Record number vie for Design Excellence honors

Courtney M. Paschal -- Casual Living, 8/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

A record number of entries are recorded in this year's Design Excellence competition — 142. New designs find a main focus in the woven category, with more than 30 entries. Taking a look at the products, you'll notice key trends emerging in the casual industry, from updated resin looks to ornately detailed pieces hinting at feminine style within the wrought iron/wrought aluminum category. Transitional and contemporary pieces mesh across products entered in the cast metal category, while manufacturers play around with design concepts in the tubular materials category. A category to watch this year is the shade category, as contemporary umbrellas, bungalows and even outdoor draperies are introduced.

Winners will be announced Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the second floor conference center of the Merchandise Mart, Chicago. All market attendees are invited to attend the announcement at an industry breakfast, set for 7:30-9 a.m.

The Winner of the Design Excellence Lillian B. Winchester Best of Show Award will be named Thursday, Sept. 20, during the 48th Annual Apollo Awards dinner at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. Tickets are required for entrance to the event, hosted by the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association and Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

To view images of the nominees in the various categories, click on the links below:

Resin/Fiberglass 
Outdoor Lighting 
Cast Metal Furniture 
Complimentary Casual 
Tubular Materials 
Rattan/Wicker/Woven Materials 
Wood Materials 
Shade Products

Resin/Fiberglass


Grosfillex - Sumatra 4-Position Folding Armchair
Space 8-7130


Kettler, Inc. - Rimini H/B Chair
Showroom 1661


Kettler Int'l - Landhaus Club Chair
Showroom 1661


Laneventure Furniture - The Terrace Collection 60" Round Dining Table
Showroom 1748

Laneventure /Keith Crowe and Bob White - At Home in Tuscany Crescent Sofa
Showroom 1748

Lloyd/Flanders /Dale Campbell - Princeton Bar Stool
Showroom 1650 


Meadowcraft - Athens Deep Seating Sofa
Showroom 17-103

Meadowcraft - Charleston Rocker
Showroom 17-103


O.W. Lee /Brian Lee - Montrachet Dining Arm Chair
Showroom 1786  


O.W. Lee /Paul Rogers - San Cristobal Dining Arm Chair
Showroom 1786 


Woodard /Shaun Sweeney - Reston Dining Arm Chair
Space 7-8106   


Woodard /Shaun Sweeney - Torino Dining Arm Chair
Space 7-8106