Made By Hickory Chair

Paula Grace Halewski - Ashburn, VA - Part 2

In November we shared with you a beautiful home that Paula Grace had completed for her client.  She owns Paula Grace Designs in Ashburn, Virginia. She also shared with us a home for different client.  This client has a home with very high ceilings, hardwood floors and has a love for contemporary art.  They chose dark finishes and rich, bold color.  

The living room is a great example of this aesthetic.  Paula Grace selected a Camden Sofa for her client.  A warm neutral fabric was selected for the sofa and is dressed with damask and silk throw pillows in reds, greens and golds to pull out the dynamic colors in the painting that hangs above it.  A pair of Alec Benches from the Thomas O'Brien Collection sit in the foreground of the picture.  Their beautiful walnut butt burl veneers and transitional form add interest along with additional seating. 

 

In the kitchen is a tall island with a display cabinet on the end and on the side the Amsterdam Bar Stools have been selected from the Suzanne Kasler Collection.  They have been finished in a dark stain to blend with the rich tone of the custom cabinetry.  A contrasting fabric has been used on the outback of the chairs to add visual interest.

 In the formal dining room Paula Grace chose the Duchamp Sideboard.  This european style sideboard is part of the glamour she has created for her client.

We thought you might enjoy seeing some additional photographs of this beautiful home by the talented Paula Grace Halewski!

 

Paula Grace Designs - Ashburn, VA

Paula Grace Halewski, owner of Paula Grace Designs, Inc. recently shared with us some truly inspirational photography of homes she completed for her clients.  Paula Grace is also the author of a blog on interior design, her projects and great finds.  She has attended HCC University where she was able to meet the artists and craftsmen that make our pieces while also continuing to build her vast knowledge base on furniture.  We are quite honored that she turned to Hickory Chair for special pieces for her clients. 

Paula Grace shared with us that the home shown belongs to a busy couple with three very active kids.  She shared that "they have an extensive art and antique collection that I married effortlessly with Hickory Chair furniture and furniture of my own design (two beautiful Curio Lamp Tables that are shown below)."

She adds that "the kitchen is completely custom designed and you can see how the Simon Bench just blends in as if it was always there."

"I used two swivel chairs in the sitting area of this great room, the Joseanne and Eton Swivel Chairs.  Both turn to view the fireplace and television." says Paula Grace.  "They haven’t added the television yet but I think that is because the family now enjoys curling up in front of their fireplace on the cold nights we have been having." Also shown is the Milo M2M Cocktail Table, Wakeley M2M Sofa, Charles Hassocks and the Auburn Round Ottoman.

"I have to say that the Joseanne is my ‘go to’ swivel chair because of its scale and clean lines.  This is a very traditional design but we wanted to do a lot in the space we had so some smaller scale furniture was in order.  The Joseanne fit that need perfectly and the Wakeley Sofa was custom sized to accommodate the available space." 

Our artisans and craftsmen look to Paula Grace and other talented designers for pieces to make each day.  It has been our honor to make pieces to order for 100 years! If you enjoyed Paula Grace's work, join us soon for Part II where we will showcase more of her beautiful projects!

Napa Valley Film Festival

Hickory Chair is very proud to be part of the upcoming inaugral Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) on November 9-13, in Napa Valley's picturesque communities of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. In collaboration with Traditional Home magazine and Saint Dizier Home, we are honored to make special pieces for this event.

 

Not to be missed by film buffs, food and wine lovers alike, the 5 day "extended weekend" will feature the best of new independent films, studio sneak previews, and conversations with actors, directors, producers and writers. Join us for unforgettable parties, Tribute and Awards programs, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting and late-night lounges. VIP and invited guests will enjoy receptions and dinners with Napa Valley's own celebrity chefs and winemakers.

Designed with a 1940's Hollywood feel, our Hickory Chair craftsmen are making the following pieces for this exciting event:

 

• 2) 114-55 Elliott Wing Chairs
• 1) 1514-29 Auburn Large Stool
• 1) 2686-10 Fyn Metal Base with 1) 2686-18 Fyn Shagreen Box Top
• 2) 2802-48 Brooks RA Chaise
• 4) 122-24 9th Street Chair
• 2) 122-29 9th Street Ottoman
• 2) 100-08 4- Panel Screen
• 2) 5700-23 Gunnison Chairs
• 1) 7635-56 Bistro Banquette
• 1) 7635-50 Bistro Corner Chair
• 1) 7635-77 Bistro Long Banquette
• 1) 2878-70 Morgan Media Cabinet
• 1) 7887-11 New Yorker Pedestal Table Base
• 1) 2445-40 Sutherland Dining Table Top
• 2) 2105-70 RSF Studio Bookcases
• 2) 2106-70 LSF Studio Bookcases
• 4) 2107-70 Narrow Studio Bookcases

We will share pictures after the installation is complete.  We are sure that this will be a great way to spend the weekend and enjoy walkable access to the best of the Napa Valley Film Festival!

Belle Maison Interior Design - Short Hills, NJ

My travels took me to New Jersey recently.  I had the pleasure of visiting a design firm by the name of Belle Maison Interiors.  Owned by the very talented Catherine and Mitchell Engelmeyer, Belle Maison Interior Design is known for inspirational interiors created from fine furniture mixed with timeless antiques.  This design firm is located in Short Hills, New Jersey.  Their beautiful interiors have been published in a variety of magazines such as Design NJ and New York Spaces.

When I returned to Hickory Chair I was greeted by some photographs of interiors created by Catherine for her special clients.  We thought you might enjoy seeing them as well!

 
Shown in this comfortable living room is the Sutton M2M Sofa, Edward Chair and Charles Hassocks from the Hickory Chair Upholstery collection.  Also shown is the Gilded Lily Cocktail Table from the Mariette Himes Gomez Collection.

 
A pair of Eton M2M Sofas flank the Bristol Cocktail Table in hand applied gold leaf finish.

 
A luxurious Devon Sofa with COM bullion fringe is surrounded by French antiques.

 
A Suffolk M2M Love Seat sits at the foot of a Left Bank Bed with low posts finished in a luxurious painted finish.

 
From the historic Winterthur Country Estate Collection Catherine chose the Marlboro Side Chairs and the Newburyport Server (now retired) to complement the Sheraton Perimeter Leaf Dining Table from the James River Collection.  While Hickory Chair is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, our James River Collection is celebrating its 70th anniversary which is the industry's longest continuously made collection.

 
A pair of Paris Swivel Chairs from the Mariette Himes Gomez and a Bristol Cocktail Table create a luxurious sitting area.

Each of these beautiful rooms by Catherine Engelmeyer are a have a calmness and are reflection of the client's personality.  We appreciate the opportunity to make special pieces for her clients in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom. 

Do you have pictures and a story to share?  Send them to press@hickorychair.com for an opportunity to be featured on MadeByHickoryChair.com.

 

 

House Beautiful's Kitchen Of The Year Featuring Hickory Chair

Hickory Chair is honored to be part of the 2011 House Beautiful Kitchen Of The Year project that began today.  A full kitchen was construction on Rockefeller Plaza for the great chef, Tyler Florence. All week Tyler will be demonstrating special recipes.  Hickory Chair provided a set of six Madigan Counter Stools that sit at the island where Tyler creates his delicious entrees.  This morning Lester Holt of The Today Show interviewed Tyler as he prepared a shrimp boil. 

Lori Yeomans created the kitchen which has been portrayed as an outdoor living room. Her interior design firm is USA Interior Design and is located in San Francisco, California.  The team selected the Madigan Counter Stools for their design and comfort.  They were made in Hickory, North Carolina by a team of talented artisans and craftsmen.  These Madigan Counter Stools are part of a series that includes dining chairs, bar and counter stools and a bench.  For 100 years pieces like these Madigan Counter Stools have been made by hand to order.  Focused on making one of a kind pieces in heirloom quality construction is our passion.  Hand made in America.

For this event the Madigan Counter Stools were finished in our Dark Walnut finish.  A family friendly leather was selected in a rich brown color. Lastly large NL-09 Antique Nickel nail head trim and a matching stretcher guard were applied.  Personalizing pieces to order is our artist's and craftsmen's passion.   In just a few weeks from order we can make and ship one of a kind furniture pieces.  We appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the Kitchen of The Year with House Beautiful.  If you are in New York this week you can stop by and see this beautiful creation!

Roger Bills Interior Design - Ocala, FL

Roger A. Bills is a talented interior designer in Ocala, Florida.  We at Hickory Chair have enjoyed working with him for over 15 years.  Recently he shared some photographs with us of some inspirational rooms he created for a client.

Show left is a picture of the master bedroom.  The rich colors in the rug provided the direction for the color palette.  He selected the rich orange from the rug as a punch of color to accentuate in accessories.  Over the pair of Jasper Dressers from the Mariette Himes Gomez Collection is an Upholstered Dauphine Mirror in a rich orange toned leather.  The Eton M2M Sofa at the foot of the bed is upholstered in a neutral fabric with throw pillows in two-toned silk as well as a print fabric that picks up the orange tones of the rug.  Show right is a portion of the Avon Chair that has been upholstered in an orange silk.  Its standard nail head trim adds interest to the room.  A pair of Charles M2M Hassocks sit in front of the Eton Sofa.  They were upholstered with a solid fabric on the sides and a luxurious print on the top.  The room has great color, form and pattern due to the pieces Roger recommended to his client.

In the dining area, Roger continued his thoughtful use of color.  From the Mark Hampton Collection Roger selected the Adam Arm Chairs.  Our Weathered Linen paint was selected and then a combination of  blue, brown and gold silk fabrics made each chair have its own personality.  These Adam chairs surround the Sutherland Dining Table.  Its top features Light Walnut finish over the Olive Ash Burl top.  The Olive Ash Burl veneers are applied in a sunburst pattern.  The base of the table as well as the Duchamp Sideboard were also finished in Weathered Linen paint.  The top of the sideboard also was finished in Light Walnut stain.  The resulting effect is warm, inviting, luxurious and textural. 

We appreciate the opportunity to become the workroom for talented designers like Roger Bills.  Our artisans and craftsmen in Hickory, North Carolina enjoy making each piece to order personalized for a home.  It makes us feel proud to know that families all over the world gather together with our pieces.  For 100 years we have had the honor and as we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to making pieces hopefully for another 100 years for families. 

Please share your Hickory Chair story with us.  Contact us at press@hickorychair.com . You may also visit our facebook page and learn about our Centennial Design Challenge where your design could win a $10,000 prize!

Making "It" For You

Finding "it" - the right thing for your room can be a daunting task.  Sometimes the piece you find is perfect except it is the wrong finish.  Maybe the hardware is not your style.  Maybe if it was a few inches shorter, taller or longer it would have been perfect.  

We listen at Hickory Chair.  It is the passion of our nearly 500 telented artisans and craftsmen to help you personalize our pieces so that they are just right for your home.  It is our 100 year old workroom in Hickory, North Carolina where we make one of a kind pieces to order.  It is the generations skill passed from the master craftsman to apprentice for these 100 years married to lean thinking and environmental stewardship that has allowed us to remain a relevant, valued partner to the designer and collector of quality American made pieces.  It is this passion that has allowed us to trim waste from the process while focusing on fine details of tailoring and finish.  It has allowed us to make one piece at a time from beginning to end in just a few weeks from order the way you want it. 

Shown in our ad featured in the July issue of Architectural Digest, Traditional Home and House Beautiful along with the July/August issue of Veranda, is the new Elliott Wing Chair and Artisan Curved Front Chest with Overlay from our 1911 Collection in the foreground along with the Sophia Mirror by Thomas O'Brien where another version of the chair and chest are reflected.  Because almost 90% of our pieces are made by hand to order that we can offer this kind of personalization.  These pieces tease you with our ability to transform almost every piece we offer for you for your room.  A classic piece can become transitional with the change of finish and hardware or the look of a cherished antique with an aged finish and antiqued hardware.  Want to create your own version of the Artisan Curved Front Chest? Want to upholster your own version of the Elliott Wing Chair?  By clicking on their names you can become the upholsterer or finisher of these pieces.  You can try different hardware on the chest along with finish choices, a combination of two finishes and then hand striping to create your own creation.  

If you enjoyed this, we invite you to enter our first ever Centennial Design Challenge that begins this Wednesday.  Have you have designed that you wish could be made for your home or client?  Are you a student wishing that someone could make your piece?  Beginning this Wednesday you can become the furniture designer and enter our contest.  Join us as a Hickory Chair Furniture facebook friend.  Check back on Wednesday to www.hickorychair.com or www.facebook.com/hickorychairfurniture for all the details.  Maybe you'll win the grand prize!

Hickory Chair Is Featured In The New TRADhome Online Magazine

Today the first issue of TRADhome online magazine was launched!  This beautiful new online magazine is filled with fresh stories featuring 20 New Trad Designers and other inspirational stories.  We feel very fortunate that pieces made by Hickory Chair are included in their work. 

On page 50 the 5420-23 Regan Chair from the Alexa Hampton Collection is featured in the "Of Worldly Riches" story.

Shown on page 164 – 5405-88 Roberts Sofa from the Alexa Hampton Collection is the centerpiece in the room created by Tilton Fenwick.  A luxurious green COM fabric was used on the sofa along with a susani type fabric on the additional throw pillows. 

The dining room by Patrik Lonn photographed on page 254 features a combination 2062-01/02 Chelsea Arm & Side Chairs, 2050-10 Hickory Modern Dining Table both from the Thomas O'Brien Collection and a 5469-10 Renata Stand from the Alexa Hampton Collection.  Page 258 also features the work of Patrik Lonn.  He selected the 2255-10 Soho Upholstered Bed from the Thomas O'Brien Collection in a soft blue COM fabric.

Ron Marvin selected  2108-10 Tricia Chest and the 2897-10 Hallings Secretary both from the Thomas O'Brien Collection for the room photographed on page 260.

Kim Winkler chose the 6172-11 Marlboro Side Chairs from the Winterthur Country Estate Collection for the dining room pictured on page 329.  She comments that 'the new dining room chairs are upholstered in ivory linen with nail-head trim that accents the furniture's curves.'

We appreciate Kim, Ron, Patrik and Tilton selecting pieces made by Hickory Chair for their clients and homes.  Each of these pieces shown were made in Hickory, North Carolina by a team of talented craftsmen.  Their support, along with countless others, have allowed Hickory Chair to reach its 100th anniversary this year.  As a part of our celebration to kick off our next 100 years, we placed an ad on page 36.  In this ad we feature the 2802-45 Brooks Left Arm Sofa from the Thomas O'Brien collection, the 2606-24 Kit Chair, 2490-51 Milo M2M Cocktail Table, 2491-51 Milo M2M Side Table, 2492-51 Milo M2M Dining Height Table and 2686-77 Fyn Wood Box.  Each of these items are made to order with diverse options for personalization. 

Dean Farris Interior Design - Naples, FL

In yesterday's post we mentioned one of Dean Farris's favorite places - the Pink House in Zillionsville, Georgia that featured vintage Hickory Chair dining chairs.  Some of our favorite places include Dean Farris's client's homes where he has turned to Hickory Chair for inspiration!

Dean Farris Interior Design is based out of beautiful Naples, Florida.  Dean has been a fan of Hickory Chair for many years and recently sent us some pictures of his work. In this client's sun filled room, Dean chose a white fabrics with a touch of pale blue and pink to keep the room light and airy feeling.  He needed a large wood piece for storage and function, Dean turned to Hickory Chair.  He knew that he could turn to us for a piece personalized for the room with a painted finish. He chose the Toscana Sideboard for its French styling and asked that we paint it Antique Ivory paint.  While the Toscana Sideboard is now retired from Hickory Chair, the timeless style and heirloom quality construction will allow it to become a family keepsake.

In the bedroom, the Left Bank Bed was the perfect solution.  With its upholstered headboard and footboard Dean could select just the right fabric and finish for the client.  Since the bed is made here we can make it to order. 

In the dining room Dean chose the Adam Arm and Side Chairs from the Mark Hampton Collection.  He chose a beautiful graphic print in a damask type pattern in a coral on white and then asked that we finish the chairs in Antique Ivory paint.  The brown stained dining table and other pieces are brightened by the chairs painted in the Antique Ivory finish.  It is this flexibility that make Hickory Chair's workroom in Hickory so different that a factory.  When Dean ordered these pieces for his client we built and finished the pieces for him. 

 
Follow Dean on his blog, DeanFarrisStyle for more inspiration.

Sharing Faith Sheridan Interiors

Faith Sheridan, a HCC University graduate, is a designer from Seattle, Washington.  She has a design firm and is a blogger. Recently some inspirational pictures of their work were shared with us.  We are very honored that they turned to Hickory Chair and our workroom for pieces to fulfill this challenge!

Their client wished for a very comfortable indoor/outdoor living pavilion.  They were given design challenges to follow:

Primary Design Challenge: The clients purchased a home in 2007 that included an outdoor living pavilion. An entertainment space with numerous French doors opens to a large swimming pool and patio. My client’s vision was a year round indoor/outdoor area for entertaining guests using the pool, patio, grill, bar and living area. The furnishings needed to serve adults and children and withstand the chemicals contained on swim garments after using the pool.

Secondary Design Challenge: The original owner selected mahogany millwork for the 12’ high interior in a British Colonial style using exotic carved details on corbels. The clients wanted to unify the traditional millwork elements with the furnishings and introduce a large flat screen TV for viewing all variety of sporting events. The large focal TV wall required a counter balance to the horseshoe bar area.  A display of trophies from riding competitions was requested.

Goals:

1. Provide multiple seating areas outdoors and indoors for guests to eat and converse; maintain traditional style of furniture with textiles both exotic and practical, with an emphasis on muted colors, such as browns, beiges, and straw. Introduce faux wall finishes to meld the architectural elements and finishes.

2. Balance the bar with the focal TV wall using five photographic images from Seabiscuit to surround the large TV screen and acknowledge a horse riding hobby for mother and daughter; provide scale and Asian influence with an antique altar table and additional accessories.  The 2809-84 Wakely Sofa by Thomas O'Brien and the 48" 5581-10 Wicker Cocktail Table successfully match the style and livability the challenge required.

3. Create a plantation style indoor/outdoor living setting that reflects the allure and romance of British Colonial style and evokes the excitement of that era of exploration.  A pair of 9851-02 Gabrielle Side Chairs provide comfort and great form.

Upstairs in the game room they used a pair of Eva Arm Chairs with a chess table.  They asked us to monogram a M in a dark brown thread color to match the rich finish on the chairs.  Also in that room but not shown is the Center Hall Table.  The designers used additional pieces in the family room as well. 

Hmmm... a great challenge for Faith Sheridan Interior Design.  Don't you think she made great selections for the client?