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October 2007

March 2007





Artisanal Minimalist Style
Cascade by Bernhardt: Modern Design, Eco-Friendly Features

Conservation and preservation-minded people are seeking out design that shows a commitment to style and social conscience. Earthy materials and textures have a strong attraction. How to design soul and eye pleasing, sustainable, high quality furniture?

LENOIR, NC, October 1, 2007 – Introducing Bernhardt’s first eco-friendly casegoods collection, Cascade – warmly human, humane and modern.

The 61-piece whole home collection is presented in rustic walnut veneers with a smooth silky surface and clear Aged Timber finish that emphasize the grain and whorls of wood in its native state. The collection showcases cantilevered slabs and low horizontal planes. Furnishings are scaled to fit within modestly sized urban interiors.

Cascade offers ample visual and emotional connection to things we love outdoors – the woods, a stream, rocks and forest textures. Natural elements and motifs include skeletal rubbertree leaves under glass, river rocks embedded in tabletops, pedestals with the texture of linear bark, sea urchin shells, textured recycled glass, coco twigs, granite and woven fiber. Select bronzed brass hardware is formed in organic shapes.

“Cascade’s organic forms and materials are coupled with environmental responsibility,” says Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development. “As purchases become more considered, we think these unadorned and powerful earthy designs, sustainably built, will be welcomed and respected."

Materials and methods used in the construction and marketing of Cascade by Bernhardt - including the display space within Bernhardt’s High Point Market showroom – have been developed to help protect the balance of the environment. Environmental features in this collection include:

SIGNATURE PIECES INCLUDE:

Cascade Buffet & Deck 397-132/636 - Storage matters, as does artful display. This unique piece features a substantial backpanel, cantilevered center drawer shelf and plate-grooved top shelf (plus gallery rail) supported on sculptural X brackets. Four display lights. Buffet doors conceal a drawer with silverware insert, four shelves and removable wine racks. Rustic walnut veneers in an Aged Timber finish highlight unique characteristics of the wood in its natural state. 2 pcs: W80 D19 H83, appx retail $2999.

Cascade Display Curio 397-356 - A walk in the woods, remembered. Tactile, rustic walnut cabinetry is separated from it’s platform base, giving a sense of floating above the landscape. Skeletal rubbertree leaves are pressed in an orderly graphic arrangement on the center door. Wood shelves inside and out. W52 D16 H78.5, appx retail $1699.

Cascade by Bernhardt will be available to consumers in March 2008.

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The Bright Young Classics: Arlington by Bernhardt

Classic design has been undergoing a renaissance of late. Perhaps it’s time to take traditional to urban living quarters.

LENOIR, NC, October 1, 2007 – A new American style, Arlington by Bernhardt is composed of strong, graceful lines that will have a soothing effect on interiors. The look is grown up and young at the same time; furnishings are scaled to accommodate modestly sized urban interiors.

Arlington’s style is based on well thought out neo- classical design, reinterpreted with creative flair and stylishly adorned with unexpected elements.

“There is in Arlington a sense of familiar historical reference with a modern sensibility,” says Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development. “Refined lines and the drama of contrasting dark and light will make these designs easy to look at and to live with for a long time.”

The 42-piece whole home collection is presented in quartered figured prima vera veneers with a charcoal-colored Dark Oyster finish. Accents include clear acrylic specialty pieces, bright nickel metal inlines, faceted nickel hardware and contrasting marble. Upholstered accents include alabaster white tufted dining chairs and black leather headboard panels.

As modern, by definition, accommodates not only style but also function, Arlington is outfitted for up-to-date interactions. A Writing Desk/Vanity, for example, features not only a traditional hinged top and interior sliding tray but also grommeted wiring holes that allow it to function as charging station for PDAs and cell phones.

SIGNATURE PIECES INCLUDE:

Arlington Round Dining Table 396-773 - A fresh breeze of fluidity. The sculptural, curved and tapering gunmetal frame will gently reflect natural or decorative lighting in a dining area. The dark glass top has a bullnose edge. W60 H29.5, appx retail $1699. Also available with a 54-inch top. Also offered: a choice of two dining chair styles, both graceful – the wood side or arm chair with softly bowed and curved vase splat back looks positively sculptural; the swooping tufted upholstered chair will give any dining area classic appeal.

Arlington Media Armoire 396-144/145 - Something to make the bedroom feel glamorous. A Dark Oyster finish on figured prima vera provides sophistication, the simple curved shape is serene, faceted nickel hardware adds bright contrast. The top deck can accommodate a 30-inch TV or may be used with provided shirt and sweater partitions. 2 pcs: W57 D24 H81.5, appx retail $2,750.

Arlington by Bernhardt will be available to consumers in April 2008.

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For the Socially Inclined: Seating That Turns House Into Home

With the continuing busy lives we all lead, making our houses into truly pleasurable, comfortable homes in which we can live well has become an absolute priority. And comfortable, of course, begins with seating.

LENOIR, NC, October 1, 2007 – At the High Point Market this October, Bernhardt introduces 46 skus of informal, understated seating that is comfortable for everyone. Style is focused in three categories: roomy and cushy designs for congenial family rooms, open tailored armless styles to seat lots of extra friends, and vintage Parisian flea market looks.

“Foremost,” says Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development, “our new upholstery is extremely comfortable and inducive to casual entertaining. Our seating is quality-built, durable enough for active kids and pets, and also offers grownup allure and refreshing modern style.”

Better to Sit Upon, Better For The Planet Fall introductions include a collection of "green" upholstery that is making an environmental difference from the inside out. The new program features eight skus and an environmentally friendly collection of fabrics.

Seating in the “green” upholstery program is built to eco-friendly standards that include:

Fresh Looks In Design

Another style direction this fall: chaise sectionals, the symbol of comfortable luxury and elegance. Among these intros are indulgent family sectionals that insist you relax – lots of cushy arms and pillows, deep seats, great for reading, napping or lounging in the media room. Other chaise sectionals are more tailored, comfortable but modern with abbreviated backs and often armless - meant for extra seating during house parties and cocktail gatherings.

Fresh color trend: pale mauve, a novel and warm addition to a classic neutral palette. This subtle color will give living areas a soft, modern personality. It shows up in plain, woven and paisley cloths on both crisp and relaxed frames, including a deep room-wrapping sectional with rolled arms and lots of toss pillows for large family curl-ups.

Two words about leather: high quality. Bernhardt introduces 27 skus in leather including full aniline butter-soft hands and masculine antiqued finishes, among them a new caramel color. Also debuting: two groups with six skus of leather/fabric combos, including family room sectionals.

AMONG THE NOTEWORTHY:

Levon Chaise Sectional B2838-B2850 - Makes coming home a welcoming event. This soft contemporary armless sectional will add genuine drama to living areas. Shown in a handsome, goes-with-everything, straw colored cotton grasscloth body and basketweave toss pillows. Left Arm Chaise W39.5 D69 H29, Armless Loveseat W73 D36 H29, 2pc. appx retail $2300. This entertainment sectional is also offered in sharply tailored toffee or pumpkin colored leathers with hidden stitching.

Parisian Leather Club Chair 2442L - The lap of luxury. A timeless Parisian flea market design with a low arm you can sling a leg over while reading (although the chair will work well most anywhere in the house: living room, media room, bedroom). Buttery-soft leather that will improve the more you sit, and an interesting turned vase foot. W32.5 D42 H31.5, appx retail $975. Matching sofa and ottoman available.

Linden Sofa G5977 - Smart looking and smart thinking. This two-cushion sofa is 100% green from the inside out, ushering in a new generation of sustainable seating. The design has a lightness about it, with a modern arm and panel skirt. Sky blue paisley pillows atop a classic white body cloth, both natural cotton. One of eight skus in Bernhardt’s new eco-friendly upholstery program that uses only certified sustainable, low emission, natural, recyclable materials. W88.5 D40 H35.5, appx retail $1,675. Also available in this style: chair and ottoman.

Foster Fabric/Leather Sectional 5191L-5192L - Media room marvel. Feather-down, high back cushions and back covered in a caramel cloth woven of multi-colored threads - all the easier to blend with various home decors. The semi-aniline, wax pull-up, chocolate-caramel colored leather is accented with contrast stitching. W102 D42 H39.5, appx retail $3100.

Bernhardt Upholstery will be available to consumers in March 2008.

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Bar and Gathering Furniture
“Social Hour by Bernhardt”: Occasional Furniture For The Occasional Party

What we need now: community and friends, a place to hang out, a place with style. . . and a nice cool drink.

LENOIR, NC, October 1, 2007 – As Americans continue to invest in their homes, specialty zones grow in popularity: media room, craft room, home theatre, wine cellar. A complete entertainment room tops many wish lists.

Social Hour by Bernhardt brings a new element of fun to the family entertainment mix. The program includes 85 skus (36 new, 49 existing) of high quality, high style furniture with a festive attitude.

“These are clever, unique pieces you can have fun with,” says Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development. “When people bring furniture, or anything, into an entertainment area, they want it to raise the spirits, so to speak. Social Hour furnishings are designed not only to serve but also to draw comments and be a source of conversation.”

Included in the mix are fully outfitted bar cabinets and wine storage consoles, occasional tables with lazy susans and inset ice buckets, complete bar & bar-back/entertainment groups, pub and gathering tables with retractable wine chillers and bar/counter stools of all descriptions.

Products are built in a variety of veneers and accented with bottle openers, lost wax hardware, handcarving, leather, and exotic and natural materials such as sea urchin shells, acid etched brass and pressed leaf displays. Pieces range from maximum impact, multi-function entertainment centers to readily accessible smaller items that fit right in and fill a need.

“SOCIAL HOUR” SIGNATURE PIECES:

Social Hour Wine Table 588-123 - Creative thinking in a small package. This intimate serving table does what you want when you want with a dedicated wine bottle station. Built in handsome quartered cherry veneers; the top is embedded with decorative sea urchin shells (reclaimed from coastal eateries). W19 D15 H29, appx retail $530.

Social Hour TV Wall Cabinet 588-350 - A showstopper of modern shape and natural texture. Focal point: bi-fold wood frame doors that display panels of pressed leaf forms under a glass surface – the doors will conceal a wall mounted plasma TV up to 42". The outer frame is covered in woven twill matting, a complementary natural material. W62 D7 H40 (TV area W51 D6 H28), appx retail $850.

Social Hour Bar Cabinet 588-845 - A great, functional party cabinet. Touch dimmer lighting, a pick-up-and-go tray in the serving niche. Traditional wine bottle racks below may be reversed for those who prefer no-lip storage. Rich quartered cherry veneers, decorative pressed leaf forms on drawer fronts. W36 D18 H51, appx retail $1325.

OTHER FREESTANDING OCCASIONAL INTROS:

Lincoln Park 585 Group - A young-feeling, soft modern standout. Square and oval shapes predominate. Rosewood and cherry veneer tops, brushed satin nickel frames, decorative metal X-stretchers on select sides and backs. Group includes two squared tables, a square end cabinet with revolving base, oval end table, oval stool with upholstered top, two TV consoles, and featuring the Lincoln Park Etagere 585-128 - Totally elegant and timeless, this design will add interesting shape to a room. Unique tapering curved form, open rosewood shelves, brushed nickel platform and X stretcher. W39.5 D18 H76, appx retail $1140.

Hudson 581 Group - Graceful and solid with an Art Nouveau reference. Twisted metal bases, round tops of quartered and figured prima vera veneer, dark cherry finish with black rub.

Kendall 586 Group - Traditional intro, European, with a theatrical twist. Cast aluminum S-curves with a highly decorative dark bronzed finish, glass tops.

Soriano 583 Group - Very neat, clean and strong. Hand-hammered copper tops in one-of-a-kind radiating patterns. Simple rectilinear wood frames with a midnight black finish.

Zambrano 582 Group - High design, gilded, with a Miami Beach or Spanish feel. Curled cast iron bases in a warm Old Gold finish with heavy black rub, intricate­ grillwork tops with lay-on glass. Lower shelves of black stone.

Plantation 587 Group - Classic island style, Malibu to Miami. Updated plantation design in cherry wood with a dark sepia finish. Coordinates with a new plantation upholstery group.

Social Hour by Bernhardt and freestanding occasional introductions will be available to consumers in March 2008.

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Bernhardt Launches Initiative To Advance Systemic Environmental Business Practices

LENOIR, NC, October 1, 2007 – Bernhardt has instituted new corporate policy committed to instigating environmentally sound practices in all of the company’s daily business activities.

The initiative amplifies a long-held tradition of providing a safe and healthful workplace, protecting the environment and conserving energy and natural resources. New measures target improvements in energy and water use, emissions and air quality, packaging and waste reduction, renewable and sustainable materials, product stewardship, supply chain management, environmental programs/affiliations and employee awareness and involvement.

“We want to go beyond simply complying with environmental legislation and regulations,” says Alex Bernhardt, Sr., Chairman and CEO. “We want to become leading environmental supporters in our community and industry.”

Business Practices, All Facilities Bernhardt is actively pursuing certification – for all of its manufacturing facilities and corporate office – by EFEC (Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture), an environmental management program developed by the American Home Furnishings Alliance to help members create and maintain strong, proactive environmental management systems.

Following new procedures, participating Bernhardt facilities have already this year reduced electrical consumption by nine percent and fresh water consumption by eight percent. Plant recycling programs have resulted in a 17 percent reduction in waste disposal and landfill consumption. The company has also made significant capital investments in new lower-emission equipment.

Among the company’s environmental objectives are supply chain management practices.To that end, Bernhardt’s has sent questionnaires to leading suppliers to ascertain those suppliers’ environmental efforts in hopes of working collectively with them to achieve significant, positive results.

The People Who Make It Happen

Policy alone doesn’t ensure change – people create change, and Bernhardt associates are joining teams and driving collective efforts to further Bernhardt’s green initiative as the company’s entire corporate culture is becoming one of environmental citizenship. Programs initiated and driven by Bernhardt employees include:

Environmentally-Friendly Products, October 2007

Encouraged by sales increases in GREENGUARD certified furniture (low emission products that contribute to more healthful indoor environments) marketed through Bernhardt Design, the company’s contract casegoods division, today Bernhardt Residential Upholstery and Casegoods divisions are introducing at the High Point Market new programs of eco-friendly products for the home.

Bernhardt Upholstery is making a difference from the inside out. The division is debuting eight skus of environmentally-friendly upholstery, including two fabric seating groups and two freestanding upholstered chairs. (For instance: the Linden Sofa G5977 - appx retail $1675.)

Standards for the Bernhardt's “green” upholstery program include:

Bernhardt Casegoods today debuts the eco-friendly Cascade collection, a 61-piece whole home group in certified sustainable rustic walnut veneers.( For instance: the Cascade Display Curio 397-132/636 - appx retail $1699.)

Materials and methods used in the construction and marketing of Cascade by Bernhardt - including the display space within the company's High Point Market showroom – have been developed to help protect the balance of the environment.

Casegoods environmental standards include:

Showroom Designed with environmentally friendly materials such as Benjamin Moore EcoSpec paints with low VOCs, natural silk and grasscloth wallcoverings, and sisal floorcoverings.

Bernhardt expects to have all plant and office facilities and practices prepared for EFEC audit and certified in 2008. Click here for more information about the company’s environmental policy.

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Bernhardt and Smithsonian Launch Partnership With New Branded Collection Featuring Historically-Inspired Designs

LENOIR, NC, March 26, 2007 - Bernhardt Furniture Company and the Smithsonian Institution are debuting their new Smithsonian® Collection by Bernhardt at the spring Furniture Market in High Point, NC. The result of a partnership between the two organizations, the branded collection features more than 50 historically-inspired casegoods pieces and will serve as the focal point of the Smithsonian Collection for the Home currently being developed by the Smithsonian. The collection will be available in retail stores nationwide this fall.

"We are excited and proud to be a part of this endeavor, and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with the Smithsonian," said Alex Bernhardt, Sr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bernhardt Furniture. "The Smithsonian name is synonymous with quality, trust and prestige, and this furniture collection will deliver on all those expectations."

The initial offerings feature timeless adaptations inspired by America’s heritage, but finely crafted for today. Rooted in 19th century American design, there are two distinct style directions. The National Heritage Collection features formal Regency and Empire designs in figured walnut and burl veneers with a Heritage Brown finish. The American Archive Collection showcases classic American designs with subtle Southern, low country influences shown in rich pin knotty cherry veneers with a Castle Brick finish.

This versatile collection features bedroom, dining room and an ecelctic mix of occasional pieces that give the homeowner an opportunity to collect unique pieces developed from the history and archives of the Smithsonian Institution. continued The clean lines, subtle curves and light carving details of the collection are paired with traditional elements such as turned posts and shaped moldings to lend a look of classic styling. Yet, the collection is filled with unique accents and materials such as antique leather, aged bronze metal, woven cane and black marble that add an element of surprise. Solid brass hardware in brass-bronze tones are hand-crafted using a time-honored "lost wax" technique to create unique shapes and subtle markings, such as the Smithsonian sunburst emblem featured on select hardware.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with Bernhardt, an industry leader known for high quality, master crafted furniture that offers exceptional value to consumers," said Severin White, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Licensing of Smithsonian Business Ventures. "The Smithsonian Collection by Bernhardt will allow the consumer to rediscover time-honored home furnishings that reference the Institution’s vast holdings."

Individual pieces from the collection are closely tied to the Smithsonian’s archives and history. For instance, the Keeper’s Bookcase is inspired by a late 19th century, American Empire revival bookcase located in the office of the Keeper of the Castle Collection. The Keeper of the Castle Collection is the person who curates the artifacts in the Castle, the original museum building completed in 1855. The tracery treatment on the bookcase’s glass doors is evocative of the Castle's late Romanesque and early Gothic motifs.

The ongoing collection is a collaborative effort linking two highly respected brands. The Smithsonian brand is ranked number one for quality among all brands in the Harris 2003 EquiTrend Brand Study and has 94% brand recognition among adult Americans. Bernhardt Furniture, established more than a hundred years ago, is known nationwide for its quality and fine craftsmanship.

Gary Beer, Chief Executive Officer of Smithsonian Business Ventures, will be on hand at the High Point market as Bernhardt unveils the first pieces and launches a national marketing and public relations campaign promoting the collection through print, broadcast and internet outlets. Retail sales support will include comprehensive marketing materials to build brand awareness. Consumer marketing support will include a sweepstakes promotion, a collection catalog and a brochure.

The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846, is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization composed of 17 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and 2 museums in New York City. The Smithsonian collections are the basis for research, exhibitions and public programs in the arts, history and the sciences. The collections contain more than 137 million objects, works of art and specimens. In 2006, 23 million people visited Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo; there were 150 million visits to www.si.edu.

The Bernhardt family has been crafting fine furniture since 1889. Located in Western North Carolina, the company produces a broad line of custom-built upholstered furniture in both contemporary and traditional styles, as well as quality wood furniture for dining, living and bedroom – all at unmatched value in the marketplace. For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.bernhardt.com.

A portion of the sales proceeds from this collection supports the educational mission of the Smithsonian Institution.

SMITHSONIAN PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

Campeachy Leather Chair 393-535C & Leather Ottoman 393-534C Chair W25.5 D33 H43, Appx. Retail $760. Ottoman W28 D19 H14, appx. retail $380. The design for this chair is based on an early 19th century piece Thomas Jefferson discovered in New Orleans. The Campeachy form that was popular in New Orleans was derived from Spanish sources and the name is an Anglicized spelling of Campeche, a Mexican state, where a kind of mahogany was grown that was often used to make the chair. Made of pin-knotty cherry in a Castle Brick finish, the Campeachy Chair features a demi-lune crest rail that rests over a leather back and seat with antique brass nailhead trim, flanked by wavy arm posts that raise flat arms accented by carved scrolls. An X-shaped base and curved leather seat with nailhead trim adds interest to the accompanying Campeachy Leather Ottoman.

Colonnade Bench 393-554A, W56 D26.25 H39, appx. retail $665. The Colonnade Bench is based on an illustration found in the Smithsonian’s Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology. This world-class collection, housed in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, provided the Smithsonian with its first rare book library. Perfect for reading, the Colonnade Bench is presented in a rich dark brown accent finish and features an upholstered needlepoint fabric seat. Based on a classic Louis XIV design in the provincial style, it has a colonnade of round tapering spindles that make up the handsome back and turned arms and leg posts.

Keeper’s Bookcase 393-812C, W48 D20 H64, appx. retail$1,900. The Keeper’s Bookcase is inspired by a late 19th century, American Empire revival bookcase located in the office of the Keeper of the Castle Collection. The Keeper is the person who curates the artifacts in the Castle, the original museum building completed in 1855. The pin-knotty cherry bookcase shown in a Castle Brick finish features scrolled front feet, three adjustable shelves and two interior halogen lights for highlighting collectibles, books and other valuables. The tracery treatment on the bookcase’s glass doors is evocative of the Castle's late Romanesque and early Gothic motifs.s.

Artisan Dresser 393-052W, W72 D21 H40, appx. retail $1,800. An illustration of a single dresser in the Smithsonian Libraries American Art branch serves as the inspiration for the Artisan Dresser. This collection contains 180,000 books, exhibition catalogs, catalog raisonnes, serials and dissertations in the area of American art. Displaying masterful purity, the early 19th century English Regency design of the dresser is revealed with half round turned posts accentuated by acanthus leaf carvings and multi-ringed turned tapering feet. Three top drawers offer storage for jewelry and other small items, while six large drawers create added space for clothing. Figured walnut veneers are shown in a Heritage Brown finish.

Legacy Sleigh Bed (King Size) 393-H36W/F36W/R36W, W83 D102 H60, appx. retail $2,450. The Legacy Sleigh Bed is inspired by an illustration found in the Cooper-Hewitt branch of the Smithsonian Libraries. Known as The Doris and Henry Dreyfuss Study Center, this library contains 60,000 volumes documenting the decorative arts, including several rare 18th century furniture trade catalogs and historic home decorating periodicals. A treasure itself, the sleigh bed features 19th century Empire styling with curvaceous corner posts that join a curved headboard panel with square turned feet. A low paneled footboard with clean molding details completes the look. The bed is presented in a luxuriant figured walnut veneer in a Heritage Brown finish.

© 2007 Smithsonian Institution

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Montelena: Exceptionally Expressive
Rich & Creative Visual Effects Inspired by Classical European, Spanish Colonial

Balancing minimalist trends is a rising demand for rich and abundant interiors. Certain new homeowners with a chance to live out the dream of luxury, privilege, and personal artistic expression are searching for luxurious furnishings.

LENOIR, NC, March 25, 2007 –Areturn to opulent Old World furniture and generous expression is heralded in Bernhardt’s Montelena collection, with designs inspired by classical European Continental architecture with a distinct Spanish Colonial influence.

“We are seeing a return to a richness in a new generation of homeowners with vast interior spaces to fill,” says Heather Bloom, director of brand development. “We sense a demand for some energy, artfulness, and luxury. Creative abundance and artfulness is the heart of Montelena.”

Grand and ornate, Montelena features a plethora of shapes and intricate light carvings. These include stately swans-neck pediments enriched with ornamentation, weighty cornices, and a great variety of panel arrangements, columns, and pilasters – all hallmarks of fine Spanish antiques interpreted here with a more, casual ambience.

The collection is presented in alder and mappa burl veneers in a cool, dark Cappuccino finish with time-worn distressing and the occasional gold gilding. Exotic accents include forged metal with hand-stamped leaves, finetextured leathers, and unique “lost wax” hardware such highly chased pulls, drop handles, and decorative hinges.

MONTELENA AT-A-GLANCE:

SIGNATURE PIECES INCLUDE:

Montelena Leather Poster Bed 395-H/F/R59 - Every home needs a piece de resistance, and this palatial bed is the epitome of graceful dramatic expression. At 92 inches high (105" with canopy), this poster bed features a headboard with an ornamental pediment and leather paneling, a footboard of classical wood paneling with mappa burl overlays and classical ornamented turned posts. W90 D96 H92 (king), appx retail $2999. Also available: a Regal Canopy of scrolled metal, centered with a plume finial.

Media Wall 395-818/819/860/861 – A revolt against sameness. In this six-piece wall unit (152" wide and 104" high, for grand homes with high ceilings) classical order and balance exist alongsideBaroque abundance. A high center deck is crowned with an arched, ornamented pediment; wide end cabinets feature flat cornices. A dark Cappuccino finish lends a sense of history and opulence at home. Beneath the drama and Old World references reside technological accommodations for advanced new media: hidden DVD and game storage, TV receiver/emitter system in the console, shelving wide enough to house a 60" screen. W152 D24 H108, appx retail $6,175

Montelena by Bernhardt will be available to consumers in September 2007.

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Stylish Sofas
Clean, Sophisticated Casual Styles In Warm Neutrals & Lush Velvets

New upholstered seating uses soft fabrics and shapes to accomplish for decor what a dimmer switch does for lighting – to turn down the glare and turn up the allure.

LENOIR, NC, March 25, 2007 – Smooth, velvet textures and rich, soothing colors make a dreamscape of interiors, as exemplified in Bernhardt’s new casual modern seating. Simplified, controlled styling projects a calm sophistication. Where intensity and energy are needed, they are supplied by decorative pillows or a sharply defined arm or foot.

“Upscale, casual homeowners are looking for comfort and style in equal measure,” says Heather Bloom, director of brand development. “Today soft color and touch are important elements of comfort, and clean sophisticated shape is a priority.”

Spring 2007 colors are dominated by earthy neutrals, warm butterscotch and chocolate and tawny red tints. These are often augmented by decorative pillows in complimentary colors and patterns such as lime, chocolate, houndstooth and paisley.

Fabric constructions feature washed cottons and polyester velvets, which thanks to modern technologies are as tactile as cotton velvets but more forgiving of daily family usage. Leathers range from "mock croc" to top grain to waxy Italian styled hides.

SIGNATURE PIECES:

Dylan Sofa B4867 - The perfect combination:smart shape for sophistication, hobnail washed cotton body fabric in crisp linen coloration, nailhead trim accents, plush blend down pillows in lime and chocolate colored graphic botanical patterns. W92 D43 H34, appx retail $1300.

Alston Sofa B4877 - A modern take on the cabriole sofa, the back curves completely around the frame. Low squared arms push the style toward contemporary, plush pillows give softness and some tradition. Shown in a mushroom colored polyester velvet that will fit most any decor. W93 D38 H39, appx retail $1200.

Leger Sofa B4977 - Mock croc leather on the high rolled arm, tawny velvet bench seat and paisley pillows, carved wood arm rail and apron. Just right for a city library or paired in an Aspen great room.W88 D38 H36-1/2, appx retail $1200.

Van Gogh Sectional 1991L/1992L - As home TV screens grow flatter and sharper, gatherings grow larger. This top grain wipe-off leather sectional, perfect for media rooms, will be the cushiest and most comfortable seating in the house. Padded, cabriole shaped side panels and bombay arms deliver traditional appeal.W201 D40 H37-1/2, appx retail $3100.

The accompanying Colston Tufted Leather Square Ottoman 2002L will bear any number of snack trays and stocking feet while maintaining a trim silhouette thanks to high, vase turned feet. W40 D40 H17-1/2, appx retail $600.

Bernhardt Upholstery will be available to consumers in August 2007.

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Home Entertainment & Occasional
Modern Function, Maximum Style

Shoppers are searching for well-configured home entertainment furniture and functional, graceful occasional furnishings that can work in any setting. Newest Bernhardt designs earn their keep with multi-function gusto and go-anywhere style.

LENOIR, NC, March 25, 2007 – “The convergence of entertainment, lounging and home office areas in the home is driving a trend to forms that bridge decoration and function.” says Heather Bloom, director of brand development. “For media rooms and living rooms, we are responding to consumer demand for modern outfitting and function, a strong design aesthetic and simplified forms that work in large or small settings.”

Rich, warm materials dominate, including cherry, walnut and antiqued gold metal. Exotic materials like mozambique and acoume veneers dazzle; tactile “eco-chic” surfaces such as crushed bamboo and woven abacca intrigue.

Some highlights among the six new freestanding groups are:

Anderson 578 Group - 17 skus of entertainment and occasional furniture in cathedral cherry veneer with a deep russet, low sheen finish. Classic styling, fancy face cherry shelves, substantial turned legs, paneled beveled glass tabletops. The Anderson Entertainment Hutch 578-818/819/860/866/876 can be put together in six configurations. It features a three-position back panel for mounting flatpanel TVs, base units with pullout trays for component and DVD storage and curio piers with arched glass door fronts. W115 D23 H80, appx retail $3499.

Stewart 573 Group - Clean, modern and functional with striking surfaces of mozambique veneer.Some tops of bicast leather, other of substantial solar bronze glass, and several pivoting wood tops that lend a fun, casual note. The Stewart Accent Table 573-123 is a fun and functional addition to any modern space. The interesting football-shape (or “prolate spheroid” for architecture devotees) is a starting point for conversation; the oohs and ahs come when you swivel open the pivoting case. W23 D23 H26-1/2, appx retail $425.

Tahiti 575 Group - Eco-chic crushed bamboo bases and handmade tops of cocoa twig embedded in resin. This mix of organic materials testifies to the comforting appeal of natural substances and to a growing environmental connection in consumers. The Tahiti Square Cocktail Table 575-011 Simplest of geometric forms, with a small pullout shelf on each side. Functional minimalism at its purest. W42 D42 H18, appx retail $570.

Carmel Highlands Bar & Bar Back 392-920/840/841 - This hub for entertaining is built of birch veneers in a tactile Black Copper finish with rub-through effects. The Bar Back with French wire grillwork is fully outfitted for fun, including space for a wide-screen TV, components and a refrigerator. The Bar features an acid washed and brushed Uba Tuba granite top. Bar, W68 D35 H42-1/2, appx retail $2300. Bar Back, W80 D23 H91, appx retail $3500.

Bernhardt entertainment and occasional introductions will be available to consumers in September 2007.

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