Hanamint relaunching Alu-Mont aluminum line

By Cinde W. Ingram

Expect to see more Alu-Mont aluminum furniture in residential and contract uses because of investments by parent company Hanamint during the current climate of increased import pricing pressures.

Since purchasing the 42-year-old casual furniture manufacturer in August of last year, Hanamint has refurbished Alu-Mont’s 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and offices in Irwindale, Calif., and replaced outdated equipment. A state-of-the-art, energy-efficient lighting system was installed as well as a new racking system.

“We’ve been working primarily inside the building,” said Russ Sorenson, president of Hanamint USA and Alu-Mont. “We kept the name, and all of its existing customer base, because it’s got a great reputation. We fully expect Alu-Mont should have tremendous growth next year just by virtue of what is going on in the industry.”

The industry faces new challenges with rising costs that will drive up prices, Sorenson said. Material costs for metals were up about 20% in April, and at the same time China increased its minimum wage. Those and other factors such as rising fuel costs, combined with freight hikes on container shipments to be effective this month, are expected to drive up the costs of imported products dramatically.

“These are unique challenges that all seem to be happening at the same time,” Sorenson said. “It’s putting a lot of pressure on pricing. The weakening dollar has been a real struggle for everybody, but the changes in the exchange rate and ocean freight won’t affect Alu-Mont.”

New Alu-Mont collections will debut at the July 9–11 Casual Premarket in Hannamint’s showroom at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart.

Meadowcraft names Wingrove VP of sales

Meadowcraft named Todd D. Wingrove vice president of sales for its specialty division, effective April 7.

Wingrove was most recently a sales representative in the Michigan territories working with Lloyd/Flanders and Hooker Furniture. Before that,he held management sales positions with Hekman Furniture, DMI Furniture and Samsonite Furniture .

Wingrove replaces Rory Rehmert, who left Meadowcraft, and now is vice president of sales for Pride Family Brands.

Style expert Peterson: Outdoor spaces offer an exciting new realm for design

By Cinde W. Ingram

Celebrity design expert, author and national TV personality Kathy Peterson expects to see more homeowners interested in decorating their outdoor spaces.

“It’s pretty spectacular, what’s going on in the outdoor furniture industry,” Peterson said. “Because of the economy and the value of property today, it’s always beneficial if you extend your living space to the outdoors. You don’t have to spend a whole lot of money (to) make your outdoor space a really beautiful place that’s going to welcome not only yourself and your family but your guests. It’s going to be a place you really want to hang out.”

Co-host of “The Balancing Act,” a home decorating show on Lifetime television, Peterson also has been featured as an expert on HGTV, DIY Network, TNN, Discovery channel, PBS and E!, as well as in newspapers, magazines and on Web sites. Since she wrote “Kathy Peterson’s Great Outdoor Decorating Makeover” in response to requests from publishers who saw an outdoor makeover she did for The Palm Beach Post, Peterson has paid closer attention to trends driving the niche.

While complete outdoor kitchens set the path for some high-end homeowners, deep seating groups are allowing others to move conversation areas outside from traditional living rooms. Other trends she identified include outdoor sleeping spaces with floating or canopy beds; larger-scale outdoor furniture with clean lines; luxe designs, with circular and curvy shapes; high-back chairs offering shoulder support; sectionals; and motion chairs. Trims and fringes also are available now to dress up pillows that are conducive to outdoor wear and tear.

In regards to color for outdoor designs, Peterson finds most anything goes — ranging from black, which is regal and rich but not always conducive to hot climes, to bright statement colors, such as oranges and greens. Combining patterned and textured outdoor fabrics with more natural elements like woven, bamboo and reeds creates an organic look.

“I think the designers of outdoor furniture have really taken the cue from interior designers, adding fabrics for texture and softness,” Peterson said. “Outdoor furniture has changed so dramatically that it’s as elegant as inside furniture, depending on what your budget is. So you can actually create your own pocket of calm or however you want to use that space.”

When she makes special appearance or does press interviews, Peterson often emphasizes there are products made especially for outdoor uses — ranging from artwork, accessories, televisions and rugs to lamps that look like interior lamps. She tells her clients their choices have improved for elegant outdoor lighting, whether fixtures or ground lighting.

“Lighting is so key to creating ambience and can really upgrade your outdoor space for an evening of entertaining, which I do quite a bit,” Peterson said. “I always entertain my guests outdoors because I feel like it’s more comfortable for them. They don’t have to worry about spilling something on the sofa or the carpet. So it’s a little bit more casual but you can make it as beautiful as you want or change it out as often as you like.”

Ruggiero develops eco-friendly wovens for Viro line of all-weather wicker

Inspired by thoughts of his granddaughter’s future, designer Joe Ruggiero joined with Viro, maker of all-weather wicker, to develop a line of eco-friendly woven patterns that debuted at the Hospitality Design Expo this month.

“Becoming a grandfather for the first time has made me more conscious than ever about the future and the world I will leave to my grandchild,” Ruggiero said. “My work with Viro is inspirational because of the product’s unique capabilities and the benefits of being non-toxic and recyclable. Who knows, my designs for Viro could be around for my granddaughter to enjoy.”

Ruggiero designed the weather-resistant woven patterns to complement Sunbrella outdoor fabrics, for which he has designed more than 1,000 patterns. During the High Point Market in April, Ruggiero focused on the continuing growth of performance fabrics, including his best-selling Trax pattern, a subtle herringbone now available in 29 color options.

A collection of three weaves — Antique, Leather Like and Natural — launched at the HD Expo in Las Vegas. Ruggiero had a different inspiration for each. Antique was inspired by a woven antique child’s chair from the 1800s. Leather Like evokes the woven leather of equestrian harnessing and tack. Natural refers to the woven art of basketry from Tuscany, Provence and England. Each of these designs comes in 11 colors.

Viro fibers are highly customizable and specifically designed and engineered for outdoor use. Designers can choose from a wide range of profiles, colors, textures and surface effects. Viro is UV stabilized, high-density polyethylene, a non-toxic, recyclable material that out-performs natural wicker in many ways.