inspired prints and electric hues to new customization programs and a variety of ship options, upholstery suppliers are upbeat and excited about the market, and their positive outlook is shining through on the floor via daring showstopper pieces.
One of the must-see market showstoppers is Parker Southern's Longhorn sofa. Lodge meets high fashion in this piece with embossed turquoise leather details, longhorn front arms and a skull accent on the back. The piece retails for $7,899.
"This is an extension of our line as we have always had leathers and fabrics that lean to the western/cowboy styling," said Kim McRee, marketing director. "This item is definitely a niche that can attract the buyer for a lodge home or ranch out west."
Another showstopper is Capri, Dorya's navy blue lacquered sofa that retails for about $12,968.
"This is an extension of our Contemporain collection," said Megan Perry Yorgancioglu, creative director. "It fills the need for customers looking for a unique wood-framed sofa and can be done in any of our 20 lacquered finishes. It is a formal, yet functional and transitional piece."
Pearson is showing customized upholstery pieces along with its standard upholstery line.
"Our heritage is as a custom upholstery line," said Jennifer McConnell, vice president of design. "Pearson upholstered pieces have always been available in any of our finishes, fabrics or in a customer's own material (COM), and we have traditionally offered a wealth of trim, cushion filler and length, skirt and feet options. In recent years, we have received far more requests for truly one-off pieces."
Kincaid's focus for spring market is "more than you think." Company officials said the new Studio Select upholstered collection has been created on a smaller scale and is ideal for smaller living spaces. Kincaid is also expanding its line of Sunbrella fabrics.
"Our retailers who have adopted the Sunbrella program are reporting great results," said Max Dyer, vice president of marketing. "Consumers are looking for easy-care lifestyles, and with the new Sunbrella styling, they can have the aesthetic they want and not have to worry about messy adults, active kid or pets."
Broyhill is adding seven stationary pieces, including Milo, a large, modern sectional.
Norwalk's Charlotte sofa has deep T-shaped seat cushions, modified scooped track arms and tapered wood legs accompanied by two full-length lumbar pillows for $1,899.
"The Charlotte is an extension of our product line and gives buyers an elegant, fashion-forward sofa with luxurious comfort," said Reyna Moore, vice president of marketing and merchandising. "All you have to do is sit on this sofa and you can see that it has a winning combination of style and comfort."
Henredon's Serpentine sofa is a showstopper that works in formal settings as well as sophisticated casual areas. It starts at $5,600.
"Buyers are eager for upholstered pieces with elegant shapes in smaller scale and proportion, while still maintaining the clean lines," said Marketing Director Jane Bender. "The Serpentine sofa is exciting because of the scale and unique shape of the piece. The sweeping lines of the sofa call to mind the dramatic and sinuous forms of the 1930s, and it is as beautiful from the back as it is from the front."
Palliser's showstopper is not an individual item, but more of a buying and selling concept, according to Marketing Manager Jessica Smithson.
"With over 200 styles and more than 300 cover options, the path to making buying decisions and placing great products on retail floors is not always easy to travel," Smithson said. "Large showroom presentations can sometimes.
