NATIONAL REPORT—If you knew the history of the leather that you buy, would you still buy it? While there are degrees of severity, depending on the supplier, the leather that you specify for furniture, headboards or other items often has a dirty past—from the breeding of the animal (most likely a cow) to the processing of the leather from that animal. Factors to consider when buying leather range from its geographical source—China, the largest leather producing country, or maybe Brazil, where cattle ranching for beef and leather production is the main cause of deforestation in the Amazon—to its biodegradability. There...

MALÉ, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES—JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, announces the opening of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, the second JW Marriott resort in the Maldives. Nestled in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon and conveniently located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport, this luxurious retreat offers an idyllic sanctuary to recharge the mind, body, and spirit in this tropical oceanic paradise. “JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island embodies our dedication to blending unparalleled luxury with holistic well-being, offering guests a peaceful escape where every detail is designed to inspire balance and rejuvenation,” says Bruce Rohr,...

NILES, ILL.—The Mitchell Group, a major converter of coated fabrics to upholstery markets around the world, announces the addition of four new products to its groundbreaking NetZERO collection. The line now comprises five patterns with its initial offering, Evergreen. NetZERO is the first coated textile completely free of organic solvents, establishing a new industry standard for eco-friendly materials without sacrificing durability or performance. These new additions—Arbor, Birkin, Burlap, and Lin—introduce fresh innovation to a standout line, blending style, sustainability, and versatility to meet the evolving demands of commercial environments. Using The Mitchell Group’s proprietary hydro-based polymer manufacturing process, NetZERO eliminates the...

DELANCO, N.J.—Commercial furnishing expert, Stylex, in collaboration with industry-leading design and research firm, Gensler, unveils Ambi, a modular furniture collection designed to address the evolving needs of technology and accessibility in the modern workplace. Drawing inspiration from “ambient noise” and “ambiance,” Ambi offers a solution that enhances user comfort while minimizing distractions, promoting both individual focus and team collaboration. “Ambi showcases Stylex’s commitment to creating adaptable furniture that responds to the dynamic needs of contemporary workspaces,” said Randi Pastrovic, Chief Creative Officer for Flokk US. “This collection effortlessly combines flexibility, technology integration, and sustainability, delivering a solution that supports productivity...

YUCCA VALLEY, CALIF.—From the Cosmic Language Codes Series comes Morph Code, a Star Tile pattern that embodies all the energy, dynamic structure, and function found in the geometry of insect wings. A true biophilic creation, Morph Code consists of an even number of left and right pentagon shapes (6 in. x 3 ¾ in.) that make up one fixed layout applicable for interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Paired with unlimited glazing options, each tile achieves a lightweight yet powerful form that can be utilized across a spectrum of interior styles. Just like a wing does in flight, Morph Code illustrates...

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—Desert Rock, one of the world’s most anticipated luxury hospitality experiences, is now open. Oppenheim Architecture conceived and designed the visionary project nestled within the ancient mountains of Saudi Arabia, working in close partnership with developer Red Sea Global. True to Oppenheim Architecture’s ethos of designing and building with the land, not on it, Desert Rock celebrates the integration of architecture with nature, setting a new benchmark for immersive design. Carved into the Hejaz Mountains, Desert Rock offers a deep connection to the natural environment, with accommodations that blend into the majestic terrain without obstructing it. Inspired by the Nabataean...

NAPLES, FLA.—The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, an icon on Florida’s Paradise Coast, has received LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its Vanderbilt Tower. As the world’s most widely used green building rating system, this LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification underscores the resort’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, reinforcing its role as a leader in the hospitality industry. The mixed-use tower added Ocean View guestrooms and suites, the Mediterranean restaurant Sofra, and The Ritz-Carlton brand’s largest Club Lounge in North America to the resort’s offerings. “We are delighted to receive this prestigious certification after the time and care put into the resort’s transformation....

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, an award-winning arts hotel owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, announced Megan Woodard Johnson, a mixed-media abstract artist from West Bend, Wis., as its newest Artist in Residence. The year-long residency program for Midwest-based artists provides working space in the hotel’s studio, allowing artists to continue creating while also interacting with hotel guests. Johnson is Saint Kate’s third Artist in Residence. “Saint Kate is known for creating unique connections with everyone who visits,” said Linda Marcus, one of Saint Kate’s visionaries and a nationally recognized multidisciplinary artist, designer, and storyteller. “By selecting Megan as Saint...

CHICAGO—NeoCon announces a dynamic new 7th Floor Exhibit Hall experience, set to debut at the 56th annual NeoCon, June 9-11, 2025. Boasting nearly 200 leading companies and emerging talents from around the globe, the redesigned floor will introduce a “halls within a hall” concept and feature dedicated, amenity-rich spaces for immersive activations, programming and more. The thoughtful layout—with four main zones organized by key product categories—will enhance navigation, enabling attendees to quickly find exhibitors and solutions tailored to their needs while giving exhibitors more focused opportunities to connect with target audiences. Eye-catching hospitality spaces by Chicago-based Elise Metzger, founder of...

NILES, ILL.—The Mitchell Group, a major converter of coated fabrics to upholstery markets around the world, is expanding its Sta-Kleen Silicone portfolio with two unique new offerings: Spark and Sparky. Both are from Mitchell’s revolutionary Sta-Kleen and are made from 100 percent silicone with a 100 percent polyester double-knit backing. Spark is a next-generation product that combines advanced Sta-Kleen performance with sleek, modern design to offer users durability and aesthetic appeal. Ideal for commercial use, Spark is a solid pattern with a compact, non-directional linear emboss that will show well on any application, from chairs to headboards. Spark is available in...