Variety reigns

Continuing its effort to provide versatile furnishings to fit a variety of lifestyles, Broyhill Furniture introduced several great room and bedroom collections, along with casual dining groups and upholstery during the most recent home-furnishings trade show at the World Market Center.

Responding to the consumer demand for multifunctional, multiroom furnishings, the Lenoir, N.C.-based manufacturer put the spotlight on its great room concept, complete with several casual dining options.

Kristin Hawkins, company spokeswoman, said the introductions were designed for those who have one room where they eat, relax and watch television. Pieces within the great room collections are scaled down in size, but not function.

Tradewinds is a casual traditional group done in a two-tone black and cherry finish with cathedral cherry veneers on Asian hardwoods. It features natural rattan woven accents and Victorian-styled antique hardware. Dining tables come in both regular and counter heights.

Rhapsody is a contemporary group that includes dining, entertainment and occasional pieces. Created with cathedral walnut veneers on Asian hardwoods, the pieces have a midtone brown finish, brushed-nickel hardware and glass table tops. The group also includes both regular and counter-height dining sets.

Among the new casual dining options is the Cambridge group. Created with a transitional décor in mind, the group is done in a medium-dark cherry finish and has brushed-nickel accents and hardware. The chair backs have a geometric grid design, as do door cabinet drawers. Dining tables are offered in both regular and counter heights.

Part of the group is a scaled-down china cabinet and sideboard that includes wine storage, laminated pullouts and plate grooves.

"Big china cabinets typically used only for display are becoming a thing of the past, while smaller sideboards and servers with added function are gaining momentum," said Fran Scheller, bedroom and dining room merchandise manager. "Plus, we're adding extra storage space to areas in the pieces that would have typically just been dead space, so it's a win-win situation."

The new bedroom collections range in style from contemporary to traditional.

Avenue pays tribute to the art deco era with its bird's eye and Sapeli veneers, mother of pearl inlays, curves and jewel-like hardware. Pieces are done in a dark brown finish with brushed-brass hardware in dramatic proportions. A shaped panel bed features a tufted leather headboard and the armoire has a shaped front with wraparound doors, drawer and shelf storage, a sliding back panel and a clothes rod.

Hawkins said another highlight is a lingerie/jewelry chest with two felt-lined top drawers and an adjustable mirror.

The new Livingston group sets a contemporary tone with its sliced cathedral ash veneers on Asian hardwoods in a warm, blonde ash finish. The pieces are finished with brushed-nickel hardware. Highlights of the collection include cedar-lined bottom drawers and felt-lined top drawers.

The other two collections, Crossroads and Cross Creek, offer a traditional or casual country feel. The two collections feature the same pieces but have different finishes. Crossroads is done in cherry veneers with a cherry finish and is accented with rounded mouldings and antique brass hardware. Cross Creek is offered with a two-tone cherry and linen white finish on cherry veneers.

Pieces available within the collections include a panel bed, matching nightstand and several storage options such as a drawer dresser, drawer chest and door chest.

In upholstery, varied fabrics and leathers were showcased, including several transitional designs. The new pieces feature cool, clean colors paired with complex modern jacquards, which are then combined with frames that have unexpected configurations to create a fresh look.

New designs include the 6536 frame, a sofa with three back and three seat cushions, cap arms and splayed wood legs. It is done in a cracked ice chenille texture in a dusted mint palette. The fabric has a slight serpentine design that, according to Hawkins, offers a unique look depending on which angle it is viewed from.

"There's a lot of visual texture," she said, "but not over the top color or pattern."

The 6693 frame mimics the streamlined styling of the 1940s. The four-over-four sofa has a cut-back transitional arm and splayed wood feet. Adding to its '40s' feel is the color, fresh aqua mist, which is complemented by striped geometric pillows in shades of blue and brown.

Leather introductions include a club chair from the KL956 group that is covered in a top-grain, dark brown semianilin leather. The chair is slightly smaller in scale to accommodate smaller homes, lofts and apartments.

The introductions should start appearing on retailers' floors early next year.