Confident Outlook

Lee Industries steps out with bright fabrics,
sleek contemporary designs, and confidence in the consumer

Newton, NC — Much has been made of the power of the female shopper and the ways in which she purchases items, whether in creating a wardrobe or in decorating her home. In most cases, items are acquired one piece or a few pieces at a time. Women build their wardrobes and decorate their rooms so that favorite existing pieces can be accented by or blended with something new. To brighten a wardrobe, add a new dress or a colorful scarf; to brighten the home, purchase a new sofa or dress up the old one with brightly patterned throw pillows. Either way, it is the color that makes the impact.

When you want to put forth a positive message or freshen a look, one of the best ways to make a statement is to use a punch of color. Color instills confidence and portrays optimism. It is common knowledge that a flashy window display pulls customers into stores, that a bright dress or tie will draw eyes from all over the room, even the vivid hues of early spring flowers lift spirits after the cold, dull winter. The same confidence and optimism can be displayed in the home with the use of bright, happy colors.

Lee Industries is celebrating 35 years of developing and building upholstered furniture that is comfortable, stylish and capable of standing up to the rigors of life. At every market, Lee has a fabric and color story because at every market, Lee strives to introduce colors, textures and patterns that appeal to the fashion and style sense of the discriminating consumer.

Optimistic Color Palette

Lee Industries is taking its lead from the fashion industry in offering a bright, optimistic array of colors and textures to clothe its wide range of furniture styles. Much has been made of the yellows, pinks, oranges and greens showing up on runways, and Lee is choosing to continue the trend. Robin Bartles, Lee's purchasing Manager, noted, "Years ago, people would never dream of using pink tones, optic whites and citrus colors in their homes. Now, today’s shopper looks for those colors to bring liveliness and creativity into their lives and surroundings." With a rich harvest of names such as Lemon, Lime, Squash, Pumpkin, Grape and Persimmon, the selection is appetizing in more ways than one.

Lee is particularly excited about a new microfiber destined to become an essential basic in the Lee offering. Max offers the traditional smooth microfiber hand and will be available in ten colors – Buff, Celadon, Citrus, Grape, Loden, Olive, Persimmon, Red, Tan and Taupe. The new #7924 High Arm Sofa is showcased in Max, Loden and the companion #5924 Chair is showcased in Max, Taupe. As a machine washable fabric, Max will also become an important component in the Coveralls line, as demonstrated on the #122-03 Sofa with a Max, Celadon slipcover.

Another exciting new basic is Riker, a poly/cotton blend in a horizontal, textured weave. With ten colors from which to choose – Blue, Earth, Fuchsia, Green, Lemon, Lime, Natural, Sage, Sand and Spice – Riker will have great appeal for furniture in high traffic areas. Riker can go from sleek and contemporary as shown on the #3237 Sofa in Riker, Natural, to fun and playful as shown on the #620 Ottoman in Riker, Fuchsia. The new #7300 Wedge Sofa, showcased in Riker, Lime with back pillows in Sanders, Citrus, is but one example of how well Riker complements existing fabrics in the Lee line.

The word "basic" should not be limited to those fabrics more suited to active lifestyles. There are basics in the finer threads, as well. Lee has two new offerings in silk and in linen. Zenith is a matka silk, hand woven from India, with the subtle sheen and knobby texture associated with such an exotic fabric. Available in five colors – Berry, Green, Linen, Moss and Sage – the material will have a supportive backing making it much more durable and suitable for a wide variety of applications. The #1720 Chair is upholstered conservatively in Zenith, Linen, while the #1307 Chair almost sparkles in Zenith, Berry.

The crisp texture of Fulton, a 100% broad-fiber linen weave, bespeaks of casual elegance. With four color offerings – Earth, Linen, Pumpkin and Squash – upholstery can easily be as bright or as subtle as the surroundings dictate. The new #89 Series Sectional, with its waffle-tufted back, commands attention when upholstered in Fulton, Pumpkin, while the classic form of the #5325 Chair in Fulton, Earth beckons quietly from its spot in the corner.

Also in linen are several new fabrics in the Amy Karyn Home Collection by Lee. Swede, Red and Westwood, Paprika are spicier tones in keeping with the Lee introductions for this market. Baby Rose, Sage and Botanique, Cocoa are sweet floral prints in the tones for which Amy Karyn is best known. As with all of the fabrics in her collection, they can blend beautifully with the Lee line or make a statement on their own.

Color is not limited to fabric. One of the most exciting examples of color application is the tangerine shade of the new leather, Kraven, Sunset. Showcased on the #L-5099 Chair, this warm, spicy tone blends beautifully with traditionally tanned hides, as well as with a variety of fabrics and textures.

Lee's hallmark is to have one particularly outstanding woven to showcase at market. This season's winner is Welch, Mesquite, a rich combination of gold, spice, rust and moss, that can be seen on the #3002 Sofa in combination with leather, Old Saddle, Wheat. An eye-catching application for this exclusive weave is to combine with Kraven, Sunset leather and create a unique focal point.

From a design perspective, it is important to look at things from different angles. In this way, it is sometimes easier to appreciate the skill and technique used in creating any particular object. Lee will turn its head when looking at fabric and often comes up with pleasant surprises. One of those is Alma, a floral weave whose twin sister, Althea, can be appreciated on the reverse side. Available in five colors – Cocoa, Mint, Red, Spice and Spring – one of the easiest ways to enjoy this unique fabric is demonstrated on the new fully upholstered #7029 Sofa in Althea, Spice and the coordinating #5029 Chair in Alma, Spice.

Even more surprising is the washed damask Carolina with a delicate floral pattern that is reminiscent of fabric on a 1920’s era sofa. The reverse is a bold tri-color, chenille stripe with floral etchings. Carolina is available in Natural and Olive and can be appreciated on the #3912 Sofa and #1912 Chair.

And then there is the playful punch. Lee understands the importance of having fun with your furniture and always has a playful pattern to demonstrate how to do that. Serape is a bold stripe in Apple, Butter and Multi. The fabric is bright and colorful on its own as demonstrated on the #1177 Chair and #421 Ottoman, both in Serape, Apple. Serape also lends itself to combinations with other fabrics in the Lee line as shown on the #349 Bench Ottoman in Riker, Lemon, Riker, Green and Serape, Butter. With such a variety of options for application, this versatile fabric is suitable for kids' rooms, family rooms, or any room in which you want to have a little fun.

Contemporary Styling

Often noted for comfortable, classically designed sofas and chairs, Lee Industries steps out and introduces several contemporary styled frames. Most notable is the #3805 Sofa with a high tight back, shelter arm panels and low profile seat. Seen in the showroom upholstered in Monty, Igloo, the bright, white linen accentuates the clean lines so that the form can be fully appreciated. This frame will also be available in Coveralls as the #185-03 lending the design to more casual settings.

The #7924 Sofa emits subtle elegance with gently curved arm panels and bold, straight lines along the tight back and upholstered base. Shown in Max, Loden, the unique form commands attention and can be appreciated from every angle.

The #1307 Barrel Back Wing Chair offers traditional comfort and grace with a contemporary twist. When upholstered in a bright tone such as Zenith, Berry, the form radiates and the chair becomes room jewelry. With more subtle tones such as Miles, Natural, the chair is ideally paired to create a conversation corner.

Adding to the successful line of upholstered bedding, Lee introduces the #49-50 Queen Panel Headboard featuring a 62-inch height and a waffle tuft developed by Lee's engineers. The waffle tuft buttons are sewn with no pleating which will allow for a greater variety of fabric applications. Shown in the linen Fulton, Earth, it makes a riveting focal point in the bedroom.

The McAlpine Home Collection by Lee was a great success at its introduction in October 2003, and Lee will be adding several new pieces. The #5203 Low Back Sack Chair features a full dressmaker’s skirt that enhances the elegant free flowing lines. Standard with casters, the #5203 Sack Chair is suitable for the dining room as well as any occasional setting. The #3900 Sagging Ridge Sofa boasts an inverted arc on the back and dramatic lines on the arms, creating architectural interest in any room.

Not to understate the importance of traditionally styled frames, Lee offers several introductions with classic lines and features. In Coveralls, Lee introduces the #165-01 Slipcovered Wing Chair with Mini-Skirt shown in Althea, Mint and Alma, Mint with Beatrice, Cameo for the bias welts. The chair offers classic styling with the updated appeal of the shorter skirt and the convenience of a washable slipcover. The #5772 Hostess Chair has a formal presence in Beatrice, Moss, whereas the design lends itself to a more traditional setting in fabric such as Roxie, Antique.

On an even smaller scale are a few frames developed from 1920's antiques and referred to as "Cutie Patooties" by Norman Coley, Lee’s Vice President of Operations. "This is a category often overlooked but an important element of decorating," says Coley. "It's the small pieces of furniture in the home that define the space." The delicate lines of the "S"-curved #1489 Sweetheart Chair are accentuated when wrapped in the lush velvet of Willis, Mustard. The petite frame of Coveralls #199-02 Loveseat is very "girlie" when upholstered in Roxie, Antique with Candace, Sage for the ruffle, Roxie, Antique for the kidney pillow, and throw pillows in Pepper, Berry, making it perfect for that corner in the bedroom.

Simplifying Design

The plethora of home improvement and room makeover shows on television, as well as the wide selection of magazine and books featuring popular designers, have instilled confidence in the consumer and their ability to make style and color decisions in their own homes. With fashion, women learn what works for them, what colors and styles will best accentuate their attributes. The same philosophy works in home design.

Lee strives to offer a variety of fabrics, colors, textures and designs that will have broad appeal to the upholstery consumer. With a wide choice of fabrics, styles, fills, and custom options, the decision process is simplified by knowing that Lee strives to keep customer's needs first and foremost in creating furniture. The development of the Coveralls line was in response to the need for practical, machine washable slipcovers for active families. Upholstered bedding was developed to appeal to the consumer who loves Lee fabrics and wants more applications.

Whichever line of furniture is chosen, Lee wants the consumer to have the opportunity to express herself without making it complicated.

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Confidence. It is what every successful person wants to portray, whether in their personal carriage or in the way they decorate a room. A show of confidence is a show of optimism and expectation. It is a desire to be noticed and appreciated. It is confidence and teamwork that will move Lee Industries forward with the next generation of the Lee family taking leadership roles.

At its very core, Lee Industries is a family business, and the company understands how important it is for the family to stand together, to work together, and to pursue a unified goal. It is in this spirit of togetherness that the Lee family dedicates this Market to the memory of Chic Robinson and to the contributions he made to Lee's success in his 32 years with the company. His friendship and leadership will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue.