Spring market brings fresh looks

The April High Point Market was one of focus and transition. There were a few new exhibitors, existing vendors who've jumped into the youth business and manufacturers that extended the age range of their product (see News briefs for details).

Overall looks for youth are becoming more sophisticated. Whether it's through patterns on textiles and rugs or darker finishes and nickel hardware on furniture, vendors see the potential to reach the tween/teen and beyond market as a growing niche.

There's more focus on furniture configuration as manufacturers strive to push the envelope on functionality. Underbed storage has always been big, but this market we saw more footboard storage ideas too. Shelving units surrounding beds are emerging as are more options for game/electronic storage.

	The Hammer Collection brings high-end elegance to kid-size upholstered chairs, which the company previewed in High Point. The chairs, which feature either a gold (shown) or stain finish with a melon cushion, would retail between $250 and $280, (310) 515-0276.
One World showed its chalkboards, which can be grouped for maximum effect. Each of the 24” x 24” boards retails for $68 and the collection is offered in 12 colors in addition to black, (800) 436-4887.
	Bubbles, from Chandra Rug, is the latest addition to its Avalisa collection. The pure New Zealand wool rug, 5'x8' is $699, (706) 624-4518.
The Ferrari red and black desk, $199, from Legare, is RTA, has adjustable shelves and a space-saving 36” footprint, (817) 737-8802.
	Bolton Furniture's cube system is composed of 22 cube SKUs that customers can customize to fit their home. The manufacturer also offers standard configurations such as this study wall, $1,499 as shown, (802) 888-7974.
Genevieve, one of five debuts from Broyhill, is a feminine youth collection in an antique white finish with painted hardware. The bookcase, $599, has shelves on three sides, (828) 758-3630.
	Adesso's Vibe Swirl table lamp has a round satin steel base with stick pole and a narrow paper cylinder shade. The 24” tall lamp uses a 60-watt bulb and is also available in a crescent pattern, (212) 736-4440.
Toy Cars from AmityHome has appliqués on denim. The twin comforter, $195, and full, $245, are 100% cotton and machine washable, (626) 334-6771.
	Cuddlebugs-n-Cocoons made its High Point debut with its Edward Walker line as well as Stephanie, a five-piece bedding ensemble, $400, that mixes pink and green prints for max impact, (919) 771-1330.
Vaughan Furniture's Easy Living media dresser features a glass-front flip-down drawer that houses a game system, DVD player or other equipment. Available in pine or oak, it retails for $750, (276) 236-6111.