NeoCon World's Trade Fair

Edited by Karen D. Singh -- Interior Design, 8/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

NeoCon's gray lady

Steeped in gray—accented by a few other well chosen colors—Emanuela Frattini Magnusson's Askew line for HBF Textiles marries traditional imagery to a contemporary aesthetic. Reflecting this double duality are Mac, a sprightly tartan in Zeftron Context solution-dyed nylon; and unpredictable Blip, with brightly colored dots on a polyester-rayon background. 900 12th Street Drive NW, Hickory, NC 28601; 828-328-2064; hbftextiles.com. circle 311

Brayton

A spirited and stylish trio of female designers combined their talents—and their savvy—for the 3 Women collection of contemporary lounge pieces. High notes of the debut include Pamela Light's maple-topped Calm table and contemplative Thoughtful chair, Laurinda Spear's undulating Ripple bench, and Alison Spear's curvaceous Circa line of modular seating and tables. 250 Swathmore Avenue, High Point, NC 27263; 800-627-6770; brayton.com. circle 312

Bernhardt Furniture Company

Jeffrey Bernett's Balance collection has a nomadic streak. Comfortable in corporate spaces, residences, and hotels, these lightweight seats and tables beg to be rearranged. The sleek sofa and armless lounger—which can be custom upholstered—both come with optional tablet arms. Also available are a bench in three lengths, a six-castor stool, and two styles of maple tables in a variety of finishes. 1839 Morganton Boulevard, P.O. Box 740, Lenoir, NC 28645; 828-758-9811; bernhardtdesign.com. circle 313

Nienkämper

Courtesy of sophisticated styling, Vox Office has more business class than Continental Airlines. The workstation features mobile pedestals, integrated cabinets, and height-adjustable project tables for easy reconfiguration. Choose from a range of finishes. 257 Finchdene Square, Toronto, Ontario M1X 1B9, Canada; 800-668-9318; nienkamper.com. circle 314

Epic Furniture Group

This manufacturer's softer side comes to light in the Bay collection. Designed by Gianni Marconato and Antonio Zappa, the low-to-the-ground lounge system features generous seats. The solid steel legs come in a satin-chrome finish, and custom upholstery is available. 6301 NW Fifth Way, Suite 3600, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309; 800-211-4004; epicfurniture.com. circle 318

Lees Carpets

Like a high-performance textile for the floor, WovenSquare MTX carpet tiles have a distinguished jacquard patterning highlighted by metallic yarns. The collection of vinyl-backed 24-inch tiles encompasses three patterns in eight colorways. 500 TownPark Lane, Suite 400, Kennesaw, GA 30144; 800-523-5647; leescarpets.com. circle 315

CCN International

Classically proportioned Tocotta case goods exhibit precision mitering and meticulously hand-matched grain patterns. Each unit can be specified with up to three different types of wood, none sourced from a rain forest. Choose from 16 stain options. 200 Lehigh Street, Geneva, NY 14456; 315-789-4400; ccnintl.com. circle 316

Arpa

Check out Retro Woods, a refined collection of high-pressure decorative plastic laminates with beige, black, or white striping on a woodlike ground. Resistant to static, skids, and scratches, this high-style, highly durable flooring-grade material is suited to corridor walls, elevator cabs, and even boat decks. 132-91 Vantage Way, Suite 104, Jacksonville, FL 32218; 877-277-2669; arpausa.com. circle 317

Humanscale

Fluid and graceful, Liberty offers quite a few bells and whistles, too. Three mesh back panels conform to the user's contours, providing extremely accurate lumbar support without exposed devices or manual adjustments. 11 East 26th Street, New York, NY 10010; 212-725-4749; humanscale.com. circle 319

HON Company

Dilbert, begone. A 120-degree work surface in high-pressure laminate, Initiate is a handsome alternative that increases density and enhances interaction while banishing endless cubicles. Offered in a range of finishes. 200 Oak Street, Muscatine, IA 52761; 800-624-9212; hon.com. circle 320

Weiland Furniture

A new collection of angular seating and tables includes the jaunty Frame chair, featuring a multi-sectioned back and two-piece bent-plywood arms available in nine finishes. Choose among unlimited upholstery options. 13737 Main Street, P.O. Box 1000, Grabill, IN 46741; 888-943-5263; weilandfurniture.com. circle 321

Designtex

Inspired by masterpieces from the Guggenheim Museum, Singular Forms textiles bring artfulness to the contract arena. Testing at over 30,000 double rubs, the line includes the two-tone Paul Klee–inspired Surface in 100 percent polyester; puckered Cube, a cotton-polyester blend; and small-scale Point, a polyester-linen blend. 200 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014; 212-886-8200; dtex.com. circle 323

Metro

Change your office with Metro's flexible Topo system of storage units, desks, lounge seating, and partitions. Wood or plastic-laminate work surfaces shift 18 inches laterally and 3 inches vertically. Translucent mesh partitions' anodized-aluminum frames adjust within an 18-inch range. 7220 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621; 510-567-5200; metrofurniture.com. circle 322

Loewenstein

The Alphabet series of sofas expands with a low-slung version measuring 28 inches high, 36 inches wide, and 34 inches deep. The curved form can be upholstered in custom options. 1801 North Andrews Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL 33069; 954-960-1100; loewensteininc.com. circle 324

Bergamo Fabrics

Lori Weitzner's sultry silks for Sacho Hesslein exude a chic opulence. Available in numerous rich colorways, the line includes striped Echoes, solid Windrift, and Prairie, a large-scale check. 979 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-888-3333; bergamofabrics.com. circle 328

Allermuir

Mark Gabbertas has introduced Tommo, a collection of perky seating. This plush club chair and companion footstool both feature upholstered side and back panels with twin-stitch detailing. Matching bar stools and dining stools come with steel skid bases. Branch Road, Lower Darwen, Lancashire BB3 OPR, U.K.; 44-1254-682421; allermuir.co.uk. circle 325

Skyline Design

Who needs a scrapbook when Fotoglas can preserve almost any image, up to 56 by 124 inches? The pictures are etched onto one or both sides of a translucent surface of tempered, plate, laminated, or insulated glass, available in thicknesses of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inch. 1240 North Homan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651; 888-278-4660; skydesign.com. circle 327

KnollTextiles

Sit up, and take notice of the reversible Tonic Stripe. Woven of 100 percent flame-retardant polyester, this classic awning pattern is practical enough for cubicles and hospitality installations—yet refined enough for bedding. 79 Ninth Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10011; 212-343-4000; knolltextiles.com. circle 326

Mohawk Commercial

The Advanced Geometry Fractals carpet-tile system was designed for heavy-duty spaces. Impervious to moisture, the collection's three graphic patterns are manufactured from nylon that boasts a 50 percent recycled content. 500 Town Park Lane, Atlanta, GA 30144; 800-554-6637; themohawkgroup.com. circle 329

Heller

Studio 65's over-the-top Capitello armchair is a little bit Studio 54—and a little bit AD 54, somewhere in the Roman Empire. Composed of rotation-molded polymer, this rereleased 1970's icon provides comfort, indoors and out. 149 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010; 212-685-4200; helleronline.com. circle 330

Stylex

What could be better than a well priced, well designed chair with a striking base, lumbar support, and wheels? Sava Cvék's zippy Rhythm has a sculpted polypropylene shell in 14 colors—including six translucents—and a chrome frame in nine powder-coat finishes. Consider stacking and four-legged versions. P.O. Box 5038, Delanco, NJ 08075; 800-257-5742; stylexseating.com. circle 333

Topdeq

Theta is like a well bred gent—equally comfortable in the boardroom, the corner office, or any social setting. Made from chrome-plated tubular steel, the swivel base supports fire-resistant foam padding. Polyester-acrylic blend bouclé upholstery comes in refined black or gray. 3 Security Drive, Suite 303, Cranbury, NJ 08512; 866-876-3300; topdeq.com. circle 331

Vitra

Sori Yanagi conceived Elephant as a perch for model-makers in his studio. Distinguished as the world's first all-plastic stool when it premiered in 1954, the durable, lightweight, stackable piece is offered in black, red, and gray injection-molded polypropylene, with green and blue to arrive soon. 29 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014; 212-463-5700; vitra.com. circle 332

Harter

Inaugurating this company's branding overhaul, Timothy deFiebre's Sling collection melds mid-century lines with of-the-moment styling. The sprightly four-castor chair version is available with or without arms. Choose among a variety of fabrics and leathers or custom options. 11451 Harter Drive, Middlebury, IN 46540; 574-825-5871; harter.com. circle 334

Invista

Dacron Vibrance solution-dyed polyester filament is a partially oriented yarn that's tougher than Fort Knox. Note the superior colorfastness, exceptional durability, and unparalleled cleanability. 4123 East 37th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220; 877-446-8478; invista.com. circle 337

Knoll

Ross Lovegrove's Sprite stacking chairs come in seven wood finishes from Pommele to walnut burl; seven paint finishes include lime green and sky blue. Sprite can also be upholstered in a range of the company's standard textiles. 79 Ninth Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10011; 212-343-4000; knoll.com. circle 335

Ethnicities

Handcrafted by Argentinean native Indians, these accent tables combine iron bases and concrete tops in a range of unique colorways. Customize the size—or go big with a console, coffee table, or dining table. 2765 Roslyn Lane, Highland Park, IL 60035; 847-732-8009; ethnicities.biz. circle 336

Invision

Tailored and crisp without being stuffy, Edge's shifted stripes have a timeless look suited to a range of corporate installations. Composed of Solutia Ultron nylon yarns, this broadloom pattern is available in 17 colors. P.O. Box 1287, Dalton, GA 30722; 800-241-4585; invisioncarpet.com. circle 338

William Switzer & Associates

The Queen Elizabeth II Large Salon chair's generous proportions and saddle-stitch detailing promote luxurious luxuriance—like you're on a transatlantic cruise. Choose from stock fabrics, custom options, and leather in almost any color or texture, including decadent crocodile. The solid-beech frame can be stained in several colors. 979 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-207-8332; williamswitzer.com. circle 339

HBF

Top-level summits require Logicmeet conference tables. Internal wire-management channels allow hookups to virtually any equipment. Choose between cherry and maple veneers, assorted acrylics and plastic laminates, or Ligno-Grain, a reconstituted wood product. 900 12th Street Drive NW, P.O. Box 8, Hickory, NC 28601; 828-328-2064; hbf.com. circle 340

Leland International

2B Studio's Otto seating creates a semiprivate room within a room. Recalling mission-style furniture, the high backs are available in four wood patterns, including an elegant maple parquet and an energetic figured sycamore. 6445 Warren Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; 800-859-7510; lelandinternational.com. circle 341

Martin Brattrud

The Times Square lounge set encompasses chair and sofa versions with cushions of high-density foam. Lending structure to the seating, exposed supports in solid stainless steel can be satin-finished or simply polished. 1224 West 132nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247; 323-770-4171; martinbrattrud.com. circle 343

Abet

Known for high-design offerings, this manufacturer adds eight patterns to its Legni line of wood-grain laminates, including ebony and cross-grain oak. 60 West Sheffield Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631; 800-228-2238; abetlaminati.com. circle 342

Pallas Textiles

The texture of ceramic glazes and layered paint inspired Lori Weitzner's Ceramica collection of Crypton jacquard upholsteries. Patterns include high-touch Terrazzo, variegated Impasto, ribbed Fresco, and Raku, an irregular rib. 1330 Bellevue Street, Green Bay, WI 54302; 800-472-5527; pallastextiles.com. circle 344

Cortina Leathers

Pebbly-textured and supple in the hand, hardworking Perugia has long been popular in Europe. The hide is spun in a rotating drum—creating natural fractures in the aniline-dyed surface, available in nine colors. 15 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011; 800-338-6229; cortinaleathers.com. circle 347

Cadence

Sporting a refreshingly off-kilter palette—greens that linger between olive and beige, siennas with a shot of ocher—Ruth Simon McRae's Rumba was one of NeoCon's quiet hits. Available in 17 colors, this line's piece-dyed Zeftron Savant broadlooms offer sophistication at reasonable prices. 2304 Dalton Industrial Court, Dalton, GA 30721; 877-261-6334; clayton-miller.com. circle 345

Innovations in Wallcoverings

Like op art for the computer age, Re: Solutions looks as clever as its name. Woven from postindustrial polyester fibers that pass all Association of Contract Textiles standards, the three earth-friendly upholstery patterns are vibrantly colored with a very soft hand. 150 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 800-227-8053; innovationsusa.com. circle 346

Allsteel

For ergonomic seating with a tasteful silhouette, look no further than Marcus Koepke's lean Sum chair, which pays equal attention to performance, aesthetics, and affordability. Pressure-mapping technology locates hot spots, where tension builds up, while an auto-fit lumbar system eases sore backs. 2210 Second Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761; 563-262-4800; allsteeloffice.com. circle 348

Hinson

Moiré lends luxury to Aston. Suitable for light upholstery and window treatments, the viscose-polyester blend comes in moss, amber, antique gold, and 11 other colorways. 27-35 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101; 718-482-1100. circle 349

Vecta

With true nesting instinct, 5D Studio's Rocky features two smooth curves of molded polypropylene, which form a contoured seat with integral arms. The pneumatic height-adjustable base comes in a four-legged version in powder-coated steel, or four- and five-star swiveling versions in graphite. (The five-star base does not nest). 1800 South Great Southwest Parkway, Grand Prairie, TX 75051; 972-641-2860; vecta.com. circle 351

Kimball Office

The Departure case-goods collection is, well, a departure from the typical office environment—with desks, side tables, privacy screens, and storage options in sleek metal and glass. Hardwood finishes include cherry, walnut, and maple; metal finishes are cinder, platinum metallic, or satin nickel. 1155 West 12th Avenue, Jasper, IN 47549; 812-482-1600; kimballoffice.com. circle 352

Lamitech/Patrick Industries

The largest exporter of high-pressure plastic laminate in Latin America, Lamitech has built a reputation for spicy patterns and enhanced durability. The Fabrika collection lives up to expectations, with the appearance of a textile and such flavorful colorways as Cilantro, Chili Pepper, and Mango Twist. 1800 South 14th Street, Elkhart, IN 46515; 866-526-4832. circle 356

Tuva Looms

Suzanne Tick channels the inherent beauty of natural fibers for True Path, a truly durable synthetic in a woven-rib construction. Made from 25 percent postindustrial recycled nylon, this textile comes in seven variegated colors. 49 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010; 800-575-8084; bloomsburgcarpet.com. circle 353

Gérard

The Sedgwick chair lends a glamorous note to traditional interiors. Brass nail heads detail the hand-padded French antiqued leather, while the walnut legs come in a Cathay finish. 308 West Mill Street, Plainville, KS 67663; 785-434-4977. circle 355

Gunlocke Company

A sleek and chic modular lounge system, Barrett Studio's Sojourn complements a spectrum of styles. The cherry or maple plinth base doubles as an integral low table, offered in nine finishes ranging from natural maple to espresso. The piece may also be wired to accept lighting and power. 1 Gunlocke Drive, Wayland, NY 14572; 800-828-6300; gunlocke.com. circle 354