Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Fine Furniture Design, Biltmore Extend Licensing Deal
April 21,
2017 by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Industry 
Hoping to build on the success of two top-selling case goods collections, Fine Furniture Design and Biltmore have signed a five-year extension of their licensing agreement.
The extension coincides with the introduction of 25 casual dining, occasional and upholstery pieces at this week’s High Point Market.
The Biltmore pieces are inspired by Biltmore Estate, the grand home built by George and Edith Vanderbilt in Asheville, N.C., and still owned by the Vanderbilt family.
“The success of our Biltmore Collection can be attributed to the authenticity and functionality of the designs,” said Eric Graham, president of Fine Furniture Design. “It’s important to note that authenticity should not be mistaken as merely replicas. While the pieces capture the spirit of the time period, the designs incorporate the size, scale and functionality required for today’s consumer.”
The first licensed collection, Biltmore by Fine Furniture Design, was launched in April 2013, followed shortly thereafter by Biltmore: Collector's Room, which was introduced in October 2014. Today, the company said the two collections include nearly 140 pieces, each drawing inspiration from the timeless beauty of the estate and the Vanderbilt's extensive travels across the globe.
Graham said the pieces take design cues from Biltmore’s original furnishings and architectural elements, plus the estate’s pristine gardens and grounds, but are updated for today’s consumer.
The pieces being unveiled at market include occasional tables with inlays inspired by the ceiling pattern of the Billiard Room, modernized with a clearly current lacquer finish, and the use of silver metal accents instead of the customary brass. Upholstery silhouettes include quilted channel details – without the traditional fringe.
“We are extremely pleased to extend our contract with Fine Furniture Design and are confident in what the future holds,” said Tim Rosebrock, vice president and general manager of Biltmore’s licensing division. ”Our companies share a passion for outstanding quality and craftsmanship that is reflected in every precisely crafted piece.”