Hooker Furniture Unveils European Inspired Traditions Collection

May 20, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

Targeting a design-oriented consumer with a sophisticated style, the 68-piece whole home collection – one of the largest in company history – uses familiar forms to present a nostalgic, yet comfortable aesthetic. Layered with fresh elements, the group offers an updated presentation that speaks to a storied past, yet easily transitions into today’s interiors. 

“This classic, yet updated look – that we are calling ‘new vintage’ style – continues to grow in popularity with consumers,” said Tim O’Hare, vice president of merchandising for Hooker Furniture. “Designed to appeal to a sophisticated consumer that appreciates travel, history and culture, yet lives a more casual lifestyle, the group offers a classic authenticity that looks as though it has been loved and treasured through the years, but reimagined with updated finishes, modern functionality and appropriate scaling for today’s homes.”

A collaborative effort between Hooker Furniture’s merchandising team and fourth generation furniture designer, Thad Bergelin of Bergelin Design, each piece in Traditions references a historical element, yet is thoughtfully designed for today. This juxtaposition gives the collection “purposeful design,” according to the award-winning designer.

“Growing up in the furniture industry, I was taught by my father and grandmother, the importance of calling upon architecture and antique forms to create something with a story, something that is really authentic, yet is appropriate for today’s homes,” said Bergelin. “Traditions is a fresh take on a look that consumers have known all their lives. It has a familiarity about it. For some, it takes them back to their own travels to Europe. For others, perhaps its aspirational, and by adding these pieces to their homes, they can live vicariously through someone else’s travels. Either way, it is that experience and that emotion that we sought to achieve with this collection.”

From the iconic architectural elements in London, to the rich culture of Paris, to the hip treasures found in quaint antique stores in L'isle-Sur-La-Sorgue, France, Traditions is rooted in classic European design. Four rich wood finishes including warm hues of Maduro, a rich brown with grey undertones; Magnolia, a soft white; Verdigris, a bold ebony tone; and Pistachio, a muted accent finish with a subtle green hue, are presented on pine solids and veneers with oak banding accents on select pieces.

Headlining the bedroom category is a panel bed influenced by the Louis XIV period furniture of the late 17th century. The classically framed headboard and footboard is presented with soft arches and twisted column details that echo Edwardian influence. Rooted in Italian design, an upholstered bed is also available. Covered in a neutral-tone performance fabric with tailored tufting details, it features intricate molding and flowing lines, characteristic of furniture from the 17th century.

A variety of bedroom storage pieces are available, including a six-drawer dresser with serpentine shaped drawer fronts, suggestive of furniture found in rural England in the 17th century. A corresponding three-drawer nightstand features similar styling. A unique gentleman’s chest with two vertical doors that frame the drawers in the center was adapted from a 19th century Venetian cabinet with beautiful movement on its drawer fronts. The piece is presented with molded crown detailing and block-style feet, typical of furniture found in the Tuscan region in this period.

Dining pieces include a round pedestal table inspired by the urn-shaped base of a unique antique lamp with carved turnings found in Europe. Similar in shape to the classic Italian terracotta olive jars with a uniquely carved “V”-grooved swirl pattern, the same design element was modified for use on the legs of a friendship table, which was inspired by the classic Italian trestle tables of the late 17th century. Additional dining pieces include a rectangular table with serpentine and radiating veneer patterns, a carved splat back dining chair, a more transitionally styled upholstered back dining chair and a variety of storage pieces including a curio and a buffet.

Occasional pieces include a smartly scaled round cocktail table with decorative scrollwork along the perimeter of the tabletop and four carved legs, also inspired by the base of the antique lamp found in Europe. Additional occasional standouts include a series of tables inspired by a pierced metal door found on a building in Lyon, France, a two-tone drink table with an architectural base, an entertainment console inspired by a mid-18th century two-door commode found in France, an opulent writing table with roots in late 19th century Edwardian style and a decorative hall chest with two architectural-inspired door fronts found on an antique piece in L'isle-Sur-La-Sorgue.