INNOVATIVE INTERIORS
True to the name of its latest line of furnishings, Wickes Furniture Co. has introduced Urban Innovations, a new concept that is helping change the way people furnish their homes.
The smaller-proportioned, space-saving furnishings and accessories were rolled out in Wickes’ showrooms nationwide in November.
"We created Urban Innovations to fill a vastly underserved market, namely consumers who are seeking high-style, high-function, interior design solutions to complement smaller spaces, affordably priced — whether for a condo, townhouse, apartment or any space-challenged room in the home," explained John Disa, Wickes Furniture president and chief executive officer.
Kris Woodcock, vice president/general merchandise manager, said the idea to develop the line came after numerous consumers visited the retailer looking for smaller-scaled, sleeker furniture for their homes.
"Basically the midmarket was inundated with very large, overscaled furniture with a lot of detailing. We were getting a lot of customers who were saying the furniture was too large for their room or it overpowers the room or they can’t fit it in the hallways," said Woodcock.
Additionally, she said tastes in furniture styles are changing.
"Not everyone wants big, overstuffed furniture."
And while the heavy, ornate Mediterranean style still has a place in today’s marketplace, more and more consumers are seeking furnishings that have smooth, clean lines.
Woodcock said Urban Innovations is more than just a single furniture collection. Within the line, there are five dining collections, eight upholstery groupings and five bedroom collections from various manufacturers.
Labeled "Smart Ideas for Urban Living," the line is unified by its smaller scale, emphasis on storage and function, and contemporary style, Woodcock said. Specifically, it brings together furniture, fashion and function.
Among the highlights are lower-profile sofas, sectionals, chairs and chaises with clean lines that replace bulky arm rolls and high backs. The occasional tables pivot and nest, and many have swing-out shelves for invisible storage or caster wheels for easy mobility. Console tables can be stacked along a wall or behind a couch and then open up to seat eight for dinner. The line also features expandable dining tables in both standard dining height and a more casual, slightly taller pub height, a style that is gaining popularity for its ability to do double-duty as a work surface. The line’s low-profile and platform beds have hidden storage compartments.
"Everyone needs more storage today," she said, noting that the secret compartments also help make the room look neater, a key component of contemporary design.
The pieces are also multifunctional, said Nicole Ivey, director of marketing and advertising. For example, cocktail tables on casters can be moved around a room easily so "you can eat pizza while you’re watching TV."
There also are several television cabinets that are suitable for both the bedroom or living room, as well as office furniture such as a glass-topped desk, rolling file cabinet or étagère that looks equally at home in a living room.
While Urban Innovations furnishings are smaller in scale, they’re big on style, with European- and Asian-inspired designs, contemporary and transitional styles, and utilizing today’s most popular, luxurious materials and finishes.
Woodcock said the trend in the market is for rich, deep colors and the line features espresso, roughed black and mahogany finishes, with glass and brushed nickel accents.
Upholstery is available in a variety of colors, with many in spa shades as well as taupes, blacks, creams and some chocolate, and in fabrics such as Italian leather, suede and microfiber. Many pieces sport a tailored look and details like button tufting.
Additionally, the line includes accessories such as rugs, lamps and accent pillows that complement the furnishings.
"The beautiful accessories in this line pull the whole look together," Ivey said.
Even traditional accessories have been given a contemporary spin. Woodcock noted that a chandelier has been done in black instead of crystal and brass. "It gave it a whole fresh, new outlook. It’s very classic and chic," she said.
"The styles are fresh and exciting, cool and contemporary, function and fashionable — satisfying our customers’ desire for urban chic furniture and accessories that accent the beauty of metropolitan living without sacrificing the comforts of home," Disa said.
Wickes has two showrooms in the valley. For more information, visit www.wickesfurniture.com or call 888-942-5372.
