Square Nest Sets Sites on Dallas and Atlanta for Major Launch of New Lines; DCI Company to Reinvigerate the Industry Following Months of Planning.

Business Editors

MILFORD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 2001

Square Nest, a division of Decorative Concepts Inc. (DCI), has announced that it will unveil its new lines at the Dallas and Atlanta shows in January.

Following months of careful research, planning, and travel, Robb Whittlef, general manager of Square Nest, has captured an exciting new look for the company. The initial introduction will include four new lines that incorporate not only an international flair, but also a very sophisticated yet traditional and rustic Native American look.

The understated French countryside comes alive in the "Blanc" collection of home accessories and accent furniture pieces. Lead grey, white and a pale shade of blue provide the palette for a group of products that include toile pattern and a selection of angels and putti. Forgotten garden balustrades are transformed into lamps as the collection seeks to reinvent a month of travel abroad.

A wonderful sense of faded elegance comes from products that also bring romance back into the home.

The "Neo" line is a tailored collection of goods that will complete any classically modern home. Inspired by the neoclassical movement, Square Nest has placed a modern spin on the line with its palette of red, black, antique gold and silver.

From hand-embroidered silk pillows with Greek key patterning, to a great assortment of museum-mounted busts, this look brings normally high-priced items into the home at a great value.

In the "Cottagewood" line, an English summer garden comes to life as home decor in this wonderfully fresh collection. A glorious garden rose fabric inspired the creation of an array of goods that bring the outdoors inside. From a breathtaking collection of hand-painted iron rose mirrors and wall hooks, to a wonderful selection of wall decor pieces, this collection will eternally fill the home with a sense of summer.

The grand and refined lodges of the Great West provide the inspiration for the "Arrowhead" collection of rustic home decor. Native American-inspired patterning and antique bronze finishes are woven throughout the sophisticated yet relaxed range of goods. From accent furniture to lighting, and sculptures to suede pillows, this collection will be a must-have in 2002.

"Preparing these new collections has been one of the most exciting and rewarding professional experiences of my life," said Whittlef. "Our months of research and travel to find the right direction for each of these new collections has culminated in the creation of lines that I feel will excite our retail partners and consumers."

"Robb's keen eye, attention to detail, and creative sense has resulted in four exciting new lines for the Square Nest collections," said Mark Schoenwald, president of New Creative Enterprises and Square Nest. "We look forward to unveiling these collections in Dallas and Atlanta, and providing innovative options for the industry."

"Decorative Concepts will continue to expand its portfolio of product offerings in response to customer feedback," said Bill McMahon, chief executive officer of Decorative Concepts Inc. "Giving Robb Whittlef freedom to develop his own style and looks has resulted in a bold introduction of several outstanding lines.

"Given our success, the company plans to increase its commitment in the home accents category even further."

About Square Nest

Square Nest is a home decor division of Decorative Concepts Inc., featuring a wide-range of products including signature pieces by nationally recognized artists. These designs are found in various materials and trends, and the product categories include accent furniture, decorative accessories, lighting, decorative pillows, and gifts for the home and garden.

The line also features numerous floral selections. The collections include hundreds of items that vary in design style from contemporary to traditional.

About Decorative Concepts Inc.

Decorative Concepts Inc. is the country's fastest growing gift and floral company serving over 30,000 accounts including mass merchants, craft chains and independent gift retailers.

As a leading designer and distributor of home decor products for indoor and outdoor display, such as artificial flowers, decorative flags and garden items, table top and gift accessories, the company is frequently cited in industry journals and annual surveys as having the top-performing lines throughout its divisions.

Divisions within Decorative Concepts include Aldik, New Creative Enterprises, Teters Floral Products Inc., Square Nest, Decorative Concepts Licensing, and Decorative Concepts International, its direct import division.

Please contact Christine Duffey at Square Nest to receive a j-peg montage of each of the collections.

Robb Whittlef will be attending the Dallas and Atlanta markets, and will be available for media interviews. Please contact George Bowie to arrange a time.