Market

edited by Karen D. Singh -- Interior Design, 5/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

 

Smart thinking!

Plan to leave NeoCon a few IQ points brainier this year, courtesy of Steelcase's sharp new Think chair. Ergonomic, mid-priced, and eco-friendly, Think cleverly predicts your every impulse. Flexors chart the sitter's back movements, calibrating individual levels of reclining resistance. Think also thinks green, with up to 50 percent recycled materials and 98 percent recyclable content. P.O. Box 1967, Grand Rapids, MI 49501; 800-333-9939; steelcase.com. circle 330

Wolf-Gordon

Patty Madden's Haven Etchings collection of Type I and Type II vinyl wall coverings caters to both traditional and contemporary audiences. Rich patterns include Elegance, reminiscent of cast iron; Plume, inspired by ironwork; and Silhouette, a clean-lined leaf design. 33-00 47th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101; 718-361-6611; wolf-gordon.com. circle 331

Tabu

Craving the exotic but not the endangered? You're in luck with these veneers in oak, figured mahogany, taba, lati, or movingue. 120 Sylvan Avenue, Suite 3, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632; 201-302-6030; tabu.it. circle 332

Bernhardt Design

Christian Beicher pairs oversize seats and elegant polished chrome legs to imbue his Vero collection with chic. Color-blocked pieces in contrasting upholstery channel 1960's mod via a lounge chair, sofa, and occasional tables. 1839 Morganton Boulevard, Lenoir, NC 28645; 866-634-0191; bernhardtdesign.com. circle 333

Geiger International

Ward Bennett describes his 1968 Scissor chair as his most comfortable seating design ever. Relaunched, it can be upholstered in several of the manufacturer's standard fabrics or leathers. The frame currently comes in an array of metal finishes; a wood-frame version debuts later this year. 6095 Fulton Industrial Boulevard SW, P.O. Box 43068, Atlanta, GA 30336; 800-444-8812; geigerintl.com. circle 334

Constantine

Buttoned-up chic characterizes the Precision Lock flooring collection. This tailored pattern is offered as both a carpet tile and a broadloom. P.O. Box 2399, Dalton, GA 30722; 800-308-4344; constantine-carpet.com. circle 335

ICF

Kaarina owes its simple and fluid silhouette to complex engineering and careful detailing. The frame of layered, laminated natural birch comes in a standard natural-maple finish. For orders of 50 or more frames, wengé, natural cherry, oak, or walnut finishes are available. 607 Norwich Avenue, Taftville, CT 06380; 800-237-1625; icfgroup.com. circle 336

Epic Furniture Group

David Allen Pesso rounds out his easy-on-the-eye Media2 collection with a love seat, guest chair, sofa, and bench. Featuring distinctive spun-aluminum feet and bases, the plush pieces come with handy optional plastic-laminate tablet arms. 6301 NW Fifth Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309; 800-211-4004; epicfurniture.com. circle 337

C&A

Jhane Barnes's Haiku looks as poetic as its name suggests. Courtesy of a subtle linearity, the floor tiles can be installed in an unlimited number of random patterns. A recycled-vinyl backing comes standard. 311 Smith Industrial Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30722; 800-248-2878; powerbond.com. circle 339

Raleo

The strikingly fluid Twist console is made from teak trees farmed for furniture use, thus slowing the rate of deforestation. Available in a high-gloss or satin finish. Interlink 537, P.O. Box 02-5635, Miami, FL 33102; 800-697-1800; raleo.com. circle 338

Pollack

Textile maestro Mark Pollack has partnered with Dutch fabric company De Ploeg to produce practical fabric packed with panache. The six new patterns in wool and wool-cotton come in 57 colors. 150 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-627-7766; pollackassociates.com. circle 340

Kron

The fixed-base Tulip theater chair is a fresh breath of spring—and a technological marvel. A proprietary synchronizing mechanism allows the seat and arms to fold and extend in unison. Tulip is available fully upholstered, in options including cotton or leather, or with a back panel in laminate, resin, or a variety of wood finishes. 1631 South Dixie Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33060; 800-566-5766; kronusa.com. circle 341

Nevamar Company

Just in time for summer, 18 sizzling laminates in thermalfused melamine arrive on the scene in racy colors. Papier, inspired by rice paper, and Marrakesh, channeling Morocco, are two of our favorite patterns. 8339 Telegraph Road, Odenton, MD 21113; 800-638-4380; nevamar.com. circle 342

Cowtan & Tout

Spirited and architectural, Manuel Canovas's Pagoda takes flight to a fanciful Chinese landscape. The cotton or velvet print comes in four eye-catching colors. 111 Eighth Avenue, Suite 930, New York, NY 10011; 212-647-6900. circle 343

Larsen

Appealingly nubby Panorama is a linen-wool blend suited to contract applications. Available in five earthy colors with names to match: Dune, Bittersweet, Lagoon, Earth, and Blue Stone. Cowtan & Tout, 979 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017; 212-647-6900. circle 347

Aceray

Studio Tipi's handsome 383U guest chair displays fine proportions, elegant beech reveal detailing, and a uniquely Italian mien. Choose between standard upholstery options or COM, plus nine finishes. 2840 Northwest Boca Raton Boulevard, Building 2C, Boca Raton, FL 33431; 561-447-9490; aceray.com. circle 344

Bergamo Fabrics

The Structures line leverages this company's reputation for beautiful fabric—and commitment to high performance: Selections all exceed 50,000 double rubs. Available in a smorgasbord of over 100 colorways. 256 Washington Street, Mount Vernon, NY 10553; 914-665-0800; bergamofabrics.com. circle 346

Riviera

Want to escape the office chatterbox? Just unplug, and roll away with Flexi. This clean-lined demountable workstation features sensible wire management, ample storage, and work surfaces in PVC, maple, cherry, walnut, or beech veneer. 150 East 58th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10155; 212-832-4260; riviera-usa.com. circle 345

Maharam

Sheer perfection in Trevira CS and polyester, Tratto by Kvadrat is one of 11 new window-covering patterns for spring. Fabrics in the collection are available in over 600 colorways, all 118 inches wide. 251 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010; 800-645-3943; maharam.com. circle 348

Peter Pepper Products

The convenient Express desk flips open to reveal storage ideal for notebooks, binders, and patient charts. The desk, which can be wall-mounted at any height, is also fully compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. 17929 South Susana Road, P.O. Box 5769, Compton, CA 90224; 800-496-0204; peterpepper.com. circle 349

Innovations in Wallcoverings

Snappy, tailored Oxford wall covering, made of environmentally friendly Type II nylon, is sure to dress up any room in "green"—not to mention 13 fashionable color options. 150 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-807-6300; innovationsusa.com. circle 350

ISA International

Curve-backed Vario offers all the comfort of a club chair—but with daintier proportions. The sturdy seat of injection-molded foam holds its shape while conforming to that of the sitter. Solid beech legs are offered in 14 stains. Upholstery options include leather and vinyl in 36 standard colors. 46 Dufflaw Road, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2W1, Canada; 416-782-9100; haveaseat.com. circle 351

Vitra

Flexible and accommodating, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec's Joyn is a generous plastic-laminate work surface that can be partitioned by unobtrusive tabletop-mounted privacy panels. A channel runs below the table's center to conceal power cables. 29 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014; 212-929-3626; vitra.com. circle 352

Harter

A sleek and simple stunner, the Step chair is like a little black dress for the office, fitting in stylishly everywhere. The fully adjustable seat comes with or without arm supports—and in a vast array of finishes appropriate from conference rooms to the corner office. 11451 Harter Drive, Middlebury, IN 46540; 800-543-5449; harter.com. circle 353

KI

The Impulse Advanced ergonomic task chair fills a gap in the market for a competitively priced yet high-style offering. A lumbar support maintains constant contact with the sitter's lower back, offering extra cosseting where it's needed most. 1330 Bellevue Street, P.O. Box 8100, Green Bay, WI; 800-424-2432; ki.com. circle 355

Armstrong World Industries

Go ahead—shout for joy. With Extra Microperforated MetalWorks ceiling panels in place, no one will hear you. Uninsulated, unperforated panels have a noise-reduction coefficient rating of .65. Add insulation to perforated panels, and the NRC rises to .09. 2500 Columbia Avenue, P.O. Box 3001, Lancaster, PA 17604; 877-276-7876; armstrong.com. circle 354

Humanscale Corporation

Designed with employee health and comfort in mind, the post-mounted Flat Panel Monitor arm attachment is easily raised and lowered with the help of a built-in gas cylinder. 11 East 26th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10010; 212-725-4749; humanscale.com. circle 356

Metaphors

Stunning Styx only looks delicate—this fire-retardant solid sheer is woven from sturdy 100 percent Trevira CS. 485 Broadway, New York, NY 10013; 212-925-2777; 800-366-4442. circle 357

Luna Textiles

In his new wool-based upholstery fabrics, Michael Vanderbyl imbues bold geometry with contemporary flair. The Latitude 38 collection's four patterns are offered in a full complement of 36 colors—lights, darks, and everything between. 2415 Third Street, Suite 280, San Francisco, CA 94107; 415-252-7125; lunatextiles.com. circle 358

Mohawk Group

Pascal is a runway-worthy plaid for floors with flair. The cut-and-loop textured carpet, in DuPont Antron Legacy Nylon, coordinates with existing Fifi, Henri, and Portia patterns. 500 Town Park Lane, Atlanta, GA 30144; 800-554-6637; themohawkgroup.com. circle 359

Classic Cloth

Take a trip to Savile Row—sans the transatlantic flight. The dapper Arles 1118 houndstooth, a contract- and hospitality-weight upholstery linen, is available in Lamp Black and Soft White. 308 West Mill Street, Plainville, KS 67663; 785-434-7200; classicclothfabrics.com. circle 360

Milliken & Company

Expanding on an existing line of carpet tile, Simply Artistic offers classic geometrics and ribbing for a refined look. At 36 inches wide, the carpet tiles lend themselves to monolithic, shale, or quarter-turned configurations. 201 Lukken Industrial Drive West, LaGrange, GA 30240; 800-241-4826; millikencarpet.com. circle 361

Edelman Leather

Live lavishly with a standout from the Patchwork Cavallini collection of cowhide rugs, pieced together in custom sizes and color combinations. 80 Pickett Road, New Milford, CT 06776; 860-350-9600; edelmanleather.com. circle 362

Paul Brayton Designs

Life's a picnic with Garden Party, a collection of Crypton textile patterns bursting with vibrant coloration. Witness the brilliant Sparklers, in dramatic Blue Lagoon. 518 Old Thomasville Road, High Point, NC 27260; 800-882-4720; paulbraytondesigns.com. circle 363

Bentley Prince Street

Earth-friendly Castle Bay PC carpet features 100 percent post-consumer face fibers. A frieze yarn enhances the pile, creating texture and heft. 14641 East Don Julian Boulevard, City of Industry, CA 91746; 800-423-4709; bentleyprincestreet.com. circle 364

Knoll

Hard to believe that Kazuhide Takahama introduced his Suzanne lounge collection almost 40 years ago—its look remains forward-thinking today. Low and adaptable with chrome-finished steel bases, these pieces with preformed polyurethane seats and backs are ideal for high-use spaces. 105 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-343-4000; knoll.com. circle 365

Davis Furniture Industries

Delicious Coco, subtle Dove, and lip-smacking Candy Red are the latest color versions of webbed spandex backs for the already appetizing Webb chair, with its distinctive springiness. 2401 South College Drive, P.O. Box 2065, High Point, NC 27261; 336-889-2009; davisfurniture.com. circle 366

Mannington

Finding precision in the variegated, alternating thick and thin color fields lend character to Variable Twist, a textured-loop carpet pattern with maximum appearance retention. Available as a tile and a broadloom. P.O. Box 12281, Calhoun, GA 30703; 800-241-2262; mannington.com. circle 367

Abet

Naturali, a line of bronze-colored high-pressure plastic laminates, puts an upscale, decidedly un-crunchy spin on nature. Sheets measure 4 by 10 feet. 60 West Sheffield Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631; 800-228-2238; abetlaminati.com. circle 368

George Smith

Hand-embroidered flowering vines wend their way across the cotton backing of Crewelwork Madras. Delicate on the eyes, this traditional textile is also tough enough for upholstery use. 75 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012; 212-226-4747; georgesmith.com. circle 369

Bolyü

Inspired by the vibrancy of Spain, handsome Vega offers small-scale squares in a rainbow of warm colors. Well suited alternatives to solids, these skein-dyed tip-sheared carpets show promise for a career in the corporate world. P.O. Box 1110, Adairsville, GA 30103; 800-451-1250; bolyu.com. circle 372

Burtco Enterprises

Available as a broadloom or an area rug, zippy solution-dyed Striations is made from 100 percent Zeftron Solure. 441 Virgil Drive, Dalton, GA 30721; 800-241-4019; burtcocarpets.com. circle 371

Bright Chair Company

Scaled for comfort, the Lea collection of oversize lounge seating looks right at home in lobbies, reception areas, and even residential settings. Distinctive cantilevered upholstered arms strike a stylish grace note. 51 Railroad Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940; 888-524-5997; brightchair.com. circle 370

Arcadia

Thanks to graceful lines, the Serafina slipper lounge lives large despite its compact size. Love seat and sofa are also available, on fixed legs or castors. Optional solid-maple panel arms come in 12 finishes. 5692 Fresca Drive, La Palma, CA 90623; 800-585-5957; arcadiacontract.com. circle 373

Interface Flooring

Celebrate modularity with parallel bands of contrasting color, creating bricked or quarter-turned excitement underfoot. Parallax tiles come in eight bold colorways. 1503 Orchard Hill Road, LaGrange, GA 30241; 800-336-0225; interfaceflooring.com. circle 374

Uniroyal Engineered Products

Naugahyde's cachet has increased immeasurably, thanks to divine vinyls such as Chameã. Able to withstand 250,000 Wyzenbeeks cycles, this simulated leather may prove more durable than the real thing. 1001 North Main Street, Suite 6, Nappanee, IN 46550; 877-628-4248; naugahyde.com. circle 375

Allsteel

Proof that comfortable task seating need not be complicated? An automatic-fit self-adjusting lumbar system makes Sum intuitive and user-friendly. Designed to fit 90 percent of the population, the ergonomic chair features an aluminum frame. 2210 Second Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761; 563-262-4800; allsteel.com. circle 376