Michael Payne, Host Of Hgtv’s Popular “Designing For The Sexes”, Styles Four New Furniture Collections For The Powell Company

Furniture World News

The Powell Company, in a licensing agreement with Michael Payne, interior designer, author, and host and designer for the hit HGTV show “Designing for the Sexes”, will introduce four furniture groups to be marketed as “The Michael Payne Collection by Powell”. Three of these groups, “7 Series”, “Sloane”, and “Hampton” will be introduced at the April 2005 High Point Market. “I am thrilled with the outcome of the collections. The Powell design team and I worked beautifully together to produce what I consider excellent pieces -- I am really proud of the results” says Payne. Designed with the age 18-35 target group of new house and apartment dwellers in mind, these furnishings are in fact appropriate for anyone and everyone. They are influenced by first-hand knowledge of how consumers live today, as well as having the experience with what consumers like. The key design element is “simplicity” both in the “contemporary” mode based on the modern forms of the great 20th century designers (ie Mies van der Rohe) and in the more traditional “cabinet makers” forms and materials as found in 19th century country house furniture”. 7 SERIES is a collection of pure simplistic design with beautifully crafted metal pulls and frames as its ornamentation. Offered in a choice of Clear Maple or Cherry woods and styled for the “cool” generation, it is filled with function and value for the entire house. SLOANE collection is sleek and sophisticated with bench made type of detailing in its book matched Walnut veneer and rounded moldings which match the custom brushed chrome hardware, also in a rounded form. This group has the look of high-end modern design. HAMPTON collection is refined and simplified country furniture; warm and bright with color laid over pine wood. Faux crystal glass knobs, bails and finials, as well as moldings, add details that are reminiscent of the turn of the 19th century country furnishings without being fussy. “As stated, simplicity is the key – attention to craftsmanship, detail, and materials make the pieces refined and elegant”. Marketing Vice President of Powell, Sean Slack adds, “These are extensive collections that include coordinated accent pieces as well. Each group will feature master bedroom, casual dining, occasional, and home entertainment. We will also offer coordinated accent pieces such as benches and jewelry armoires”. He added, “the 7 SERIES will be the opening priced line and the more expensive products will top out at modest price points”. Adds Bill Benton, President, “Though we have targeted a young consumer, we feel that the results of our collaboration with Michael Payne makes these collections appropriate for any and all audiences looking for outstanding design and construction and we look forward to much success”. PROFILE MICHAEL PAYNE Michael Payne, host and interior designer of HGTV’s Designing for the Sexes, obtained a bachelors degree in physics and mathematics from Southampton University in England. After ten years in the computer industry, during which he was transferred from England to the United States, he pursued a career in interior design and graduated from the UCLA interior design program in 1980. While attending UCLA, Michael gained design experience by working with a Los Angeles-based design firm that specialized in high-end, international clients. He founded Michael Payne Design in 1980 offering interior design services to clients on a national and international basis. Incorporated in 2002, his firm is now involved primarily with projects featured on Designing for the Sexes, while also offering design consultation services to private clients. As a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California, Michael also teaches an interior design seminar at UCLA. In addition to Designing for the Sexes, Michael has been featured on numerous network and radio programs throughout the country, and was the featured speaker at various national home shows, design events, museums, conferences, corporate and charity events. Michael and his show Designing for the Sexes has been the subject of newspaper and magazine articles across the United States. Michael has also authored “Let’s Ask Michael”, published in the spring of 2003. Michael resides in Los Angeles with his wife, along with their son, a 2002 graduate of Colgate University. An avid runner, Michael has completed six marathons and numerous 10K races, and participates in his other interests of gardening, automobiles, and antique toys. ABOUT THE POWELL COMPANY April 11, 2005, High Point, North Carolina – Culver City, California-based Powell Company designs, imports and distributes medium priced youth, occasional, dining, and accent furniture across all style categories for retailers around the world. The company has more than 36 years of experience in offshore sourcing focused on quality control, craftsmanship, finishing, and timely delivery. Established in 1968, the company has grown to become the most recognized name in the furniture industry for home accent furniture. From there Powell expanded its capabilities as a full-service home furnishings provider through its four divisions: Powell Kids, Powell Limited, Powell Beds and Powell (accents); and a commitment to broadening its product offering and positioning itself for future growth. As part of that growth, Powell has recently launched a new licensing program in partnership with Pfaltzgraff, America’s premier dinnerware manufacturer, called “The Pfaltzgraff Home Collection by Powell”. Powell continues to pursue their overseas operations ensuring that they source, service, quality inspect, and ship top quality furniture products on time. To this end, the company’s multi-million dollar inventory assures quick shipping from a sizable warehouse facility based in Greensboro, North Carolina and maintains offices in Southern California, North Carolina, Southern China, Cebu and Brazil, and a new office in Ho Chi Minh City, VN, opening in June of 05. Powell currently sells to 90% of the top 100 furniture retailers and department stores in the United States as well as thousands of independent dealers across the country; maintaining its strong dealer network by consistently developing new and innovative high quality products and providing excellent service. “We remain committed to the quality and service that the industry has grown to expect from Powell,” says the company’s CEO & President, Bill Benton, “dedicated to bringing a broad selection of innovative products to the marketplace that are well suited to the ever-changing lifestyles of your customers.”