Lloyd/Flanders expands Coastal Living Collection

Four lines to be shown at Chicago Casual Market

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 9/2/2010 9:53:00 AM

Menominee, MI — Four casual furniture lines inspired by lifestyles along the nation's coasts and lakesides will be showcased by manufacturer Lloyd/Flanders, who developed them in collaboration with consumer magazine Coastal Living.

The furniture will be featured in Lloyd/Flanders' showrooms at Chicago's International Casual Furnishings and Accessories Market, Sept. 21-24, and the High Point Market, Oct. 16-21.

Lloyd/Flanders President and CEO Dudley Flanders described early consumer response to the collection as overwhelming. "There are several reasons for that, not the least of which was our pre-season ad in Coastal Living magazine," he said. "The ad drove consumers into stores that had not stocked the group and created a surge in special orders."

Retail buyers at the Preview Show in July also showed strong response. "Not only the response to the furniture but the concept," Flanders said.

The collaboration has produced a collection of outdoor furnishings designed for coastal living across America. Styles reflect the artsy enclaves of the West Coast, the traditional coastal communities of New England, the Midwestern lakeshores and the casual low country of the old South.

The Coastal Living Collection features four coastal lifestyles: Savannah, the Low Country, the Great Lakes and Carmel.

Savannah DiningSavannah

Each piece of the Savannah Collection, speaks of the Deep South, with all of that region's elaborate mannerisms and easy living. Distinctive woven patterns of Lloyd Loom wicker combine with aluminum framing to recreate the homespun charm of the lightweight, sturdy furniture created from grasses and materials available on the barrier islands and low lying river basins of the south.

The Savannah Collection features high backed seating with wide arms, a perfect perch for an icy cold glass of sweet tea. Rockers and gliders move in lazy concert with the evening breezes across porches and piazzas. Southern Cypress, born from the waters of the low country, is crafted into occasional and dining tables which are reminiscent of designs created by early low country craftsmen. The collection is accented with hand-rubbed finishes in soothing coastal colors.

Low Country DiningLow Country

South Carolina's Low Country has been a treasured cultural hub for generations, bursting with agricultural wealth and antebellum good taste. Grand plantations flourished in the mid 18th and 19th centuries as deep harbors welcomed ships from around the world, bringing the cultures and influences of the Caribbean, the Orient and Europe. All of these influences combined to form the region's unique patchwork heritage.

Elegant detailing blends with the sturdy, fundamental craftsmanship native to the low country. Hand-woven vinyl wicker on seats and backs recalls the woven baskets produced from the sweet-grass growing in the tidal basins of the Deep South. This detail enhances the sturdy aluminum frames and southern cypress table tops, both hand finished to mimic the patina of years gone by. Plush deep seating combines comfort with the natural beauty of each piece. This extensive collection of seating and occasional outdoor furnishings is sure to add a touch of rustic, Southern sophistication to any outdoor living space.

Great Lakes loveseatGreat Lakes

The Great Lakes Collection brings to mind the pristine and placid beauty of its white-capped inspiration.

Imagine the wooded shores of Lake Superior and breathe in the crisp, north country air. Let bare feet slide over the pebbles on one of Lake Michigan's rocky beaches or inhale the invigorating breeze coming off Lake Erie. The Great Lakes Collection represents nature's simple, perfect charm and the rewarding lifestyle that follows.

The eco-friendly southern cypress construction and classic styling create organically appealing, elegant seating. Color palettes are reminiscent of polished sea glass, marsh grasses and beaches along the lakeshore. Laid back, solidly built styling makes a collection that's as comfortable as it is long lasting. The Great Lakes collection is the ideal choice for classic porch, deck or patio furniture.

Carmel SeatingCarmel

The Carmel Collection is defined by the storied lifestyle enjoyed by its namesake community of artists on California's coast. Writers, musicians and painters all gathered in Carmel to create a fairytale escape from the ordinary.

The Carmel Collection adds a touch of whimsical elegance. Featuring carefully hand-woven vinyl wicker over sturdy aluminum frames, pieces in the Carmel Collection complement each other beautifully while holding a hint of sea-trapped spice. Creative styling is built on clean, open weaves, while flared legs and subtle design elements add an island feel. Warm earth tones draw the pieces together to allow inner artistic moods to escape.