Orders for residential furniture chop sharply in April, perhaps as a result of the move in dates for the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point that was held later in the month this year. 

The monthly Furniture Insights forecaster issued by the High Point accounting and consulting firm BDO Seidman, establish that furniture orders in April were down 13 percent compared to the same month last year, and off 26 percent as of March of this year. 

The study noted that this year’s spring market took place from April 27 to May 4, later than the April 14-21 dates in 2005. That meant that orders logged at the market most likely didn’t make it into the April figures this year. “We hope to see much improved May results,” the analysis said. 

A group of Park University Interior Design students participated in the fashion show “Color + Couture” hosted by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), a expert organization for interior designers.

As part of the rules for the show, took part groups established product samples from suppliers to make costumes for the competition. Park students Michelle Batliner and Mary Carpenter paired up with the Illinois-based Brentano Fabrics. They worked with limited Brentano representative Connie Huffaker who is also a 1996 Park graduate.

Batliner and Carpenter shaped a costume from upholstery fabric samples called “Geisha Galactica.” Following the show, they modeled their making for Brentano executives at the recent NeoCon World Trade Fair in Chicago on June 12-14.

“It shows the creativity of our students,” said Kay Boehr, director of interior design. “They can design an interior space or a piece of clothing. They can take a product that is mostly for upholstery and make something to wear. It’s fun and creative.”

ROCKPORT (July 6): Exhibition dates: Monday July 10, 2006 - Thursday, September 7, 2006 

“New Work by Faculty,” a display of furniture, woodturnings, and carvings by coaches at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, opened this week at the Rockport School’s Messler Gallery. 

Peter Korn, the school’s director, explains the show as “luminous work from a cast of doubtful characters who happen to be some of the premium makers in the world,” The troupe comprises 24 woodworkers from as far a field as New Zealand, Australia, and England, and as close up to home as Union, Appleton, and Camden. 

“This is virtuoso woodworking,” commented Bruce Brown, curator of the nearby Center for Maine Contemporary Art, “equally at home in a museum or a living room.” In fact, a lot of of the makers on show have international reputations and their work is symbolize in major museum collections, such as those of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

The state fire marshal is investigating a massive fire that shattered a furniture store in Kissimmee, Fla., Tuesday night. 

Firefighters responded to reports of flames at the Furniture Landing store situated in the 2700 block of Orange Blossom Trial in Kissimmee at about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. 
Firefighters entered the building and tried to put out the fire but were forced to move away when the roof showed signs of collapsing.

“(The flames) were just shooting up,” witness Michael Hill said. “With the kids, they were like, ‘Oh my Gosh.’ They didn’t know what was going on.” The owner, David Fletcher, told Local 6 News he was scrutiny July Fourth fireworks when he conventional the call that the building was on fire.

Customers who had purchased furniture within the building are asked to return to the store site for information.An investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

Cocoa Beach, FL — The Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn and the Brevard County Natural Resources Management Office would be holding a sea turtle friendly outdoor lighting workshop on Saturday morning (7/15) from 9:00am until 1:00pm 

Residents within 3 blocks of the beach, beachside builders & electrical contractors, beach side property managers and the universal public are all invited to study about the devastating effects that indecent outdoor lighting (light pollution) has on sea turtle populations. Sea Turtle populations are in decline throughout the United States. All species that reside in Florida waters are either threatened or endangered. 

Light pollution is a major contributing issue according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Attendees at the sea turtle friendly outdoor lighting workshop would learn how to securely light properties near sensitive coastal areas using turtle friendly outdoor lighting products that have a minimal impact on surrounding wildlife. The Turtle Friendly Outdoor Lighting Workshop would be presented by State of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) lighting experts Dean Gallagher & Meghan Conti and U.S. Fish & Wildlife (FWS) lighting expert Lorna Patrick. Turtle friendly outdoor lighting specialists, Starry Night Lights founder and president, Anthony Arrigo would be on-hand to discuss his industry leading collection of turtle friendly outdoor lighting solutions. Call (321) 633-2016 ext. 52431 or email for more information. 

According to the specialists at the National Home Show held earlier this year, homeowners innocently commit these mistakes when decorating their home. Here are the top design disasters, as they see them - and how to fix them:

- Purchase first - measure last. Do not order furniture based on a floor plan; exist in the space first.
- Is that a throw rug? Area rugs must have 12-16 inches of flooring around them. The furniture must sit on the rug. The carpet must not appear to float in the room.
- Pale wall colors. A big room needs depth, chiefly if you’re deciding a color to flow throughout the house. Pick a shade somewhat darker than you will normally choose for a small room.
- No headboard. The bed is the focal point; if you do not have a headboard to anchor it, hang artwork or paint the wall after the bed in a dramatic color to add interest.
- Don’t love it? Then leave it. Get rid of or refinish something you do not love. Don’t think you’ll grow to like it.

The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association is accommodating registrations for its next Certified Home Furnishings Representatives Continuing Education Course to be taken place at the Las Vegas World Market Center on August 20 – 24, 2006.

IHFRA works with foremost manufacturers, industry specialists and professional sales representatives to incessantly update and improve the CHR continuing education curriculum. Training comprises up-to-date sales and industry issues, how to train a more effectual retail sales staff, enhance communication skills to break through sales barriers and how to expand a profit plan.

A block of rooms has been tenable at the Golden Nugget for course participants. Transportation would be provided for participants to and from the World Market Center for the educational series.