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Pointe Perfect

-- Interior Design, 5/31/2009 12:00:00 AM

Creative types of all stripes, not to mention nationalities, have joined the 2-year-old virtual collective that Bernhardt Design calls Global Edition. With this year's arrival of Claudia and Harry Washington, ultramodern El Salvadorans join the roster. As finalists in a design contest, the San Salvador—based couple won a trip to New York's International Contemporary Furniture Fair. The two tracked down Jerry Helling, Bernhardt Design creative director and chief brewmaster of the Global Edition project, who quickly brought them into the fold.

First challenge: Create seating that blends modern and classical sensibilities and snugly straddles residential and commercial spheres. The Washingtons brainstormed an improbable vision—a full-figured ballerina, who just happens to be a pig, pirouetting gracefully in her teeny toe shoes. But rather than satin slippers, polished-aluminum legs support the mixed-hardwood frames of the Calibra sofa (107 inches wide, 37 deep, and 27 high), loveseat (75 by 37 by 27), and chair (36 by 37 by 27).

Each sports a surprising V-shape void, drawing further attention to the colored stripes sewn onto the multiple-density foam-filled cushions, and accommodates up to six different suede, leather, or fabric patterns. 828-758-9811; bernhardtdesign.com. circle 364