NEWH - April 2004 - (Page 57)

furnishing today’s timeshare… profiling: Charles Monaco, Furniture Design Studios, Inc by: Lisa A. Haude In certain aspects of furniture design, furnishings for a timeshare property do differ from that of a traditional hotel. However, there is a certain degree of crossover that for many years has been overlooked. Timeshare owners want to feel at home, but at the same time want all the amenities and services that come with staying in a hotel. When it comes right down to it, in a timeshare you need the best of both worlds! pieces should have joints that are mortised, glued and blocked. When considering wood, it’s best to choose solid woods and veneers that are kiln-dried to industry standards to guarantee durability and longevity. Westgate Resorts, the largest vacation ownership in the United States, offers the functionality of traditional home furnishings, which are durably constructed for timeshare property. Now more than ever, timeshare properties have gone upscale. With timeshare properties growing worldwide, the expectations of comfort, quality and design are far greater. This means manufacturing capabilities as well as design efforts are essential features to furnishing any size space. Elemental factors, such as armoires that swivel, drawer hinges that fully extend, seating with high quality Italian leathers and fabrics, topend pillow-top mattress, granite vanity counters, Jacuzzi and a shower for two are mandatory. Owner David Siegel has achieved this great milestone by setting the standards of quality high. “We fulfill our guests’ dreams by providing a quality vacation experience that exceeds all expectations,” said Siegel. Westgate Resorts differs from your average hotel room due to the maximization of construction and design. Westgate’s design concepts are a well thought out aesthetic approach that reveals a tranquil flow of design and elegance. Each unit caters to the amenities that any vacaTimeshare owners want tioner wants to feel comquality wood cabinetry fortable while they are on with character, which is vacation. The master bedcustom crafted to blend rooms include a TV slideseamlessly into overall out swivel unit which look and feel of the archifor viewing - Charles Monaco, allowsJacuzzi or from the tecture. They want leather bed, lounge Furniture Design Studios chair. There is a home theon quality seating and a big screen TV with surater offering surround round sound. In order to sound, a full dinning table be on vacation, they need to feel like they’re on vacation. with extra chairs and plenty of lighting. Westgate Resorts This is where the furnishings can make it, or break it! maximizes space by creating modular furniture pieces that flow together and make a room look larger. The mateAs opposed to traditional hotels; many of today’s timerials are durable for an extended stay environment. shares include full size kitchens, living rooms, laundry rooms, entertainment units, and include home theaters The bottom line is that there are many factors that can with big-screen TVs and indirect lighting. “With all these sell a timeshare. The obvious is location, location, locaapplications in mind, a good use of space is a must, and tion! But if your clients or potential clients feel like they it takes a creative design team to achieve this. While are in a basic hotel room, rest assured they won’t be back keeping design in mind when shopping for furniture for a the same time next year! timeshare, it is also a necessity to consider the mechanics of the furniture,” says Design Director Charles Monaco, Jr. of Furniture Design Studios, Inc. For example, with drawers with quality glides assure that all interior drawers always open properly. All furniture pieces that touch the floor should be water resistant, and furniture “Timeshare owners want quality wood cabinetry with character, which is custom crafted to blend seamlessly into overall look and feel of the architecture.” 57

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - April 2004

NEWH - April 2004
President’s Letter
Calendar of Events
Contents
From the Editor
Hospitality News
In Memory - Thomas R. Durkan, Sr.
Top Hotel Developers - John Q. Hammons
On the Road Again
HD Expo at a Glance
Surviving HD
Did You Know
Exclusive Lifestyle by Design
If It Were Easy
The Best of Time
Talk About Fast Track
What to Expect From the Vacation Ownership Industry
A Look Back in History
The New Direction for Timeshares in Europe
Confronting the Disabilities Myth
Furnishing Today’s Timeshare
Art - The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Showcase Projects
Design Education Today
Designer Profile: Esther Dunbar-Cullum
Oh Canada, Oh Canada
Top Awards
From Across the Pond
Spotlight On...
Tips on Specs
Window Treatments 101
Hot New Products
We Want Your Projects
Bios

NEWH - April 2004