New York Times 

April 4, 2002

PERSONAL SHOPPER

Woods That Warm Cool Furniture

By MARIANNE ROHRLICH

BRUNETS are making a comeback. This season, furniture in midrange hues of cherry, maple and pear dominate once again after years of being overshadowed by bleached blonds like ash and birch and darker woods like wenge. "Fruitwoods are beautiful enough just to be oiled or waxed," said Harris Rubin, a Brooklyn designer and woodworker.

New fruitwood furniture has "the depth and richness to warm up the coolness and minimal lines of modern furniture," said Richard Wrightman, a New York furniture designer and maker.

Richard Wrightman's white oak campaign-style desk with leather and bronze trim is called Octavio; 24 by 72 inches, $4,450; and Augusta, a similar-style chair, upholstered in leather, is $1,200; (646) 382-4904, or http://www.richardwrightman.com/.