A furniture line we can call our own

Southern Living, Aug 1999 by Thomason, Julia H

TIMELESS SOUTHERN STYLE STEPS FROM OUR PAGES INTO YOUR HOME.

It's always been a priority for us to make timeless design both affordable and easily available to our readers. As a result, we worked with Lexington Furniture Industries to create The Southern Living Collection, a line of wooden and upholstered furniture.

The initial group of pieces is based on the finest prototypes we could find. Southern Living Homes Editors traveled with Lexington designers across our region, visiting house museums, antiques shops, and private homes. The designers sketched and photographed cabinets, tables, and chairs, often finding inspiration in the curve of a chair leg or the carving on a table apron. They drew some 100 pieces for us to consider. Many of them have their roots in classic French and English design, but all have a fresh, Southern interpretation.

Lexington chose alder, a finegrain wood from the Pacific Northwest, as the material for our chests, armoires, tables, and beds. Lighter than mahogany yet darker than pine, the warm rich finish is distressed to give an aged look and is compatible with a full range of wood tones. Rattan, marble, wicker, and hand-painted finishes are among the many available options. Upholstered pieces are offered in a full array of Lexington fabrics and leathers.

We thought the collection should contain the kind of choice antique reproductions and other special pieces you might dream of owning but not be able to locate. For example, a trumeau mirror and companion console table are embellished with hand-painted Southern garden flowers. There's also an entertainment center that resembles a fine old armoire, yet it's spacious enough to hold a large television and a complete stereo system. And our kitchen island provides work surface and storage in a handsome way.

Our designs help add visual interest and create focal points in rooms that lack architectural detailing. A lighted china cabinet has a tall glass door that gives the effect of an arched window. Other major pieces, such as a metal bed patterned after antique garden gates, have innate character that will help set the tone of a room.

Our upholstered chairs and sofas are available in numerous patterned fabrics in wonderful colors as well as versatile neutral taupes, grays, and khakis. The varied pieces offer style and ease of living to fit any household.

We plan to grow and evolve The Southern Living Collection, introducing new pieces each year. But we hope that within this initial group there is a certain chair or end table that's destined to become a cherished part of your home.

Beginning this fall The Southern Living Collection will be available through Lexington Furniture dealers nationwide. For dealer locations call 1-800-LEX-INFO or visit www.lexington.com or the Southern Living Web site at www.southernliving.com.