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:
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.
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.
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.
Curtis Ramsey says
My wife and I purchased the Mardella Bedroom Collection last month. I am a lover of wood and simple design and could not be more pleased! Although I haven’t seen the original Brasilia furniture, I disagree with others that hate the drawer pulls. They are simple and elegant and add just a hint of extra detail to keep the dresser and upright chest from looking too plain and they add a nice sheen. We opted to go with the full size mirror, the door front nightstands and the queen size bed with the arched side rails. Many posts here call this set too heavy or blocky, but, on top of our hardwood floors, with the ” off the floor cases”, the final look is elegant, airy and strong. We are finishing up with some colorful carpet runners, an upholstered armless chair and some plush bed accessories to soften up the look and contrast with the smooth, sleek wood design. Nice job Byoyhill!
Kim Schultz says
Our new furniture was delivered just before Christmas. I am so in love with it. It looks amazing next to the original Brasilia furniture. I am still getting the room perfect but I have some pics ready to go.
Ashly says
Kim, I can’t wait to see your bedroom photos!
Kim Schultz says
I added them to the most recent uploader
https://retrorenovation.com/2014/03/07/house-projects-decor-vintage-collectibles/
3 photos are #384,385,388. I absolutely love it next to my original Brasilia furniture.
Kim Schultz says
My husband and I just custom ordered the Mardella platform bed, the Door chest and two door nightstands. It is nearly impossible to find it displayed on the furniture store floor in the Austin Texas area. 51 years ago my father bought my mother a Broyhill Brasilia bedroom set. I still have the dresser and one night stand. So, this was a completely thoughtful gift from my husband. I can’t wait for it to come in. I will update when it does!!!!
sony says
Please post pics once you receive this set. I am exited to find a bedroom set that’s different from all.Doubt the cognac finish though, think its a tad light for my liking.