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Home Décor HOME DÉCOR www.kitchenwarenews.com n MARCH 2014 n KITCHENWARE NEWS & HOUSEWARES REVIEW 2 7 furnishings. Perhaps one of the most ubiquitous of motifs was the octopus, making an appearance in everything from plates to punchbowls and from canisters to candelabras. "People love octopuses!" declares Shayne Greco, Founder of Shayne Greco Ceramics. "Strange perhaps, but with eight flowing tentacles they definitely command attention. The way an octopus moves and reacts is truly unique and mesmerizing to watch. I think that is why the octopus-inspired pieces in my collection get a great reaction and sell well." Shayne Greco Ceramics highlighted a wide range of sea life in handmade ceramic bowls, vases, serving plates, bookends and candle holders, including lobsters, crabs, seahorses and turtles. "There has always been a sense of mystery to the ocean," Greco explains. "It has the strange ability to excite you and yet at the same time calm and quiet your soul. I think retailers and consumers are embracing sea life, beach themes, and nautical decor because there is such a rarity in the accessibility to the ocean and unusual life that surrounds it." Design-driven home accent supplier Zodax also offered a variety of sea- and shore-inspired motifs, including shell- framed mirrors, lamps with glass bases enclosed by fishing nets, sea grass photo frames and rope ser ving trays. " The octopus is whimsical and unique and at the same time beautiful and sophisticated, making it a coveted creature to have in one's home," points out Steve Moniz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Fish, starfish, sea shells and coral are motifs that are staples in our line and consistently do well; however, we have just introduced an octopus décor piece that has been quite successful. "Retailers and consumers are embracing beach style décor because not only does it appeal to those living in coastal communities but it also attracts those who want a laid-back look, a timeless style, and a sense of serenity in their home," Moniz continues. "Our best-selling new items are available in neutral colors and metallics, which allow them to blend into any décor style or color theme. They are high quality luxury items at an affordable price point, which makes the items accessible to the masses." Rolf Glass introduced an octopus motif in its sand- etched crystal barware, along with pieces featuring turtles, whales and anchors. "All of our sea life designs are fun and playful, which gives each one a little personality," explains Paula Sansone-Johnson, Marketing and Creative Director. "Truth be told, they just make you smile. Humans have always been fascinated by sea life, with its vast display of colors and curious shapes. And let's face it: who doesn't want to have a house by the sea?" Leading tabletop and gift supplier Andrea by Sadek proffered an array of fish- and shell-shaped plates, bowls and serving pieces in sea-inspired shades of white, dark aqua, light aqua, turquoise, coral, bright blue and light green. "Retailers and consumers embrace these themes because of two things: one, they are located near the beach; or two, everyone loves to feel like they are at the beach on vacation," says Andrea Sadek, Vice President. "Additionally, the colors and soothing and easy to live with; and our customers love new shapes and functional items." Sadek says the shaped serving pieces are getting the best response. All of the pieces are made of porcelain, and are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. New tabletop and gift supplier Starboard Collection spotlighted an assortment of entertaining pieces, ser veware and dinnerware in nautical themes—with the added benefit that the pieces can actually be used on boats, due to their innovative construction: all of the products feature non-slip bases and cur ved edges to minimize slips and spills; the melamine- free and polypropylene material makes the products shatter-proof and safe, according to company Founder Aimee Marti. "Retailers and consumers are embracing sea life because it is synonymous with a relaxed, yet fun lifestyle," she remarks. "We are seeing consumers bring nautically- inspired items into their homes year-round in an attempt to bring warmth into their décor even when the weather outside may be saying otherwise. "The products that are receiving the best reaction in our line are the serving trays as well as the appetizer set," Marti continues. " The tray is designed to hold all of our other tabletop products in one place for easy transport from shore to boat or kitchen to patio. The appetizer set is multi-functional as well and showcases all three of our vibrant colors in one box set. The color scheme of Nantucket Red, Marine Blue and Canvas capture the maritime spirit of the collection." Leading gift and home décor sales and marketing agency Aesthetic Movement celebrated sea and shore décor in a multitude of product categories and designs. " Whales, starfish, knots, ships, anchors and oysters are getting the best reaction in our lines," comments Elinor Thompson, New York Showroom Coordinator and Press Liaison. "The iconic majesty of the blue whale is hard to deny as is represented in Thomas Paul's Moby designs and Sir/Madam's W hale Fauna Grand Mug. Starfish are becoming sculptural options for consumers, as seen in Roost's Starfish diffusers—stars are no longer child's play. "Anchors, knots and ships, as seen in Izola's Maritime soap collection, lend themselves to a more masculine take on a nautical theme," Thompson adds. "Lastly, consumers are granted the opportunity to have an intimate understanding of oysters, a summer favorite: Sir/Madam lists dozens of oyster varieties on their table runner and placemats, and dissects the oyster's anatomy on their graphic tea towel." Ocean Breezes (Cont. from Page 1) For More Information www.aestheticmovement.com www.sadek.com www.rolfglass.com www.shaynegreco.com www.starboardcollection.com www.zodax.com

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