Universal’s Getaway Collection Offers an Escape to Vacation in Place

April 22, 2020  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

“Now, more than ever, people need a place that brings calm; a space that can transport you. And that’s what Getaway is designed to do,” said Neil MacKenzie, director of marketing.

This is the second collection from the Universal/Coastal Living collaboration, and follows on the great success of the Escape collection, introduced in the fall of 2018.

“We knew by the success of Escape there was a continued demand for designs with a coastal feel,” said President and CEO Jeff Scheffer. “And although no one could have predicted this, our current global situation only reinforces that.”

In developing the collection, the Universal and Coastal Living teams were guided as much by a feeling as a particular look. The idea is that coastal isn’t proximity to water but more of a state of mind whether your thoughts head to the shores of Lake Michigan, the cool, clear waters of Cape Cod, the Pacific Ocean’s pounding surf or the warm waters that define the Gulf of Mexico.

Getaway features more than 50 new designs for bedroom, living, dining, kitchen and office. Natural materials and the colors of seaside life suggest a welcome, informal vibe. While wood and metal play a role, Getaway incorporates more woven pieces than the original collection, from substantial round rattan canes framing chairs and beds to narrow, split rattan deftly incorporated into a variety of settings from door inserts to accent tables to bar stools.

White, black and blue paint finishes mingle with whitewash and the native colors of cane and rattan. Performance fabrics are de rigueur in upholstered items, and often combine with rattan frames.

“We’ve developed designs that aren’t exclusively for a beach house,” said MacKenzie. “They are designed to give a sense of place, no matter your geographic location.”

Highlights of the collection include:

Elliot Key Woven Bed – It takes artisans three days to weave this large-scale rattan masterpiece. The exaggerated basket weave pattern makes a statement, whether as a complete bed in queen, king or California king sizes, or just the headboard, an option available in sizes from twin to California King.

Nantucket Round Dining Table – A striking hexagonal arrangement of pencil rattan covers this 54-inch round dining table top and its sculptural pedestal base.

Santorini Tall Kitchen Cabinet – Bathed in a cerulean blue paint, this tall metal, double-door cabinet comprises an upper cabinet with glass doors for see-through display and a lower cabinet with solid metal doors to corral things that are better left unseen.

Mallorca Cocktail Table – This 40-inch-round rattan cocktail table with star-inspired caning patterns features a contrasting, removable top tray.

Camps Bay Rattan Chair – Exotic materials take a simple barrel-shaped chair from tame to tantalizing. A chorus of large-scale rattan poles are bent into U shapes that form the perimeter of the upholstered seat. In an off-white paint finish.

St. Lucia Console — Scroll table formed from steamed and bent pencil rattan in a natural finish. Offers a striking and sculptural note against walls or behind upholstery.

Siesta Key Sofa — In a simple white slipcover that practically screams summer, Siesta Key is a functional and washable slipcovered sofa with waterfall skirt, bench seat, three-pillow back and flange welt. Performance fabric.

Belize Nightstand — Acrylic slab legs make this bedside surface appear to float within thin air. The top surface features two drawers and pull-out surface for writing or drinks. A lower surface provides additional space for books or collectibles.

Grenada Round Dining Table — A lot of furnishings promise dual function but the Grenada table really delivers. Each 60-inch, 10-sided table comes with two sets of legs: one table height (30 inches) and one counter height (36 inches), making it truly versatile.  Use it daily at dining height then change it to counter height for parties. At 36 inches high, it’s the perfect serving space for party appetizers.