Lazy Susan Fortress Accessories Make a Home a Castle

Trending Now: Medieval Chic

NEW YORK, NY, August 2011 – Spoiler alert: this fall is going to be positively Medieval. LS by Lazy Susan, a leading international brand of decorative accessories, lighting and occasional furniture is launching its new collections, 200 new products in all, at the International Gift Fair in New York, including a bold new hand-forged iron group called FORTRESS. Lazy Susan Creative Director Renee Wightman conjured up this deliberately primitive collection with her design team to speak to an emerging design trend: Medieval-Chic. Consider the pop-culture influences of series such as HBO’s immensely popular, rough-hewn-yet-mystical “Game of Thrones,” Starz Network’s star-studded and slightly gritty interpretation of the timeless “Camelot” legend, and the theatrical release of an updated “Conan” this month. All share a new brand of glam-irony. Says Wightman, “We’re calling it the raw awakening in design. The idea is to create a look-twice effect by juxtaposing this hand-forged iron with sleek contemporary pieces, traditional cut-crystal and fine linens. It adds a whole new level of textural interest, and it just feels truly of-the-moment.” The line consists of two sizes of drum-shaped tables, three styles of pendant lighting and a centerpiece-sized bowl. Everything has a smoky gray, aged patina that’s neutral enough for any interior. Visible rivets are part of the table design, and the lighting and bowl have raised nail heads. These, says Wightman, “were the upholstery tacks of the Middle Ages.” The pieces are also gently punctuated with rusted areas, adding warmth and authenticity.

FORTRESS TABLES: Combining rustic charm with a sophisticated silhouette, these drum-shaped tables have about the same dimensions as a classic garden seat, but with an updated look. Handcrafted of iron, with an aged finish and rivet details, the tables have a slightly sunken surface that results in a neat, tray-type top to contain whatever items are displayed on them. The larger version measures 19"d x 25"h and the smaller one is 13"d x 18"h. They are offered as a set of two. FORTRESS PENDANT LIGHTS: The Colossal Fortress light measures 22" across and can anchor any room with a strong presence. Rather diminutive in size but just as strong a style statement are the smaller FORTRESS pendants, one flared and the other bell-shaped. Because of their size, these fixtures have a fairy-tale aspect to them. Think Excalibur re-crafted for the 21st Century. At 6.5”d x 7”h and 8.5”d x 8”h respectively, they’re styled for filament bulbs and come with matching chain and canopy for a complete look.  COLOSSAL FORTRESS BOWL: So large and sturdy it could be used by the fireplace for stylishly storing kindling, this bowl would also make an arresting centerpiece. 22” in diameter, this banded basket/bowl is studded with hand-wrought nail heads and finished with a rustic patina. Along with all of the new collections, it is offered through fine stores and on the company’s website: http://www.lazysusanusa.com

Says Wightman, “You can see the touch of human hands just looking at these pieces. No two are ever alike and that makes for interesting interiors. It also means these designs work in lots of situations. I can see these in a Brooklyn loft or a Connecticut farmhouse; a Malibu beach house or a San Francisco restaurant. A lot of our work is handcrafted for just that reason. We always want to make compelling objects with lasting value.” This level of thought and purpose is typical of Wightman, the 2011 ARTS Award winner of the Product Designer of the Year title.

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jan@janmaclatchie.com

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