RESORT INTERIORS AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CELEBRATE THE UNVEILING OF THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HOME COLLECTION

Furniture World Magazine

National Geographic and Resort Interiors to Host All-Day Store Event Resort Interiors, located in Destin, Florida, will be unveiling the National Geographic Home Collection on Saturday, May 29. The comprehensive collection is comprised of hundreds of furniture and home furnishing items, including decorative accessories, lamps, bedding textiles, table top and photographic prints! There will be plenty of entertainment and refreshments throughout the day, in addition to a drawing for a $1,000 gift certificate to be used toward the National Geographic Home Collection. Resort Interiors will be taking entries all weekend, with a grand drawing to be held at 5pm on Monday, May 31st! Inspired by the world, this home furnishings line is comprised of several different licensees, including Lane Home Furnishings—Furniture, Palecek—Handcrafted decorative accessories and accents, Sferra Bros.—Bedding textiles, table linens, pillows, and throws, Toyo—Hand-painted decorative accessories, Wildwood—Lighting, mirrors, and wall screens, Zrike—Ceramic table top, flatware, and glassware, and iPhotoart, Inc.—Limited-edition photographic prints. All of National Geographic’s net proceeds from the sales of the Home Collection go to the Society’s World Cultures Fund to support the study and preservation of world cultures. This Home Collection is reminiscent of the cultures National Geographic’s photographers have captured for over a century, and reflect the spirit of adventure and exploration behind the National Geographic brand. The Home Collection offers consumers a distinctive way to enhance the beauty of their own home while celebrating the design, creativity and traditions of various world cultures. The furniture falls into two categories — The West Indies Collection and the Tropic Winds Collection. Inspired by National Geographic’s own archives of 18th- and early 19th-century West Indian images and artwork, the West Indies Collection evokes the influence of the early French, English and Dutch designs. Hand-carved detailing crafted from the finest materials, rich mahogany in bold proportions and earthy colors help to evoke the special rhythm and spirit of the Caribbean. The “poster bed” transports your spirit to the West Indies, a destination extensively covered in the pages of National Geographic magazine, and a region with a distinct furniture style that blends Dutch, French, and English influences with native island flair. Created with rich mahogany veneers, the bed has reed posts; a removable canopy frame; and a louvered headboard that is reminiscent of the shuttered windows, popular in the Caribbean isles to protect against tropical elements. Set your sights on the tropics and engage in lively conversations around the “storage cocktail table”. The front and top are coated with mahogany from Gabon, and the antique, spool-turning legs are reminiscent of whirling dervishes, spinning in a meditative trance. As you glance through the top, an N.C. Wyeth map lining the bottom of a pull-out drawer greets the eye. Leave the map print exposed or use the drawer to display your cherished collectibles. The Tropic Winds Collection transports the casual elegance of tropical living into everyday life. Natural fibers such as wicker and sea grass lend classic British-traditional designs a refreshing and delicate feel, while calming earth tones bring the allure of an island paradise home. African patterns and ancient tribal designs in hand-crafted detailing make a statement that is both classic and contemporary. Strong hardwood construction fuses the fluid lines and natural textures. The “tropical sideboard” was modeled after the multibasin water filter cabinets that collect rainwater in the West Indies. Infusing charm and function, the sideboard is made from poplar solids coated with figured maple veneers. Round, woven bamboo knobs accent the storage drawers and open-slat cupboard doors. Use the open shelves to display your favorite serving pieces. The “carved drawer cocktail table” features intricate and delicately carved details accented with poplar solids and figured maple veneers. Brass corner straps provide contrast with the darker, hardwood grains. Palmette motifs, interspersed with ancient Greek and Egyptian designs, instill visions of palm trees swaying in the currents of warm, tropical winds. “The Home Collection, which launched to the trades in fall 2003 with great success, celebrates the rich diversity and cultural traditions found around the globe,” said John Dumbacher, senior vice president of licensing for National Geographic. “National Geographic has always been committed to sending its explorers, photographers and writers out to explore the vast cultures of the world, and this collection is reminiscent of their findings.” About National Geographic Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while promoting the conservation of the world’s cultural, historical and natural resources. National Geographic reflects the world through magazines, television programs, films, books, videos, maps, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic Magazine, the Society’s official journal, published in 24 languages, is read by 40 million people each month in every country in the world. The National Geographic Channel reaches more than 200 million households in 25 languages in 46 countries. Nationalgeographic.com averages around 44 million page views per month. National Geographic has funded over 7,000 scientific research projects and supports and educational program combating geography illiteracy. All National Geographic net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research, and education programs. National Geographic Enterprises includes licensing, a catalog business, online commerce, and retail. These units oversee the merchandise related to the National Geographic brand worldwide. To learn more about National Geographic products, log on to www.shopng.com. To learn more about National Geographic, log on to www.nationalgeographic.com, AOL Keyword: NatGeo. About Resort Interiors Resort Interiors, in Destin, Florida, is the largest, full-service home furnishings and design center on the Emerald Coast with over 60,000 square feet, offering the top names in furnishings including Thomasville, Henredon, Bernhardt, Lexington, Century, Drexel Heritage, Hemingway, Tommy Bahama, Lane and more. The store recently opened a new Patio Center featuring Tommy Bahama, Brown-Jordan and Braxton-Culler outdoor furnishings. Resort Interiors has been voted the Number One Furnishing Center on the Emerald Coast for the past four years and was a Parade of Homes winner in 2002 and 2003. Resort Interiors offers a five-star guarantee that includes a lowest price guarantee, savings from 30 to 60%, complimentary design services, a fourteen-day return policy on all standard items, and free local same-day delivery and free delivery up to a 500-mile radius. An award-winning design firm, Resort Interiors has designed and furnished interiors representing over $900-million in real estate along the Gulf Coast from Panama City to Gulf Shores, since its founding in 1995. Resort Interiors is located at 11224 Emerald Coast Parkway, one mile west of Sandestin.