Thomasville sets Carter line
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, March 17, 2008
Thomasville, N.C. — Thomasville Furniture will introduce a Darryl Carter for Thomasville whole-home collection featuring the interior designer's "new traditional" aesthetic at next month's High Point Market.
The collection takes the self-taught design guru's approach of mixing modern and antique looks into furniture, lighting, accessories, rugs and textiles. It will be available in Thomasville stores and galleries this fall.
The collection will include about 28 wood SKUs in bedroom, dining room and occasional, and 10 upholstery frames.
Veneers in the collection include olive ash burl, pecky pecan, knotty white oak and mahogany. Several painted pieces also will be offered. Finishes will include Tortoise, Driftwood, Plains Lacquer, Espresso, Newport, Nero and Belgian Blue.
"We are very pleased with this new partnership," said Ed Teplitz, president of Thomasville. "Darryl Carter for Thomasville will make Darryl's one-of-a-kind, sophisticated look available to consumers across the country when it launches in Thomasville stores this fall."
Carter's interiors blend contemporary with antique. Classic shapes shown in a variety of modern finishes represent a "careful approach to balance, scale and palette," Thomasville said.
"A home should be a comfortable respite, both beautiful and welcoming," Carter said. "In partnership with Thomasville, we've crafted pieces that reflect inspired, diverse groupings, a fresh look with a feel of having been collected over time."
Carter has designed collections for retailer Neiman Marcus, home outfitter Frontgate and lighting specialist Urban Electric.
He has appeared on the HGTV series "Dream House" and other home shows.
His work has been featured in shelter magazines including House Beautiful, Traditional Home and Southern Accents, O at Home, Metropolitan Home and Elle Décor. Also this year, Carter is releasing a coffee table book, "The New Traditional."
The Carter line is Thomasville's third collection in a decade that is focused on an individual, with prior efforts inspired by Ernest Hemingway and Humphrey Bogart.
The move also brings Thomasville back to making a major introduction during the High Point Market. In 2006, its executives had signaled that it was unnecessary to adhere to an industry-dictated introduction schedule.
