How to Spot Quality Leather
Some buzzwords you may hear when shopping for leather furniture are “top grain” or “full grain”. These terms basically describe the type and condition of the hide. Top grain simply means it is the outer most part of the hide, and that it is not a split or under part which has less strength and durability. When the processing is started the top of the leather is sheared from the hide leaving a split. A split is good for a back or side, not a place where you will sit as the hide will stretch and lose its shape. A full grain hide is left with all its natural characteristics and markings in the processing stages. You will see a variety of grains from small to very heavy and this is ok. This shows that you are getting a genuine, minimally processed hide with natural markings. You will see many types of grain patterns and can determine which fits your preference. The majority of the leather sold on the market has been buffed to eliminate heavy grain or imperfections and give a smooth uniform appearance and feel. Some hides are embossed with a simulated grain to give a very uniform look. Nevertheless, these are all good, long lasting alternatives to fabric and micro fibers. For those who suffer from allergies, the dust that collects in conventional fabrics can easily be kept in check with leather.

Remember that leather is a natural product so it is never perfect. Scars and various grains are all normal characteristics of genuine leather. The more expensive and natural, the more this rings true. Finally, beware of ultraviolet rays that can dry, crack and fade just about anything and leather is no exception. Look for a conditioner with UV protection. The good news is, leather can get better with use and age as it loosens up and develops a softer feel if taken care of properly.

Eco-friendly furniture on display
HIGH POINT — The 2007 Spring Furniture Market that kicked off Monday is in full swing. While the show is primarily for dealers and those in the furniture industry only, you don-t have to wait until the trends hit area stores to get a peek.

Al Gore wasn-t on hand, but the 2007 Furniture Market went green.

“Our goal is to follow through with the mission statement of being sustainable, being eco-friendly,” said Dallas dealer Chris Bruning, the vice president of Groovystuff Furniture Accessories.

From hybrid cars which burn cleaner fuel to green schools that conserve water, environmentally-friendly goods are part of a trend sweeping the United States.

The 2007 Spring Furniture Market kicked off Monday and is now in full swing. This year the furniture is going green — but in a good way as eco-friendly furniture hits High Point.

“The planet has a fever. If your baby has a fever you go to the doctor,” former Vice President Al Gore said when he went before Congress. He is headlining the efforts that address growing concerns about the environment.

Now it seems the furniture industry is catching up, and Bruning says it-s about time.

“They-ve been on it for years. This is just now something that I think we can now complete the home. You-ve got the outside home that-s green. Let-s fill it on the inside with the green as well,” Bruning said.

For the past 10 years, Bruning and his partner have been designing rediscovered or sustainable furniture, but only within the past year or so did it start to catch on with buyers.

Rediscovered furniture is made from wood that may have come from existing pieces or old structures that-s been reconditioned and then reshaped for a new use.

“They have mango, our fruit mango that they grow in plantations, and what they-ll do is when they prune that mango tree, you-ll get some nice limbs out of it, and you can turn that into vases and pots and all kinds of different wood handicrafts,” Bruning explained. “That-s fabulous and you-re still harvesting and getting fruit from the plantation.”

And if you-re worried about looks…

“It-s going to look good and it-s going to be ergo dynamic. That-s a great word and nice and comfortable like the chair I-m sitting in. It-s just got nice curves to it; it-s got nice swivel action. It-s going to have all the elements we have now only you-re going to have a little mojo with it to take home and know that you-re doing a good thing,” Bruning added.

Groovystuff isn-t the only company on the market that sells green, or environmentally-friendly furniture. Bruning says many stores do sell it, but it-s not widely advertised.

Source: News14 Carolina

Foamex To Introduces Environmentally Friendly Foam
Foamex International Inc. announced the launch of Reflex® Natural™, a high-performance, environmentally-friendly flexible polyurethane foam for the furniture industry. Foamex will introduce the new product line at the High Point Furniture Market, the largest wholesale home furnishings show in the world, which opens March 26, 2007.

Reflex Natural is a unique, highly durable flexible polyurethane foam, made partially from plant-based renewable raw materials. In Reflex Natural foam, these natural ingredients replace significant amounts of the petroleum-based materials traditionally used in foam-making. In addition, Reflex Natural is manufactured using Foamex-s proprietary Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) technology, a virtually emission-free manufacturing process that creates significantly higher quality cushioning material in a wide variety of density and firmness, resulting in a product that provides consistent comfort. It also contains organic, halogen-free fire retardants. Reflex Natural is the newest addition to Foamex-s Reflex product line, which provides the furniture industry a superior alternative to traditional polyurethane, fibers and synthetic fiberfills.

Andrew Thompson, Executive Vice President, Foam and Technical Products of Foamex, said: “Developing and manufacturing innovative foam products and solutions to meet the exacting demands of our customers is our priority and the cornerstone of our future. Reflex Natural will provide Foamex-s customers with all of the physical properties they have come to expect from the Reflex line, while delivering a unique combination of significant environmental benefits as well. Reflex Natural provides the durability, comfort and feel our customers have become accustomed to and is a tangible example of our commitment to become the foam industry-s leading environmentally-responsible company and supplier partner.”

About Foamex-s Reflex Product Line: The Reflex brand is one of Foamex-s premier comfort foam product lines serving the furniture market and has been highly recognized in the furniture industry for the past seven years. Reflex products are hygienic, odor-free, and provide consistent, high-performance cushioning. All Reflex furniture cushioning products comply with California Bureau of Home Furnishings Technical Bulletin 117 requirements and meet the voluntary UFAC smoldering ignition resistance criteria.

About Foamex-s Environmental Philosophy: Foamex has made environmental, health and safety considerations leading priorities in manufacturing existing products and for planning new products, facilities and processes. The Company is committed to managing its operations so that all employees can work in a safe environment, and to meeting the standards of local, state, and federal laws to ensure that the public and the environment are properly protected. Foamex is committed to environmentally responsible foam manufacturing, and its goal is to sustain ongoing reductions in the amount of contaminants released to air, water and land. More information about Foamex-s environmental philosophy can be found at http://www.foamex.com/env_philosophy.php.

About Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) Technology: Foamex owns the exclusive North American rights to Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) technology, the most environmentally friendly process for the manufacture of polyurethane foams worldwide and exceeds the Clean Air Act requirements. VPF enables Foamex to develop and produce unique, value-enhancing products for its customers, while providing higher yields from raw materials than traditional foaming methods. This combination of superior product performance and reduced air emissions provides an important technological edge for Foamex. Foamex operates four VPF facilities throughout the United States.

Foamex at the High Point Furniture Market: Foamex will be exhibiting at the High Point Furniture Market at booth #1-482 in the GREEN Style Pavilion, located on the first floor of the Suites at Market Square, in the heart of the High Point Market.

Source: Furniture World Magazine

Barlow Tyrie-s Arizona among Hot Products at High Point 2007

This month marks the first early start for the High Point Market, held March 26-April 1 in High Point, N.C. The change doesn-t have any effect on the variety of outdoor products featured at the show. From outdoor lighting to full-scale casual furniture collections, there will be plenty to see in the Furniture Capital.

One of the multifunction items at the market this year is the Arizona range from Barlow Tyrie, designed by Vladimir Kagan, crafted of all-weather hand-woven resin and features a contemporary cube design. The modular design allows it to fit anywhere even in outdoors in covered areas for the ultimate in patio furniture. The woven resin is weather resistant under most conditions and is available in light or dark colors and various fabrics .

Princess Diana-s Butler Inspires Highland House Furniture
These long awaited traditional furniture pieces are being displayed at the High Point show in North Carolina. Here is some background information from the original press release from Highland House. Their website does not have the collection pictures up yet.

Highland House Announces a Licensing Agreement With Paul Burrell, English Lifestyle Expert and Former Personal Assistant to Diana, Princess of Wales Highland House announces a licensing agreement with Paul Burrell, English lifestyle expert, former butler to the Royal Family of England and former personal assistant to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. In March 2007 at the High Point Market, Highland House will introduce its first furniture collection in collaboration with Burrell – Royal Manner: The English Country House. This new collection will include approximately 60 pieces of upholstery plus wood and occasional accent furniture that evoke the relaxed elegance indigenous to English country houses.

“No country seems to intrigue Americans more than Great Britain, and there-s no style of decorating more popular or more often emulated than timeless, classic British style,” says Tom Staats, president of Highland House. “We-re fortunate to collaborate with someone like Paul Burrell who brings with him 21 years in service to the English Royal Family and exposure to a wealth of expertise in all aspects of fine English lifestyles. Paul is an ideal consultant who brings with him a unique platform around which to create and market a collection of elegant-yet-relaxed country English furniture. This will be an ideal fit within our already well-established European Excursions marketing strategy.”

Burrell was the trusted personal assistant to Princess Diana in the five years prior to her death, and it was Paul Burrell that Diana famously referred to as “my rock.” Prior to serving as Princess Diana-s personal assistant and confidante, Paul Burrell rose from member of the Royal Household staff to personal attendant to the Queen and then butler to the Prince and Princess of Wales.

To most Americans, the terms “butler” and “Royal service” are something one hears about and sees in movies. A position in “Royal service” carries great prestige. In the case of Paul Burrell, the term “butler” could have been equated with something more akin to chief of staff or director of the Royal Household, because such jobs are entrusted to someone with only the highest level of manners, expertise, great moral standards and discretion. Unlike professional corporate employees, some staff members have a share of nearly every aspect of personal and home life of their prominent employers.

In November 1997, Burrell was decorated by the Queen of England with the Royal Victorian Medal at an investiture at Buckingham Palace. Burrell has written three books, the first in 1999, a book on etiquette and entertaining, In the Royal Manner: Expert Advice on Etiquette and Entertaining from the former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales. His autobiography, A Royal Duty, was a New York Times bestseller in 2003. In the fall of 2006, Burrell published his latest book, which is about his relationship with the late princess, The Way We Were: Remembering Diana.

For more than 50 years, the Highland House name has been synonymous with fine, classic, traditional upholstery and case goods. Highland House, headquartered in Hickory, NC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Century Furniture Industries.