Bridging the natural, the constructed

Forrest Dickey’s inspiration for his furniture comes from historical hardwood barns of his youth in rural Wisconsin and New York's steel skyscrapers.
After reclaiming a large portion of red oak timber from a barn on family property, he began making furniture that brought together the warmth and history of the wood with urban architectural designs. Reclaimed wooden beams and timbers create the primary visual component of Varian Designs.
Dickey’s new furniture line Broen, which means bridge in Danish includes architectural tables and seating that blends natural and man-made materials.
“These designs combine the simplicity and beauty of natural materials with the contrasting complexity of architectural steel,” says Dickey. “It is a departure from past designs, but still maintains our trademark rustic‐modern feel and commitment to unique design and high-quality craftsmanship.”
The line is hewn from sustainably harvested walnut, white oak salvaged from whiskey casks, and recycled lasercut steel.

Pleasure, leisure, excess and all-out glamour

Even though the art deco period was cut short, its appeal continues to seduce generations.
Langin Design’s “Guggenheim" chair with its luxurious finish, streamlined form and exquisite materials is the epitome of the deco movement. The custom sexpot chair recently won 2nd place in the Classic Furniture category at the 2009 San Diego Design in Wood competition. According to the competition’s 16-person jury, “Elegant and powerful deco club chair with superb materials and craftsmanship throughout."
Francois Langin, owner of Langin Designs also won 2nd place in the Contemporary Furniture category for the “Gate”, a dining table.

The design house is launching a custom furniture fabrication line and I can’t wait to see what he does next.

New furniture orders down 17% in June compared to 2008

If the economy is improving, the furniture industry isn’t feeling it yet.
In June 2009, new orders were 17 percent lower than orders in June 2008, according to Smith Leonard’s monthly furniture survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors.
Year-to-date, new orders are down 21 percent, down slightly from the 22 percent reported last month. Approximately 93 percent of the participants have reported lower orders year-to-date versus last year.
Shipments in May were down 19 percent compared to May 2008. This compares to a 21 percent decline comparing April 2009 to April 2008. Year-to-date, shipments remained 21 percent lower than the first 5 months of 2008. Last year, shipments for the first 5 months were 7 percent below the first 5 months of 2007.
Backlogs were down 24 percent compared to May 2008. Last month, backlogs were down 26 percent so there was a slight improvement in these levels.

One good chair

Humans like to sit. And we all want to sit on a comfortable chair. However, I want my chair to be comfortable and look good.
I am not alone in my quest for beauty and functionality. The One Good Chair design competition focuses on lounge chairs or similar casual seating — to aid the body in the act of sitting.
For this year’s competition, designers and students were challenged to create sustainable chairs that meet the subtitled “Fit Right Here” criteria of Make good (Material conservation), Feel good (Physical comfort) and Look good (Emotional resonance).
Two chairs from Europe and one from a Florida designer are finalists in the competition, and the winner will be announced at the upcoming Las Vegas Market.
Select entries may be featured in Lance Hosey’s forthcoming book, “The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design.”

Furniture Buying Index rises to 57

The Furniture Buying Index rose two points this month to 57, reaching the same level as July’s reading.
Britt Beemer, chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “Although the Furniture Buying Index rose slightly this month, it is well below the 70 point level retailers need to see strong traffic in their stores.”

Blurring the boundaries

Paging Brad Pitt…

“Furniture Futures,” the first in a series at the V&A is tapping influential designers and industry heavyweights to discuss how contemporary furniture is blurring the boundaries among art, craftsmanship and design.
The event coincides with the growing awareness of furniture as an expression of contemporary culture, and is structured around three main themes: Creative Directions, Changing Practice, and Promotion and Communication. Additional topics include whether furniture is a new art form; what role new materials and sustainability play in making and design; and whether individual creativity or collaboration in the key to innovative practice.
The Symposium will be held September 18, 2009 and is part of the London Festival of Design.

Furniture Buying Index slides to 55

The Furniture Buying Index has fallen two points to a reading of 55, the same as this time last year, according to America’s Research Group.
“More and more consumers are concerned about the national debt and are worried about government interference,” said Britt Beemer, chairman of America’s Research Group.
“Job security is a major worry for many Americans,” Beemer said. “... These fears have many consumers much less enthusiastic about buying furniture."
While consumers are hesitant to invest in furniture, it's important to remember that you can only put off a purchase for so long. Eventually, you have to buy a new chair, bed or furnish a home. The purse strings will loosen but probably not until next year.