Off to another great furniture design show!  This time, SEASONAL LIVING is blogging from the TIFF in Bangkok, Thailand…

Organized by the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) TIFF is Thailand’s premier furniture showcase under the concept of “Fill Green, Feel Good.” Once again, as one of Asia’s longest running furniture shows, the TIFF Fair Bangkok put on an impressive design presentation of both in and outdoor furniture!

The Thai people have been manufacturing furniture and decorative accessories for decades and are very creative and cutting-edge artisans when it comes to innovation and sophistication of design. Sadly, rising labor costs coupled with cheaper production centers in other parts of south east Asia and China have driven this country’s ability to compete away and now Thailand really is more of a high-end design / unique product sourcing center. The TIFF is now a shrinking trade show compared to nearly a decade ago.

This show, in terms of style, represents the closest in Asia to what you would expect to see in Paris or Milan. The closest style competitor to TIFF would be the furniture fair in Manila, Philippines.

SEASONAL LIVING’S TAKE ON THE KEY TRENDS FROM TIFF…..

1) Great emphasis on high-end clean modern looking furniture, although accompanied with a higher cost.

2) Continued leadership in wood, PE, ceramics and metal craftsmanship. This show held a depth of design expertise heavily apparent compared to other national furniture trade shows in SE Asia.

3) Continued innovation in new materials coupled with the ability to reinvent materials for new purposes.

4) Unique designs harkening back to bygone eras – with a new and fresh approach.

At TIFF, there were over 220 leading furniture business operators participating in the exposition, manning a total of more than 830 booths. This grand furniture event gives business operators a chance to exhibit their innovative design and home decoration ideas in a venue of over 30,000 sq. m.

Three highlights from the show organizers… www.thailandfurniturefair.com

T-Style in Thailand

This joint project is led by the Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, and the renowned Japanese designer Toshiyuki kita. Under the theme of “Ecological & Elegant”, T-style contains state of the art furniture items from leading Thai companies and represents a whole new perspective of interior design and the various eco-friendly materials Thailand has to offer.

Waste to Wealth

It’s time to help fight against global warming and make the best out of what are commonly seen as waste materials. This year’s 4th Waste to Wealth exhibition promoted better and even more sustainable waste management.

Design Camp

This year’s 4th Design Camp enjoyed collaboration from leading education institutes and professional designers. The project aimed to provide university students with the opportunity to learn first-hand how furniture is designed and made in real-life environments from experienced gurus in the field.

FUN FACTS FROM THAILAND…

- The Thai greeting “sawasdee” was invented during the Second World War. Before that, people greeted each other by asking if they had eaten yet.

- The Thai believe that you should only write the name of people in red ink if they are dead, or you wish them to be dead.

- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand was actually born in Cambridge, Mass., USA, on December 5, 1927

- According to the World Meteorological Organization, Bangkok is the hottest city in the world

- Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of Rice

- Thai people don’t call the capital ‘Bangkok’. They call it ‘Krung Thep’ – The complete name is the longest city name in the world: KRUNGTHEP MAHANAKHON BOVORN RATANAKOSIN MAHINTHARAYUTTHAYA MAHADILOKPOP NOPARATRATCHATHANI BURIROM UDOMRATCHANIVETMAHASATHAN AMORNPIMAN AVATARNS ATHIT SAKKATHATTIYAVISNUKARMPRASIT, meaning “The land of angels, the great city (of) immortality, various of divine gems, the great angelic land unconquerable, land of nine noble gems, the royal city, the pleasant capital, place of the grand”

- According to the ‘Guinness Book of Records 1995′, the Thai language has the second largest alphabet in the world. The largest alphabet in world – Khmer

- Thailand has the highest percentage of Buddhists. More than 95% of Thais practice some form of Buddhism

- The orchid is Thailand’s best flowering export. Exports of the Orchid are valued at US $250M per annum

Next destination the Milan Furniture Show in ITALY!  Follow us there!

“As a majority of the product produced in Vietnam is for companies in Demark and the Netherlands, the feel of the fair “wares” was definitely Scandinavian in nature,” said Gary Pettitt, president Seasonal Living, Austin, TX. “The VIFA show differed from our last stop at the Singapore IFFS show, as this was a truly domestic presentation as opposed to an international furniture fair.”

SHOW FACT:  Setting the stage for the show was the fact that Vietnam now boasts macro-economic

and political stability, relatively low production cost and an adaptable and young work force.  These factors have

made the country an attractive sourcing destination and an excellent

production center for furniture and decorative accessory production.

The show setting was a fitting one as recent estimates indicate that Vietnam has more than 2,500 small and medium sized companies working in the wood processing sector.  The vast majority of these companies specialize in furniture and decorative accessory manufacturing with approximately 600-700 companies dedicated solely to the international export market.  Global exports of furniture and decorative accessories reached nearly four billion U.S. dollars in 2011, with a staggering 1.4 billion to the U.S. alone.

Vietnam has become one of ASEAN’s leading furniture exporter and one goal of VIFA 2012 was to show the powerful furniture industry of the nation.  Included during the trade show dates were tours of showrooms located at the factory sites of 20 leading manufacturers.

VIETNAM FACT:  Vietnam is a country with its challenges… as a densely-populated developing country; it has spent the last 30 years recovering from the ravages of war, the loss of financial support from the old Soviet Block and the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy.

Although bedroom, living and dining furniture, wooden case goods remain a core strength of the Vietnamese export, Vietnam has also been a significant producer of outdoor furniture, ceramics and other outdoor decorative accessories.  Examples of these outdoor living products were on display throughout the trade show floor.

Three Outdoor Furnishing trends from the VIFA:

1.  Mixed material outdoor furniture: This year VIFA introduced its first outdoor display space. The trend in outdoor furniture was solid wood products combined with metals and/or woven fabric. The “mixing” trends are growing in popularity among U.S. buyers. Suppliers who find unique ways to combine materials can turn a basic furnishing or home accessories piece into a very attractive product for the market.

2.  Natural materials for home accessories: Most home accessory products at the 2012 show comprised natural materials like rattan, bamboo, water hyacinth, sea grass, mother of pearl and shell.

3.  There was on display furnishings exhibiting the growing use of Acacia wood vs. teak, due in part to the rising cost of teak wood.

4.  There was also an increased presence of polyethylene/synthetic wood furniture.  Instead of natural woods, synthetics are gaining acceptance due to durability and pricing.

5.  There was also evidenced a move away from traditional to the clean line – more mid-century –  furniture stylings.

6.  Although limited, the show was not without some innovation as the combining of ceramic glazes into concrete exhibited.

Vietnam Fact: Country’s Population is approximately 91 million and the median age is 25 – 27 years old.  This young age demographic is a promising advantage for Vietnam given the decreasing birth rates in other Asian countries and industrialized nations. 

About Ho Chi Minh City – The home of the VIFA. 

While Vietnam is a vibrant and growing country, the bulk of commerce is driven through Ho Chi Minh City located in southern Vietnam.  Traces and remnants of French colonization are still evident.  Strongly evident is a French attitude towards dining and eating out, relaxing in sidewalk cafes and enjoying an evening over beautiful Vietnamese foods heavily influenced not only through Chinese and national dishes, but heavily influenced by French elements.

While Vietnam’s economy remains dominated by state-owned enterprises (SOEs), which still produce about 40% of GDP, Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic liberalization and international integration. They have moved to implement the structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive export-driven industries. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007 following more than a decade-long negotiation process. 

For more images of the life in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, visit this link and the VIFA – visit this link. 

In Closing…

The single showcasing of the products of only Vietnamese manufacturers made for a very single focus to the show and one that was shaped by the locale and its domestic products.  For price sensitive clients and wholesalers, this was a great market to visit.

 Next stop Thailand!  More sights, impressions and hopefully, innovative products on the way!

TRENDS FOR THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY FROM IFFS.

Within the show there was an overall increased use of tropical patterned fabrics and bright and jewel tone colorations. The bright trend also was carried across furnishing constructions including wood, metal and PE (polyethelyene) weaves. Overall, the show floor expressed a turning away from neutrals and an embracing of strong colors including purple, pink, orange and aqua; with all having a story to tell.

Unique wall treatments and screens were introduced for outdoors. Once again, stunning new performance fabrics were presented by Sunbrella® and Silverline. For companies looking for lower priced performance textile options, there was a high incidence of olefin based fabrics on display. However, buyers beware. Although olefin technology is working toward less plastic-y and a softer hand, the softness and superiority of solution dyed acrylic remains the high end choice.

While outdoor wicker continues to dominate along with acacia and teak woods, fully upholstered products were on display and appeared poised to make significant in-roads to dominate luxury and high mid-market collections. The blurring of the lines between in and outdoor furnishings continued to be on display throughout the show. A message heard repeated was the importance of educating retailers by manufacturers with regard to exterior use and performance features for subsequent educating of consumers.

Everywhere throughout the show, edgy, contemporary designs were leading the way. Collection after collection focused upon clean cut and heavy design driven pieces. Numerous companies blended distinctive looks by re-mixing materials and color palettes to illustrate uniqueness and cutting edge design leadership

Hospitality Show.

For those attending IFFS, multiple show experiences were available in the one expanded venue. The idea-packed Hospitality Show offered comprehensive product collections for businesses across the hospitality and contract marketplace. In this segment, trends on display included ever-increasing color options and clean line designs. Of course, there were the bizarre and unusual collections that made you wonder if you were attending a furniture fair or a space conference.

Green Goods.

One of the key aspects of the fair was the reinforcement of Singapore’s commitment to sustainability. Singaporeans, like the citizens of many Asian countries, have become increasingly aware of innovative at recycling, incorporated into construction materials and products. The Green Pavilion was conceptualized to launch the GREEN initiative with a showcase by the Singapore Furniture Industry Council. Not only were innovative sustainable products presented, but a strong part of the Green initiative was the presentation of environmentally conscious materials. One of the most impressive introductions was a presentation by Jules Kwan, managing director, Space Development & URBN Hotels and Resorts. Mr. Kwan envisioned the future and presented concepts and ideas to revolutionize how to approach not only furniture, but all materials in an effort to develop smart materials that would mean an end to the use of natural resources.

Outdoor World.

In outdoor living, one trend we saw increasing in popularity was with regard to the all-important cushioning for both deep seating and dining furnishings. Greater investment is being placed in higher quality foam including the use of fast dry foams (fast Dry™) or Quick Dry Foam ™. The reticulated cell structure foams allow for immediate use after rain storms.

In addition to the introduction of greater numbers of olefin textiles for outdoor, Sunbrella® continued not take its position for granted and offered numerous innovative introductions. Included were fabrics trends moving significantly beyond traditional plain weaves to incredible jewel toned jacquards and textural weaves.

MORE SINGAPORE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.

And after a hard day of walking around trade show halls, Singapore offered the unique and slightly bizarre attraction of a fish spa. In the fish spas, tiny little fish would nibble away dead skin and provide the ultimate in pedicures. For those looking for a more detailed body cleanse, larger 8-12″ fish await…..maybe next year!

ARCHITECTURE IN SINGAPORE.

To truly experience Singapore, taking in the beauty and historical significance of its architecture is a must. This unique island nation has been influenced by numerous places and periods and it is reflected in the varied architecture. Within a relatively small distance, one can experience eclectic styles influenced by immigration, trading and colonial history to the tendency of more contemporary architecture that incorporates trends shared with the world at large. From places of worship to international financial centers, the architecture of Singapore will inspire and educate and in total, take your breath away.

PARTING REFLECTION.

The IFFS 2012 and its host city, Singapore, offered inspiration, innovation and increasing amounts of just great ideas for furnishings for interior and exterior spaces. Now on to the next show!

SINGAPORE FUN FACT: As an island nation that encompasses only 712.4 square km, The Republic of Singapore, whose capital is also Singapore, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and Indonesia.

As a growing and impressive furniture fair, the IFFS has evolved into one of Asia’s most prestigious furniture trade shows welcoming thousands of furnishings buyers from around the globe. This year, held in conjunction with The Singapore Furniture Design Week, ASEAN Furniture Show, Deco Asia 2012 and the Hospitality Show 2012 at the Singapore Expo, the IFFS show had the look, the feel and the edgy sensibility of the global furniture hub it has grown to embody. As the trendsetting marketplace within the Asian show circuit, the IFFS put on display a total of 512 exhibitors from 26 countries occupying 226,000 square meters of exhibition space.

SINGAPORE FUN FACT: With a tropical climate, Singapore is hot and sunny all year. In December and March its monsoon seasons occur bringing heavy rains.

A staple, and “must see” at the annual fair, Deco Asia, once again gave center stage to the hottest designs and trend creations in residential furniture and interior design. The demand for strong design was evidenced. With form and function continuing to be highly desirable qualities throughout the furniture segment, Deco-Asia 2012 did not disappoint and provided tremendous options and a perfect sourcing platform for buyers.

SINGAPORE FUN FACT: With a tropical climate, Singapore is hot and sunny all year. Monsoon seasons occur in December and March bringing heavy rains the nation’s 5,183,700 Singaporeans.

SINGAPORE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.

A visit to Singapore is not complete without taking in the experiences and excitement that is in complete harmony with the thriving arts and design scene within the design focused show. Singapore is a very colorful cosmopolitan city with a rich migrant history from all corners of the globe.

Within Singapore, one can feel the heavy influences from the Malay Peninsula, India and China that are blended with those from Europe and North America. Singapore has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to an independent nation.

SINGAPORE FUN FACT: Governed by a parliamentary system, Singapore has a bustling economy with a GDP of almost $327 billion Singapore dollars. Major industries include electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences and entrepot (middle-man) trade.

DINING OUT IN SINGAPORE.

One of the best things about being in Singapore is undoubtedly the food. It is no secret that Singaporeans eat and drink with a passion. Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity is reflected in the variety of local cuisine it has to offer, from Chinese to Malay, Indian to Peranakan. Some of Singapore delicacies include Satay (Originated by the Malays), Roti Prata (Indian “pizza”), Fried Kway Tiao (fried black noodles), Hainanese Chicken Rice, and local desserts including Ice Kachang (flavored ice with ingredients like red bean and jelly), Chendol (coconut based dessert) or Grass Jelly (a refreshing black jelly that cools down on a hot day).

 SINGAPORE FUN FACT: Singapore boasts a young population with a median age of 38 years; but a life expectance of nearly 82 years. The population, which is growing at a rate of 2.1%, encompasses multiple ethnic groups from Chinese (74%), to Malay (13.4%), to Indian (9.2%). The country has four official languages including Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Citizens primarily worship Buddhism (33.3%).

FINAL REFLECTION.

IFFS 2012 provided a perfect blending of an unparalleled display of design inspiration and the flavors and fragrances of a tropical island locale.

In our next installment of our SINGAPORE REFLECTIONS Bog, we will reflect directly from the show floor on what we were seeing and experiencing from the latest trendsetters and bravest global designers as they presented their furnishings artistry.

Tango Tangerine has been named one of the hottest colors trending alongside the likes of Cabernet, Bellflower or Margarita. In all, the color trends to be following this season are said to incorporate “vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun loving pastels.” All of which will be making their entrance in fabrics and finishes across the furnishings stage.

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

Within the furnishings world, whether indoors or out, nothing adds energy or joie de vivre like a jolt of color to a home’s décor. And the experts are seeing that jolt this season coming from bright tangerine and the entire family of orange hues.

The color, whether found in soft textiles to smooth ceramics, alters overall mood in dining areas to outdoor rooms.

Taking that to the next step… capture this trend’s true vibrancy in a combination of bold colors… royal blue with tangerine; cool grey with punched-up peach; kissable rose with comforting corals.

The truth in trends is that there is always room for interpretation.

Tango not the dance for you?… From furnishings designers to the end home owner, one thing that can garner unanimous agreement is that nothing sets a mood like color.

Color can be used cautiously to create personalized spaces, refresh tired decor without having to invest in new upholstery.

Here’s a tip: Use Seasonal Living accents and accessories or a sprinkling of accent pillows inches of Sunbrella(R)’s Canvas Melon or Spectrum Cayene. The result will be an entirely new look to your in or outdoor space!

From bold and beautiful to soft and sensual, color can be the greatest tool of expression. This spring express yourself!

The Artistic Trend…

Contemporary art motifs and sculptural styling are being seen as a reoccurring trend “POP-ing” onto the home furnishing scene! Such was the news coming out of the recent High Point Furniture Market, and Seasonal Living, the award-winning source for high-quality indoor/outdoor furnishings and decorative accessories, is way ahead of the trend with its introduction this season of the Horizon Collection.

Inspired by the chic contemporary and artistic designs of Scandinavia, the Horizon collection of dining and entertaining pieces further reflects this art element trend through sleek silhouettes and the bold white on metal coloration.

Yet, form has not taken away from function with the Horizon. Elements of this collection contain a high ultra-violet filer designed to withstand direct sunlight as well as eschew any growth of fungus or bacteria. The thermal application of this high-performance solid surfacing material creates a unique seamless shape that is completely waterproof.

Horizon’s sculptural elements are found in the molded seat and table top pieces to the slender metal supports. The designs are perfectly set for a “pop” of dramatic color in future introductions.

“I believe that the marriage of Scandinavian design with superior solid surfaces sets a new standard for sophisticated living with the most durable of all materials,” said Gary Pettitt, CEO and creative director of Seasonal Living.

The Multi-teriors Trend…

The trend toward furnishings that are suited to multiple areas inside and outside the home is one that is exhibited across Seasonal Living’s entire line.

Multi-teriors usage is being seen as a way to stretch the possibilities for furnishings. Inthe creation of home living items that fit and last perfectly indoors or outdoors, Seaso

nal Living has augmented this trend with superior durability and lasting looks including weather resistant construction materials, stain resistance, and ease of maintenance.

The multi-terior trend finds its beginnings in the recent blurring of the lines between interior and exterior furnishings. No longer do furnishings for the outdoors need to be bulky and design-less. With such collections as Perpetual or Plato, Seasonal Living has raised the bar in creating items with comfort designed to be enjoyed wherever relaxation occurs.

Multi-terior furnishings also take a page from the value-added trend. In all areas of life, items that offer additional usage and value are being seen as a trend gaining popularity. There is definitely value in investing in furnishings that can be used indoors or out. With the collections from Seasonal Living this concept is trending on.

Additional Weekly trends coming to you from Seasonal Living… check back!

Ever-changing beauty… Engineered comfort … Long lasting durability … Kaleidoscope.

Webster’s defines “kaleidoscope” as ever-changing symmetrical patterning. Seasonal Livings’ Kaleidoscope Collections also draws inspiration from symmetry and incorporates unlimited options for color, configuration and comfort. Luxury patio furniture designed in collaboration with world-renowned German furniture maker Klaus Kummer, this revolutionary collection redefines custom -built modular furniture.

With Kaleidoscope, the day has arrived where your clients can now enjoy deeply cushioned, softly upholstered furniture perfect for outdoor relaxation; with the added practicality for high trafficked or heavily used indoor applications. And this modular upholstery design is only possible due to today’s significant advances in technology and innovation.

“From frames to fabrics – the latest engineered durability is found throughout Kaleidoscope with its contemporary designs, tailored looks, and versatility unlike anything else on the market.” Gary Pettitt, Seasonal Living CEO and Creative Director

Limitless Options for Custom Looks… Just as the images created by a kaleidoscope are limitless, so are the possibilities for custom looks for Seasonal Livings’ Kaleidoscope. With the over 100 selections from Sunbrella’s US, Asian, and European offerings, the combinations are endless. The use of a slip cover design styling enables your customers to easily care for the fabrics as well as change out for seasons or special functions. Dutch designer, Natalie Buji worked magic in the fabric selections for the line. Her love of Sunbrella(R) fabrics and the options they present is obvious. She capitalizes on the brand’s rich, fade-resistant colors that also maintain a soft and comfortable hand.

Tailored Yet Trendy… This is not your mother’s “shabby chic.” This redefined upholstered furnishings puts an emphasis on “fine” with perfectly tailored elements and cushioning. Additionally, a heavy weight construction meets specifications for commercial applications, durability and extended use.

Kaleidoscope encompasses four collections. Here’s a closer look into how each is built for unsurpassed leisure living…including Monaco, Cote D’Azur, or Cap-Ferrat and Sun Buns.

Monaco… Modular, light and limitless, the Monaco is one of Seasonal Living’s most flexible modular sofa systems composed of individual units that can be combined to fit any space. It is the only sectional grouping that can be as long or as small as a patio space allows.

Cote d ‘Azur … Versatile, functional and fun, the Cote D’Azur reflects the kaleidoscope of colors and texture found on the French Rivera. This collection is perfect for more intimate conversations, relaxation and smaller groupings.

Beauty to the Core… For the Monaco and Cote d’Azur collections in Kaleidoscope, the high durability factor begins with the powder coated aluminum frames and anti-microbial mesh-like interlining. Unparalleled in the industry, Quick Dry foam by Urecel is at the core of these upholstered pieces. Exceeding all specifications for reticulated foam, Quick Dry allows moisture to pass through the layers and dries within minutes; eliminating the need to cover or bring in the furnishings from the out of doors.

Cap-Ferrat … The luxury living of the Riviera is illustrated in the design of the Cap-Ferrat Collection. Incorporating a perfect blend of comfort and functionality, this deep seating collection offers traditional styling onto which your customers can incorporate texture and color through the immense fabric palette. Each piece incorporates a wood frame and standard foam construction.

Kaleidoscope Seating Means Increased Sales For Hospitality Venues… Resuraurants including all types of food and beverage concerns have found that when the deep, plush comfortable Kaleidoscope seating groups are added to the decor of the establishment, the average food and beverage ticket increased by as much as 20-30% over those with typical hard seating surfaces.

Sun Buns… What is more fun or comfortable than a bean bag style chair? The answer is one that also incorporates a confidence of quality construction, limitless durable fabric selections and a tailored appeal. All are found in Seasonal Living’s Sun Buns collection. Perfect for indoors or out, Sun Buns are constructed with bullet-proof, no-tear bags and two body hugging seating designs. With the fabric options, these chairs can be dressed to accommodate any interior or exterior decor style. Again, the Sun Buns offers the slip-cover design found within Kaleidoscope with an easy closure. These chairs add a perfect splash of fun and familiarity to residential or hospitality venues. Each also can be customize with appliqué images.

Although the options within the Kaleidoscope collections may seem endless….It’s easy with our 5 Step Recipe to Kaleidoscope’s Custom, Comfortable, Indoor or Outdoor Furniture selection!

1. Select your desired furniture collection and determine quantities of each item from the collection.

2. Select your fabric choices from our extensive Sunbrella(R) fabric collection. Over 100 fabrics from which to choose!

3. We will email you a rendered image of your selected collection illustrating the fabric combinations you have chosen.

4. Confirm our custom order and enjoy luxury, personalized, comfortable indoor/outdoor “tuff” furniture.

5. Select form Seasonal Living’s colorful accessories to complement your furniture and fabric selections – adding the finishing touches to beautiful living spaces.

SL: In your words, how would you describe the HALO Collection?

L.A.L.: For the conventional seating group, the name Halo is inspired by the design itself. The woven back supported by simple stainless steel legs surrounds the seat without touching it; like a halo. It’s a very unique aesthetic.

SL: What was your inspiration for the HALO Design?

L.A.L.: Everything is inspired by trying to do something that has not been done before and with Seasonal Living, it was an opportunity to work with and use Gary’s international resources to create something unique.

Many of the designs that are mass produced today do not consider true ergonomics vs. aesthetic appeal. Seasonal Living wanted a collection that not only had great form; but also was ergonomically sound and could be utilized in an outdoor or indoor environment.

The design concept then begins with sketching until I hit upon something that creates an “ah ha” moment. I find something that is unique and that has potential and I move forward with it.

SL: Do you see a commonality between designs for indoor vs. outdoor?

L.A.L.: Whether it is for indoor or outdoor, the goal for me is always the same; to create an object that will have a timeless quality that people can live with and have in their life for a very long time.

SL: If you had to select a favorite piece within the HALO collection, what would it be?

L.A.L.: With HALO, I am especially excited about the chaise lounge. It is a very unique product that is both sculptural as well as very comfortable and practical. While its visual aesthetic is strong; there are other features that add uniqueness. One is the ability to move the chaise into various positions from upright to a more casual horizontal orientation.

Also, if one was to remove the sled, the chaise provides a wonderful rocking option. Action or motion seating is creating a great deal of excitement in furnishings this season and I think this piece as well as the entire collection is going to be very well received within the marketplace.

Seasonal Living is excited and proud of its partnering with Louis A. Lara in the creation of the HALO collection. Lara is a recognized authority in design and the resulting beauty and function of HALO is evidence of his unbelievable talent and contemporary vision.

ABOUT LOUIS A. LARA.

Louis A. Lara has been designing award winning projects for manufacturers as well as private individuals since 1986. Projects have included residential and contract furniture, seating, lighting, housewares, graphics and general product design and development.

His designs are included in the permanent collections of design museums and have been published in innumerable design and trade publications as well as the world’s most prestigious design anthologies. His product designs are sold around the globe from the USA to Russia. They have appeared in dozens of major motion pictures as well as on the sets of today’s most popular TV programs.

“I compose relationships, striving for visual stillness and harmony that transcend the follies of fashion and trend,” said Lara. “All objects, regardless of size or purpose, are compositions of form and space, and the manner in which these elements are balanced determines their visual harmony or dissonance. The more harmonious the composition, the more inherently beautiful and timeless is the object.”

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For those who may have missed the show, or if you just want a peek at what only those on the “inside” saw, here’s a quick tour of the hot spots and SL’s showroom hits! Check out our showroom video as well for a personal tour.

Seasonal Livings’ Horizon Collection delivered a futuristic design focus in this contemporary grouping of multi-functional, round, all-season, dining table and accessories. It’s easy to see the Scandinavia inspiration from which this collection draws. The Horizon takes patio furniture to the highest level of sophistication while also offering the most durable of all materials. Win-win for all!

If you are into outdoor, you know the beauty and durability of Sunbrella(R) fabrics. As a major component in our Ring Collection, this fabric along with the Anodized aluminum frames deliver durability multiplied! For furnishing experts, the Ring Collection is inspired by mid-century design and features fluid contemporary elements. For the rest of us, this is a fun, comfortable and long lasting group that packs a wow factor! A satin smooth finish gives an unexpected softness to the frames of the sofa, chair, ottoman, chaise lounge, accent tables, and dining pieces.

The Perpetual Collection of light-weight cement tables were featured throughout Seasonal Livings’ space and continue as the must-have tables for buyers and designers alike. A new ivory-white version debuted. These tables, constructed of biodegradable (no resin) materials including Portland Cement(R) and hemp like grass, expanded to include the Zanzibar – a bio-fuel coffee table with a center fire feature at this show. Get them while their hot!

What is more comfortable than plopping down into a cozy bean-bag-like chair? Plopping down in one from SL’s Nest Collection with a chic design and a hand-woven and eco-friendly construction. Add to that a touch of the nautical with the latest fabric called Ocean Spray, a woven stripe design of vivid cerulean shades of water. We invite everyone to experience a piece of all-weather wonderful!

That is just the tip of what Seasonal Living debuted! Check back to our Blog for even more info about the eclectic styles and exciting furnishing and accessory designs that SL has found adorning living spaces around the globe and brought to our shores!

Teaser alert! … Warm oranges and cool turquoise deliver glowing sunsets against calming waters to your decor horizons… but, from unexpected sources!