Habersham takes Monet collection on journey

Habersham Furniture Co. has expanded its popular Claude Monet Collection, introducing pieces inspired by the impressionist artist's extensive travels.

Designs in the Monet's Journeys collection include more than 20 pieces that reflect the environments and the paintings they inspired during the great master's travels to the rugged Normandy Coast and parts of the Mediterranean during the late 1800s. The designs debuted at the recent home-furnishings market in High Point, N.C.

"The new Monet's Journeys collection draws on Monet's travels and how the environments he frequented influenced his paintings," said Tom Skipper, vice president of sales and marketing. "The new direction for the collection provided the design team with a rich palette of masterworks, landscapes and styles. We were able to create truly unique designs that invite today's consumer to bring an impressionistic touch of color, texture and casually elegant styling into their homes."

As an artist, Monet traveled extensively to find visual inspiration and it was the Normandy Coast that seemed to provide a true touchstone for his life and work. Born in Paris, his family moved to Le Havre, a small town on the coast, when he was a young boy. He honeymooned with his first wife in Trouville, a Normandy seaside resort, made many subsequent visits to the region and would go on to spend the last 30 years of his life at Giverny, the picturesque village on the eastern border of Normandy.

Throughout his career, the Normandy region and its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, sea and sky views, and lush countryside would play a key role in Monet's works.

Capturing the spirit of his work, many designs in the collection have a rustic, rugged and casual look portrayed through deeper, darker, hand finishes and painted elements. The collection also incorporates some softer, lighter looks, which were inspired by Monet's travels to the Italian Riviera and other parts of the Mediterranean.

Habersham launched the Claude Monet Collection in 2000 with a series of designs inspired by the impressionist's famed home in Giverny and the works he created during his time there. The company has continued to add designs over the years reflecting the Giverny home, its furnishings, surroundings and other important works by Monet. Plans call for continued expansion of the collection.

Now celebrating more than 30 years in business, the Toccoa, Ga.-based company is a leading manufacturer of hand-painted and styled showpiece reproductions and original furniture designs. It offers more than 600 pieces in 30-plus finishes, including trumeaus; armoires; chests and dressers; cupboards; media centers; occasional, dining and work tables; chairs; desks and beds. It also offers kitchen and bath cabinetry, as well as custom options.

For more information, visit www.habershamdesigns.com or call (800) HABERSHAM or (706) 886-1476.

Information courtesy Habersham Furniture Co.