HIGH POINT - Thayer Coggin, known for half a century in the furniture industry as a nonconformist, died in May at High Point, N.C., after a long illness. He was 80.

Coggin separated himself from mainstream manufacturing in 1953 when he teamed up with designer Milo Baughman, a member of the California Modern Movement, who was seeking a company to use his upholstery designs. Coggin bought them, determined to offer unique contemporary designs.

"We were true pioneers in contemporary furniture," Coggin said in an interview in 2001. He was proud that the company that bears his name never produced traditional goods.

Five decades later, the company continues creating innovative fabrics, Director of design Guy Hill said Thayer Coggin remains commited to fresh designs.

That look carved a niche for Thayer Coggin in the American home furnishings market. According to Paul Brayton of Paul Brayton Designs, it made him a legend in the industry.

People familiar with the industry can quickly identify Thayer Coggin originals by their classic and contemporary looks.

"Thayer Coggin was one of the first companies to go for an image in the marketplace," said Richard Bennington of High Point University.

Although most of the company's retail client base is domestic, it has made in-roads recently with top home furnishings retailers in Australia, South America and the Middle East.

During his life, Thayer Coggin carved his name indelibly into the world of home furnishings.