No, not the diva of domesticity herself--perish the thought. It's her latest Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt collection that's loosening things up a little.
Dubbed Dunemere, the 52-piece collection features bedroom, dining room, home office, occasional and accent pieces imbued with a feeling of the shore. "The strong textures and light colors are reminiscent of coastal landsapes I have always admired," says Stewart, who collaborated with Bernhardt on five previous furniture collections.
Dunemere is a bit more contemporary than its predecessors in the Martha Stewart Furniture line, with clean, modern forms inspired by mid-century European design, and materials such as pencil rattan, painted wicker and a pale white oak that conjure images of sun-drenched seashore living. But there are still plenty of historical references--nailhead trim, 18th-century Gustavian accents, darker finish options--to assure that the collection melds with Stewart's previous pieces.
Although press materials offered no explanation for the collection's name, you can bet it was carefully vetted to prevent any controversy after Stewart's last launch, Katonah, which riled residents of that New York community.
Like other Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt collections, Dunemere will be moderately priced when it goes on sale starting in March 2008. The rectalinear Everett Modern Club Chair, with its pristine lines and supple leather upholstery, carries a suggested retail price of $1,100. The Warwick Sideboard, with its woven rattan doors and removable interior wine rack, will sell for around $2,300.
Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt is available nationwide; visit marthastewart.com for a list of retailers, or call 888-5-MARTHA.
