Comfort, relaxation and a sense of retreat aren’t just for vacation homes anymore. More and more people are searching for the calm and ease associated with coastal living. They are designing interior spaces that allow them to experience the unhurried coastal lifestyle every day, even if they aren’t by the water.
Universal Furniture and Coastal Living’s new Weekender collection offers more than 80 new home furnishings designs for bedroom, living, dining, kitchen and office. The whole home offering has a look different from anything the collaboration has done to date. “This collection will be popular well beyond a vacation or beach home. The trend is clean lines and brighter finishes,” says John Matter, President of Matter Brothers Furniture | Florida Leather Gallery.
The Weekender Collection is “classic, yet updated coastal,” notes Bill Ryberg, Merchandise Manager, Casegoods and Mattresses for Boston Interiors Home Furnishings. The well-scaled pieces have beautiful finishes, he adds, making them interesting and updated.
Matter adds, “Weekender can be styled to be casual and fresh, not just coastal. Consumers have been leaning into products with a clean design, multiple materials and lighter finishes.”
New Materials and Finishes
Weekender answers those preferences with warm woods and time-worn finishes: Sand Dune for oak solids and pine, knotty oak veneers and White Sand on sand-blasted pine. A light sky blue color is the accent finish. In addition to the wood tones, materials used in the new collection elevate the beachy vibe, and deliver comfort and sophistication. Soft boucles on chairs and beds, rattans, water hyacinth, wicker and Italian travertine all play leading roles in the Weekender collection. An unexpected surprise touch of acrylic on handles and chair backs add a modernized vibe to the coastal look.
Matter notes the new natural finishes and the updated white and white-washed finishes work well together. The retailer says these combined finishes allow a client to be creative without too much risk. “We love the new natural finish on the case goods,” he says. “This finish brings warmth to the coastal vibe. We also love the clean, coastal modern design. It captures the coastal lifestyle with a modern touch.”
“As the last few years have shown us, self-care has become essential for well-being,” says Neil Mackenzie, Universal Furniture Senior Vice President of Marketing. “People crave spaces for restoration, and Weekender speaks to that need.”
Spring High Point Favorites
Weekender will be available in late fall, but retailers and designers were able to review Weekender at the Spring High Point Market. Some of the most popular items from the collection include:
- Sainte Ann Floating Bed – upholstered in soft boucle, this bed seems to float in mid-air. The platform bed features a wingback headboard that offers privacy. Ryberg claims this as a favorite.
- Mirissa Lounge Chair – with a base of soft boucle in Canberra ivory, this accent chair features an acrylic whale tail that lends back support and a touch of playfulness.
- Scallop Mirror – perfect for entryway, living room or powder room, this mirror mimics the curves found in waves and sea life. It is made of cast aluminum and is finished in Shell White.
- St. Kitts End Table – three sandblasted, white pine shelves appear to float between acrylic slab sides for a touch of sophistication in a living room or bedroom.
Other popular pieces from the Weekender Collection at High Point Market included the Vineyard Haven Console, the Camden Credenza, the Weekender Console, the Jupiter Bar Cart, the Cabo Writing Desk and the Bimini Chest.
Matter says one of his company’s favorite new items is the Bimini Chest. “The light blue finish over linen, accented with acrylic handles will be popular in many applications. We also love the Camden Credenza. The combination of white and natural finish is resonating with our clients.”
Ryberg’s top picks include the Weekender Dresser and the Coca Plum Mirror, the Seaside Display Cabinet and the Sainte Ann Upholstered Bed.
Weekender is the third indoor collection from the Universal Furniture and Coastal Living collaboration and the fourth overall, with outdoor which was introduced in 2020’
“The Universal Furniture/Coastal Living collections have been very successful for our company,” says Matter. “It fits in perfectly with our DNA. The brand is powerful and Universal has executed on all levels. The designs, materials and value.”
The Coastal Living brand is part of the DotDash Meredith media company, which reaches 178 million consumers each month through its publications like Coastal Living, Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart.
