HBF, begun as Hickory Business Furniture, metamorphosed from a division of The Lane Company, Inc to a contract furnishings industry leader known for “bringing to the marketplace innovative and award-winning designs.” The only thing that remains of its origins is Hickory, their manufacturing headquarters in North Carolina. Now employing over 300 people, including a team of expert designers (not the least of which is Robert A.M. Stern), HBF intends to live out its philosophy: “Good design sells.”

Campion Platt Textile Collection. Designed by Campion Platt for HBF.

At #NeoCon09, HBF will be exhibiting diverse products from their furniture and textiles divisions—the Barbara Barry and Campion Platt Collections. Interior designer Barbara Barry, who has partnered with HBF for some time, now brings her signature style to “an extensive collection of seating and table products.” Known for a “pared down and refined” style, Barry emphasizes “simplicity of line” while creating “a feeling of tranquility.” Nowhere is this combination more evident than in her Encircle Lounge Seating, whose round form and semi-circular back prove elegant and inviting. Showing at NeoCon ’09, the Barbara Barry Collection also consists of Perfect Pitch Side Conference and Lounge Seating, Salon Lounge Seating, Carousel Occasional Tables, and Double Take Occasional Tables. Notice how the very names stress form.

Designs by Barbara Barry for HBF.

Recognized for their textile line as well, HBF will debut the Campion Platt Collection of eco-conscious fabrics. By reinterpreting traditional techniques—weaving, quilting, and stitching—the Campion Platt Collection focuses on the environment: “Inspired by natural forms, …the six diverse woodland-inspired patterns portray these abstractions from everyday nature.” Pairing eggplant with neutral shades of grey and brown, these HBF materials accentuate pops of intense color and yet remain subtle overall.