Veneman Furniture transitions from outdoors in with rattan line

Growth-driven Veneman takes bigger showroom at center of High Point Market

-- Casual Living, 4/6/2009 7:00:00 AM

Veneman

Veneman Furniture will more than double its showroom presence and present its first rattan collection at the next High Point Market, April 25-30. Veneman cited its rapidly expanding product line and the signing of two marquee licensing deals as reasons for its move from Hamilton Market to a 7,500-sq.-ft. space on the first floor of the International Home Furnishing Center’s Main Wing.
 
Known for its handcrafted casual and outdoor furniture, Veneman serves both the residential and contract channels. Since purchasing the 40-year-old company in 2003, Bill Markowitz has focused on expanding both lines. At the upcoming market, Veneman will debut a Disney licensed collection as well as a commercial collection by designer Roger Thomas.

“A large part of our business is on the hospitality side,” Markowitz said. “Roger Thomas is well known in the industry as the guy who did all of Steve Wynn’s hotels in Las Vegas.”

The new Thomas and Disney products represent just a portion of Veneman introductions, which necessitated dramatically expanding the company’s showroom space and, according to Markowitz, moving to an address that would make Veneman a must-visit location this Market.

“We see the move to the IHFC as an opportunity. We were not in the past what you would call a destination showroom,” Markowitz said. “At the IHFC, being a highly visible part of the first floor of the Main Building, we definitely are just that.”

Transitions from outdoors in
In keeping with its tradition of casual design innovation and craftmanship, Veneman will introduce its first rattan collection, offering decorative fashion for the indoors. Veneman’s new designs, Rio and Tulip, include pieces that can complement or create a unique space indoors and out.

“We strived to create a fresh look using rattan, resulting in a blending of line and form that makes a uniquely versatile design statement,” said Jennifer Dorr of Veneman Furniture. “We introduced rattan because of its resilient natural materials which offer beauty, casual elegance and solid durability, reflecting a casual contemporary lifestyle. Rattan is growing in popularity as more people realize the benefits of using this durable and eco-friendly material.”

With its all-weather woven construction, the Rio and Tulip collections fit an array of indoor and outdoor settings in hotel properties as well as homes. Rattan creates relaxed and comfy sitting areas in hotel lobbies and suites. It is also popular with homeowners, who find it ideal for covered outdoor spaces such as sunrooms.

“The elegant and distinctive collection reflects a natural transition from the outdoors to the indoors in popular spaces such as the Great Room,” Dorr said. “These pieces make you feel instantly comfortable.”

The Rio collection includes a loveseat, cocktail table and lounge chair. The Tulip collection includes an end table, loveseat, cocktail table and lounge chair. Both are available in Java Brown, Mahogany or Natural finish. 
With 70 casual furniture collections, Veneman Furniture is known for customizing pieces and addressing special orders from architects, designers and consumers.

For more information, call 866-654-7001 or visit www.venemanfurniture.com.