MODERN EXPRESSIONS FROM BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS BY UNIVERSAL FURNITURE PRESENTS A THOROUGHLY MODERN VIEWPOINT
HIGH POINT, N.C., April 21, 2012 – Inspired by classic modern design, the elegant Modern Expressions from Better Homes and Gardens® by Universal Furniture reinterprets a former era with today’s sensibilities. Designed in collaboration with the editors of Better Homes and Gardens, the allure of Modern Expressions is in its understated voice: soft, sexy and urban.
“Modern Expressions projects a sense of youthful energy and sophistication,” says Jeff Scheffer, president and CEO of Universal Furniture International, Inc. “For younger generations with a pulse on the world of fashion, it’s fresh and new, while at the same time it’s fondly reminiscent for their parents.”
Linear in design, the textured grain of quarter-cut ash, with accents of laurel burl, is wrapped in a tonal Graphite finish that subtly introduces a lighter field, which is ever so carefully darkly framed. Perfectly appointed with stunning earring hardware in bright nickel, the case pieces and chairs feature sassy splayed legs, while a plinth base creates the illusion of floating beds. Gently rounded beading is prominent throughout the collection, lending a countenance of graceful iPad simplicity.
“This is for the person who has an eye for fashion and is specific in her style choices,” says Joe Boehm, Better Homes and Gardens senior interior designer. “She is a first adopter who is crisp and contemporary in her presentation, dressing herself and her home based on her fashion-forward identity.”
In the bedroom, there are two statement beds. The low slung, curvilinear Modern Expressions Wall Bed (55"H) features Egg Shell leather panels flanked by two modular nightstands with LED under lighting, a drawer and two shelves. The Mid-Town Bed (55"H) is all about soothing curves punctuated by impressive perimeter beading that wraps around into a cove headboard. Three bedroom case pieces present options with a larger Drawer Dresser (68"W x 19"D x 37"H) with nine drawers, a Tall Dresser (60"W x 19"D x 43"H) with eight drawers, or a Drawer Chest (42"W x 19"D x 58"H) with an X stretcher base.
For dining, the commanding double pedestal Ellipse Dining Table (78"W x 44"D x 30"H), which expands from 78 to 114 inches, features a dramatic starburst table top with a center inlay of laurel burl, resting on inverted tapered pedestals tipped in metal on an oval base. The Radius Dining Table (54"W x 54"D x 30"H) sports five splayed legs with a dramatic starburst table top that expands from a 54-inch to a 70-inch diameter with the addition of five leaves. A companion Credenza Entertainment (69"W x 20"D x 37"H) piece perched on splayed legs is fully equipped for either wine and dining storage or electronics. The Radius Dining Chairs (23"W x 27"D x 40"H) in Egg Shell leather flaunt tapered wooden legs, adorned simply with an arching cutout in the back. Wooden Dining Chairs (23"W x 25"D x 39"H) feature an upholstered seat and upper back cushion. The lovely bunching Perspective Cabinet (42"W x 17"D x 78"H) is defined by the collection’s signature perimeter beading and splayed legs.
For home office, the bunching Bookcase (42"W x 20"D x 78"H) offers six square compartments with drawer storage. The modern oval Double Pedestal Writing Desk (60"W x 29"D x 30"H) features a starburst top of quarter cut ash with an outer border of laurel burl resting on dramatic inverted tapered legs tipped in metal.
“Softly contemporary, this is a collection with many subtle details but at the same time it is striking and dramatic,” Scheffer says. “Modern Expressions clearly conveys simplicity while making its own fashion statement.”
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ABOUT BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
Better Homes and Gardens is American’s leading lifestyle magazine for women who have a passion for the home and the life they create there. With a circulation of 7.6 million and a readership of nearly 40 million, Better Homes and Gardens delivers smart, approachable editorial on design and individual style, decorating and gardening, food and entertaining and personal and family well-being. For more information, please visit www.bhg.com.
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ABOUT UNIVERSAL FURNITURE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Universal Furniture International, Inc. is a whole home resource offering good, affordable, smart design. Highly regarded for its beautiful home furnishings at attractive prices,
the company offers design excellence and exceptional manufacturing standards. Manufactured at its dedicated facilities in China, its brands include Universal, Paula Deen Home, Better Homes and Gardens by Universal Furniture, Pennsylvania House and SmartStuff™. Universal Furniture is sold through fine home furnishings retailers throughout North America and in numerous other countries. For more information, please visit www.universalfurniture.com.