UMBRA: IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIVING THROUGH INNOVATION AND STYLE September 2005 Written by Janet Perisa Photos by Yoshiko

In order to live in a city as cut-throat as New York, one must take on an onerous work load that consists on average of a forty-five hour plus work week. Indeed, this accelerated lifestyle has prompted us to create a sanctuary in our homes that mirrors and satisfies our attitudes and needs. In recent years, decorating trends such as Feng-shui have gained in popularity as more and more people seek to create a sense of balance and harmony within the confines of their home. Furthermore, Consumer Reports rate the improvement of home appearances as the number one basis for income disbursement within U.S. households, exceeding both apparel and travel.

Creating the proper atmosphere in your home parallels the desire to purchase a home. The designers at Umbra are in-tuned with the demands of modern-day workers, and for the past twenty-five years have been dedicated to creating both innovative and functional houseware products that meet the ever changing needs of today’s consumers. Their extraordinary collection of home furnishings and goods offers both high quality and style at affordable prices. While most of Umbra’s unique designs are sold in large retail chains, their U+ studio line, an exclusive collection of upscale home products, can only be found in independent retail stores.

On Monday, August 15th, independent retailers, designers, and artists were cordially invited to attend the U+ home design exhibit held at the luxurious Felissimo showroom, located at 10 West 57th Street. Phillip Verhagen, brand manager of U+, presented guests with three exciting new design concepts; moreover, the design concepts were named and fashioned towards the three trendiest areas in New York City: Madison, SoHo, and Brooklyn. Madison—as one might guess—is an exquisite fusion of both elegance and modernity. SoHo on the other hand has an organic feel to it; the use of natural materials conveys a feeling of warmth and serenity. And last but not least, was my own personal favorite, Brooklyn. The U+ Brooklyn concept pays tribute to the hip and innovative styles associated with urban culture and attitude.

Miron Lior

Although dedicated to the enhancement and quality of homes both here and abroad, Umbra is also a proud sponsor of up-and coming designers. This past May, during ICFF, held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, Umbra sponsored its first industrial design competition for students attending The Pratt Institute of Design. Sharing the spotlight at the U+ event at Fellisimo was the grand-prize winner of the Umbra design competition, Miron Lior. Lior’s “Ghost Shelves” are a clever approach to the standard book shelf because… well… that is exactly what they are. Mock books that slide into a series of thin platforms protruding from a wall are the perfect accent for anyone looking to give their home a sort of “scholarly” make-over. Now how’s that for innovation? To find out more about Umbra and the U+ studio line, and for information on retail locations and purchasing information, log on to: www.umbra.com.