Plus: An exclusive Q&A with Fran Scheller,
Broyhill’s Director of Design and Merchandising,
on development of the Brasilia-inspired line
Breaking News: Broyhill Furniture is in the process of releasing a new line of case goods that are reminiscent of the beloved vintage Brasilia line. Their new line, Mardella, marries classic Brasilia cues with contemporary furniture trends. Lisa Hanly, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Relations – who helped us with another recent story featuring vintage Broyhill Brasilia and Sculptra furniture — provided us with a bundle of photos following the line’s introduction to retailers at the High Point Fall Furniture Market, which concluded last week.
Moreover, we have an exclusive Q&A with Fran Scheller, Director of Design and Merchandising for Broyhill. We had asked Lisa if she could give us the “back story” of the design of this new line, and she provided this response in Q&A format:
Many of the pieces in the Mardella collection have touches of Brasilia’s signature swooping arch design — such as the door on the dresser above. Also note that the drawer fronts are beveled — and the bevels are not rectangles — they have a slight curve to the sides.
1. Why is this the right time to bring back elements of Brasilia?
In uncertain times, we tend to return to our roots. Today, vintage rules, but with an updated twist . The popularity of Mad Men may have started the trend, but the American consumer who shops yard sales and vintage clothing will shop for that special piece. Brasilia’s style remained in many people’s memories and for others, it’s fresh and brand new.
Mardella night stand
2. What elements of Brasilia did we incorporate into Mardella?
Scheller: The “off the floor” base of the cases and the signature sweep overlay on the door chest and panel bed are elements from Brasilia that we thought would translate today.
3. How long have we been working on the idea of re-inventing Brasilia?
We started about three years ago, but put the project on hold until about six months ago.
4. Were we aware of the Brasilia fans who buy from vintage shops and items on eBay?
Yes, we were contacted by a Brasilia collector who asked about the possibility of purchasing additional pieces. We found an end table at a flea market and brought the table back to the office and things got going from there!
5. Describe Broyhill’s history and anything about Brasilia’s original designer.
Brasilia was designed by a team of Broyhill’s in-house designers in 1962. The collection was based on the “Palace of the Dawn” which was the residence of the President of Brazil. The collection was described as “the last word in contemporary elegance” and “destined to remain fresh and provocative for years.”
6. Did we use drawings or anything from the original Brasilia work for Mardella?
We referred to the original furniture catalogue that we have in our archives.
7. How is Mardella perfect for today’s consumer who likes elements of the past but wants new furniture?
Shape is everywhere in the Mardella collection, especially in the bases and in the silhouette of the platform bed. The sexy “off the floor” bases and the striking use of quartered walnut veneer borders on the case fronts are unique and gorgeous. There is added function in the pivot cocktail table, making it very versatile. Storage is a focus with our 16” drawer depths. The Mardella collection is a total room solution with upholstery coordinated to perfectly work with the occasional pieces.
8. When will Mardella be in stores?
May 2013
Thank you, Fran and Lisa, it’s great to hear a bit about the behind-the-scenes development of this new line.
From the press release:
Elegant in its simplicity, mid-century influenced Mardella in walnut veneers with a warm cognac finish is an eight-piece collection characterized by clean shapes, straight edges and smooth lines. A signature piece in this collection is a low-profile platform bed with gentle curved side rails. A panel bed, six-drawer dresser with vertical mirror, a combination door and drawer dresser with landscape mirror, a five-drawer chest and a door chest along with door and drawer nightstands round out the collection.
See how the door pulls are “knifed” in, in the original Brasilia design
The door nightstand is perhaps my favorite piece in the Mardella collection — probably because it has the most Brasilia influence per square inch. It reminds me of the vintage Brasilia commodes that I use as my nightstands. Pam adds a nit: She says that she wishes the pulls on the doors were recessed (“knifed”?, is that the word?) at the top, as they were in the original designs (see image at right); she says she finds the pulls sitting on the overlay a bit clumsy compared to the originals. Although, she does admit it’s hard to be “objective” when you are so into the originals. We recognize that Mardella is meant to be a fresh interpretation — not a faithful reproduction.
Above: We saw the headboard in the lead photo, but here’s another image that gives us another angle on the Brasilia-inspired overlays on the headboard — nice.
The Mardella collection also has pieces for the living room — media consoles, end tables and coffee tables.
I could see using the chairside table above as a nightstand in bedrooms where space is limited — since it is much narrower than the door nightstand.
It is great to see a revival of some of the classic vintage furniture lines — whether faithfully reproduced or re-imagined for today’s market.
Very nice bedroom suite! I was a little surprised that they didn’t carry the overlay look onto the door dresser and the entertainment and media consoles. But I am impressed with the look of the group, and noticed the unusual peg on the side of the door chest, the likes of which I have never seen before. The platform bed I don’t like for the sharp corners at the foot – I am klutzy and broke my toe this spring. I don’t need something to bang my shins on too!
Hi Pam, I don’t see it listed but did you ask them the big question? Where is the line produced?offshore or American made? Broyhill of late that I have seen in stores seems to be poorly made. It is great that they have reinvented Brasilia for the current market.
Thanks, John
I asked Broyhill via email and they responded: The case goods are made overseas and the upholstery is made in North Carolina.
Super Cool.
It certainly has been the trend the last decade in many industries. Just look at the car manufactures and their success in the Fiat, Mini Cooper, Camaro, Challenger etc
Hi Mike D, umm the Challenger is made in Canada at Chrysler’s plant in Brampton Ontario, which is about 30 mins from Toronto. That’s hardly offshore from the U.S.
Cool!
i think he meant the ‘returning to the roots’ part, as in retro styled, not where it was made.
Wow. I was wondering when they would do this. Seriously good idea.
I’m so glad they revisited Brasilia! I wish they would do an exact replica, but I’m not gonna complain.
I am in need of nightstands, so I will definitely be checking these out (either the nightstand or chairside table like Kate suggested). Thanks for the breaking news!
Very cool! I also wish that they’d do the lovely fancy door overlays but they’re still nice. I’d give them bonus points if they’d do a flashback inspired piece that will actually hide a big flat screen TV. There is a HUGE void in the market for that action.
I too would like to see more MCM options for hiding modern TVs. I use something now that doesn’t really fit in only because I dislike staring at a big black hole more.
Pretty cool to see those arches come alive in today’s furniture market. Not a fan of the hardware or of the overhang on the commode/ dresser tops. It’s hard not to be critical when you have so many of the original pieces. I’m glad they did not do any blatant reproductions…then all of our vintage pieces we cherish so much would not be as special
the handels just seem so distracting, they compete with the arches. the simplicity is what makes the original so great!
I agree, the knob/handles were a bad choice. However, I wouldn’t count them out, until I saw them in person. Quality of construction will be a big factor.
I totally agree with you and Pam. The “knifed” pulls would be a more elegant design!
Nightstand is definitely the front runner because of the arch detailing – not sure I even care for the pieces without that detail; too generic, no personality, lacking any retro flavor, in fact.
I would, however, buy that gorgeous bedroom ensemble in the first photo.
I really like this line. I wish I could afford a new bedroom suite now!
I appreciate Broyhill issuing a new line reminiscent of the original series. While I realize it’s not supposed to be an exact copy, the new line lacks a certain grace and lightness – it’s awfully blocky-looking to me, if that makes any sense. Except for the the drawer front edge trim, the line takes on a sort of Mission or Shaker style to me. Part of that might due to the knobs, too, which I find distracting. Lots of people will probably like it, however, and it’s pretty, overall.
Wow, how exciting! Glad to see Broyhill bringing it back—though I do hope the pieces are made in the USA.
Hey Pam. Would I be able to link this story on my blog? This is exciting news!
Sure! Thanks for asking!
Can I trade my Broyhill Fontana collection in for this new style?
I do wish it was all made in the USA however.
Thank you thank you, Broyhill! Even the lightest touches of retro modern styling in new furniture lines thrills me. So happy to see these products. Glad that the upholstery is made in the Old North State.
Hmm.. maybe the mcm trend is fading. Whenever a design goes main stream, something else becomes “in”. It is a lovely look and nice for those wanting a contemporary look. Broyhill certainly is doing a good job keeping up on the trends. I wonder if other manufacturers will follow with mcm designs?
no! i think it’s stronger than ever. moreover: is vintage of all sorts. vintage-eclectic. I need to do a story on this!
I would agree that vintage eclectic is popular. Mixing well designed old and new pieces will never be out of style. And, even if the mcm is going “main steam”, it usually takes another 10 to 15 years for people to tire of the look. There will always be some that do not want a look once it becomes common and popular. This happened to granite counters. Once they became common, some people moved on to something else.
If you have a mid century home, mid century furniture will always suit it!
Well…I mean main stream, of course–not main steam.
I was excited to see the headline, and I really want to love the new stuff, but I just don’t. The arch theme is more tacked on than a true element of the furniture. The pictures are too photoshopped to really judge the finishes, but it seems like they are going to be very glossy. I don’t know, just feels off to me. I would love to see them in person and eat my words though, until then who knows. I’m glad to have an original Brasilia bedroom set.
I really want to like it, but it lacks the lightness and elegance of the original.
I wonder…and this is just a thought…if I’d like these a little more if I could replace the pulls with the original Brasilia-style pulls? I know they’re not easy to find, but the seller brasiliaconnection on ebay claims that they’re trying to find a way to get reproductions manufactured:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brasilia-Connection-Drawer-Pulls-Handles-Refinish-only-no-new-ones-availab-/190731576732
I really wanted to love this, but it all looks so heavy! I’m having 1990s flashbacks.
The nightstand is the best of the group. The bed looks weird. Like, is the bed rail arched?
Ok, I’ll say it. I am glad they were inspired by the old design but I think they totally missed the mark. I think they’re ugly and heavy. It’s a shame too, if the line isn’t successful, the conclusion will be drawn that reproductions of midcentury designs don’t sell. I don’t think that’s true–I think bad design doesn’t sell and that’s the real thing that’s going on here.