18TH CENTURY HANDMADE MEETS BRIGHT MODERN IN COMMONWEALTH BY BERNHARDT

October 22, 2011 – LENOIR, NC - English-based artisanal style from the late 18th century British colonies is reconsidered with unexpected modernity in the Commonwealth by Bernhardt collection debuting today at High Point Market.

The collection of 50 skus for the whole home is stripped to the essence of historical power. Simplified and intensified shapes and block joints are highlighted in wood wing chairs, cabinets, and frame stretchers. A vintage-looking silky patina is achieved by wire-brushing flat-cut mindi wood to accentuate the grain pattern, while a complex multi-layered dark Mink finish and hand-rubbing with French wax enhances the look.

Historical accents include canvas-like natural colored linen, mock-croc patterned leather wraps, well-worn heavy iron pulls and handles, and the finest pure aniline leathers.

FEATURED PIECES:

334-548 Commonwealth Arm Chair.
REWRITES HISTORY – A purely modern wood wing chair based on historical reference. A mindi wood frame and outside wing, with a dark Mink finish. Deep chocolate aniline leather on upholstered seat, inside back, arm pad, back panel. Antiqued nickel nailhead trim.W28-1/8 D27 H42-1/2 in.

334-357/-358 Commonwealth Bunching Curios.
ARTISANAL & CURVED – To achieve the grand curved front, the Commonwealth Bunching Curios are sold as a paironly. Each unit has two doors with wood grille and restoration glass, two halogen lights withdimmer, four glass shelves with plate grooves. Built in mindi wood veneers with an aged appearance, enhanced woodgrain, dark Mink finish, and satiny French wax. W82-1/4 D20-1/2 H85 in. (overall, two units)

334-510 Commonwealth Desk.
SUBTLE VINTAGE FEEL – Canted leg, blocked wood stretchers, patinated iron Y-shaped center stretcher. One small drop-front drawer. W58-3/4 D30-3/4 H30 in.

334-232 Commonwealth Bachelor's Chest.
MODERN VIBE, VINTAGE INSPIRATION – A simple shape, fully wrapped in mock-croc patterned leather. Continuous nailhead outline in antiqued nickel. Petite bun foot, bronzed patinated pulls. W38-7/16 D20-1/4 H34-5/16 in.

334-124 Commonwealth Tray Table.
HANDMADE APPEAL – Simple turned leg and stretcher, block joints. The tray top offers a good hand-hold with side handles of well-worn, antiqued iron straight from the blacksmithing shop. W38 D24 H36 in.