Walter E. Smithe Furniture Says 'Vive la France' as Exclusive Chicago Retailer for Pierre Deux French Country by Highland House Collection

Walter E. Smithe Furniture is Chicago's exclusive retail source for the newly launched Pierre Deux French County by Highland House collection.

Chicago (PRWEB) May 14, 2009 -- The Windy City's best-known furniture retailer, Walter E. Smithe Furniture (www.smithe.com), has ventured across the pond for a little inspiration à la française, becoming Chicago's exclusive retail source for the newly launched Pierre Deux French County by Highland House collection.

"We're thrilled to showcase this much-anticipated new collection," said President Walter E. Smithe. "Pierre Deux first brought colorful Provencal fabrics and décor to the attention of the U.S. market back in the 1960s, and their vision has become the standard by which Americans define French country style."

"French country lifestyle icon Pierre Deux brings a fresh perspective to this style of furniture," added Machiko Penny, Walter E. Smithe Furniture merchandise manager. "The line is approachable and timeless, dovetailing beautifully with our mix of other traditional, transitional and contemporary furniture styles."

The Pierre Deux French Country by Highland House collection includes upholstery, dining, bedroom and occasional accents in three finishes: an antique French fruitwood finish, a taupe painted finish, and an antique pewter finish that is used on a canopy bed and for a number of metal accent pieces.

Upholstery fabrics are rich and colorful, and include 25 authentic Pierre Deux prints and 55 other handpicked Highland House fabrics. "The colors are joyous and the burst of hues are very welcome today amidst the sea of neutrals that have been prevalent for so long," said Penny.

Many of the collection's sofas, settees and chairs feature French-inspired exposed wood frames and intricate carved motifs unique to Provencal and French provincial designs.

Case goods are an eclectic mix of 18th and 19th century country French antiques, mostly Louis XV and Louis XVI influences from the Loire Valley and Provence. Some cases feature Regence rocaille carving similar to prized antiques from Arles and Nimes, while other pieces display a somewhat more relaxed attitude.

Dining tables include one with cabriole legs and parquetry top similar to antiques found in Loire Valley chateaux. Another has a round Provencal pedestal design and piecrust edge.

Walter E. Smithe Furniture has expanded its French country collection at all showrooms to feature the Pierre Deux French Country by Highland House collection along with European antiques and French-inspired collectibles.

About Pierre Deux French Country by Highland House

Pierre Deux French Country by Highland House was introduced to the furniture trade at the fall 2008 High Point furniture market, the long-awaited result of a licensing agreement between French country icon Pierre Deux and Highland House, a 50-year-old furniture manufacturer based in Hickory, NC. Pierre Deux was founded in the late 1960s by two Pierres - Pierre Le Vec and Pierre Moulin - who first brought colorful Provencal fabrics and décor to the attention of the U.S. market. Since 1993, Pierre Deux has been reinvigorated as a brand and company by current owners Hedwige and Andre Cointreau.

About Walter E. Smithe

Walter E. Smithe is a four-generation, family owned and operated furniture retailer that originated in 1945 on Chicago's northwest side. Today, from its Itasca, Ill., headquarters, it operates 13 showrooms throughout Chicagoland and northwest Indiana. The company's "you dream it, we build it" approach allows consumers to customize their furniture purchases with thousands of different upholstery fabrics and leathers, and a variety of special treatments. Design services from more than 300 company designers are included with every purchase.

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