Made By Hickory Chair

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!

Bruce Kading Interiors - Minneapolis, MN

Finding inspirational rooms furnished with hand made pieces from the craftsman of the 100 year old Hickory Chair company seems to be getting simpler every day!  Our friends at Bruce Kading Interior Design shared with us these beautiful rooms. 

Bruce Kading Interior Design is a full service studio specializing in high-end residential and executive office interior design. From a brown stone in Philadelphia to a camp in Montana to upscale beach front property in Florida we pride ourselves in the diversity of our style that allows us to design personalized environments in every region of the country.

Their expertise includes custom interior architectural design and space planning, lighting, cabinetry, furniture and detailing to create the perfect turnkey environment. Coupled with an infinite number of resources, the cornerstone of our business is fine quality design, dialoging with the home owner, architect and builder to create a cohesive, creative design team with impeccable details.

Recently Bruce and several of his design associates, Laura Hartman, Eric Kaufmann and Rob Edman (all shown right with Susan Thayer their Hickory Chair sales representative) participated in our HCC University program where they met our hundreds of artisans and craftsmen.  Rob Edman has opened his own studio, Edmanhill Interior Design.  For 8 years Rob worked with Bruce Kading and was involved in each of the projects displayed below.  With their new found inspiration of the one of a kind pieces that are made in America in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom, they can design for your home that our craftsmen can make we are sure they can create a very special home or office for you.

A Silhouettes leather sectional by Hickory Chair.

Thomas O'Brien King Size Lakehouse Bed by Hickory Chair.

From the James River Collection a 2121-30 Sideboard, 1801-21 Host Chairs and a Baltimore Dining Table Top and Base.

A 1271-55 Townsend Wing Chair from the James River Collection in leather.

A set of 9026-11 Louis XVI Arm Chairs add beauty and comfort to this dining room.

 

Do you have a special story to share?  Contact us at press@hickorychair.com!

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.

 

 

J. Hirsch Interior Design & The Neely Farm Clubhouse

Our friend and HCC University graduate, Janie Hirsch ASID, shared some truly inspirational images with us from a project in Georgia.  Janie owns J. Hirsch Interior Design.

Janie tells us, "These pictures are of the Neely Farm Clubhouse, a neighborhood clubhouse in Norcross, GA.  It is in the original country retreat home from the Frank Neely farm that used to be on this property years ago.  It was built in the 1930's and the bricks are from the original Fulton County court house that was torn down in 1884 and stored at Oakland Cemetery.  They were then carried by train to Norcross and hauled by wagon the remaining 6-7 miles to the Neely farm."

She goes on to tell us that "every piece of upholstery in these pictures are from Hickory Chair!"  We are proud to have the opportunity to hand make each piece in our workroom in Hickory and to share these inspirational images with you! 

James River Collection Breakfront, Ashley Club Chairs by Mariette Himes Gomez and Cindy Side Chairs (now retired) shown.

 
Spool Chairs by Mark Hampton, James River Collection Isaac Wing Chairs and Ashley Club Chairs shown.

 
Colefax Lounge Chairs, Issac Wing Chairs from James River Collection, Spool Chairs by Mark Hampton and Country Occasional Chairs from Archive Collection shown.

Issac Wing Chairs from James River Collection and Wyland Storage Ottoman shown.

Colefax Lounge Chairs shown.

 
 This amazing room filled with handmade Hickory Chair upholstery is adjoined by an inviting dining room.  The Marlboro Side Chairs from the Winterthur Country Estate Collection are shown.

 Do you have pictures to share of an inspirational use of Hickory Chair?  Email them to press@hickorychair.com for submission for a future blog! 

 
 
 

  

 

Perfect Partners - June 2011 Architectural Digest

The updated Architectural Digest is a treat to enjoy with each new issue!  The June 2011 issue is no exception.  Our friend, Alexa Hampton, teamed up with architect, Joel Barkley, as "Perfect Partners" to create a home with a mix of English-style architecture with Swedish charm.  The result is calming and fresh.  We at Hickory Chair are honored to have created many of the furniture pieces included in this inspirational environment. 

Shown below is the L-shaped home.  Its rich black exterior with crisp white trim complements the cedar shake roof - classic and modern.  From the inviting exterior the interior welcomes you.

Shown in the foyer are a pair of quatrefoil chairs - the Alexandra Side Chair from the Suzanne Kasler Collection - by Hickory Chair.  They are finished in a dark stain and flank a stool - the Pleasant Street Ottoman from the Thomas O'Brien Collection - also by Hickory Chair. 

 
The living room features a grouping of Hickory Chair pieces.  From the Alexa Hampton Collection, the Gabriella Chair, Kate Cocktail Table, Ian Bench and the Nadine Side Table were selected.  A pair of Tilden Chairs were selected from the Thomas O'Brien Collection.  Beautiful Cowtan & Tout fabrics were selected for each piece of upholstery.

 
In the dining room a set of vintage Camille Side Chairs by Hickory Chair are shown.  In the den a Made to Measure Charles Hassock in a rich blue upholstery and the Roberts Made to Measure Sofa by Alexa Hampton is shown.  The sofa is availalbe made from as small as a chair to a lengthy 120 inch sofa.  The hassock is made in one inch increments from as small as 18 inches square to as large as 60 inches square or as a rectangle. 

In Hickory, North Carolina for 100 years the talented artisans and craftsmen hand made each piece to order.  We appreciate Alexa turning to Hickory Chair for pieces for this beaufitul home.  We appreciate the Pollack family entrusting their home to Alexa and the craftsmen of Hickory Chair.  As each piece is custom made, we can take the time to personalize these pieces.  With time each should become a family heirloom. 

The Inspirational Suzanne Kasler Collection

      At the October 2010 International Home Furnishings Market Hickory Chair celebrated the second anniversary of the Suzanne Kasler Collection with beautiful bedroom, dining room and living room pieces.  These new additions almost doubled the size of the original collection. Suzanne loves all things French and her new collection is no exception.  She was inspired by pieces she found in a French Moderne villa she visited in Kenya.  These ideas became reality as we have crafted these forms into relevant pieces that are available now.

     This beautiful room features the Dalton Library Table.  It is was inspired by the French Moderne library table Suzanne had seen in Kenya.  Our version is crafted from ash solids and veneers.  The wonderful textural ash grain adds contrast to the sleek lines.  Available in over 70 finishes, the Dalton can be persoanlized for a library, den or any other room where a statement piece is needed.  A pair of Marais Benches are the jewelry for this roomscene.  They were adapted from a pair of antique stools from Suzanne's own living room.  In the foreground is the Laurent Side Chair.  Its sleek lines, reeded apron, tapered legs with antique brass ferrules are accentuated by the comfortable tub shaped back.

                       In this luxurious bedroom scene is featured the new Simone Upholstered Bed which was finished in Birch paint and upholstered in a linen fabric.  The bed is also available without upholstery.  You can choose from Twin, King, Queen and California King sizes.  It is flanked by two new Augusta Chests.  If you look carefully you will notice that they were thoughtfully designed as a set - the  chest to the right of the bed has the knob on the left while the chest to the left of the bed has its knob on the right making it very easy to access from the bed.  The Augusta Chest is also available without a door with open storage and a single adjustable shelf.   The new Virginia Chair and Ottoman are located in the foreground.  This sleek chair has luxurious comfort.  An Amsterdam Side Chair is pulled up to the new Julien Desk.  The desk and its companion game table are crafted in beautiful anegre veneers.

Stay tuned for more exciting new pieces from Suzanne Kasler and Hickory Chair!

 

My Hickory Chair Home - David Fuller, Alyson Jon Interiors, Austin, TX

One of our favorite things at Hickory Chair is to see our pieces in the rooms for which they were ordered.  Recently a long time friend of Hickory Chair, David Fuller, shared some pieces with us that were selected for a beautiful showhome at 302 Bisset Court.  David is part of the team at Alyson Jon Interiors in Austin, Texas.  The beautiful photography is by Merrick Ales Photography. 

We interviewed David and he shared with us that "when our company, Alyson Jon Interiors in Austin, Texas agreed to create a design plan and furnish a parade of home on Lake Travis, I knew exactly what I wanted the home to look and feel like.  Described as Hill Country Contemporary, I wanted to use transitional styles with a modern and glamorous look.  The home is very open with lots of natural light and white walls which I anchored with expresso stains on all the trim, doors and cabinets to add dimension. I defined common living areas by using charcoals, taupes and dusty yellows turning to accent colors in the bedrooms to seperate those spaces. The lighting was chosen for the scale and to sparkle and interest to the high ceilings."

 

In this beautiful library/home office room, David selected several Hickory Chair pieces that were not only the right scale for the room, but also could be personalized for the aesthetic he was creating.  One of the focal points is the Asheworth Campaign Desk from the Suzanne Kasler Collection. Its three drawers provide useful storage.  To the left of the desk is the Andrew Side Table from the Alexa Hampton Collection.  Because of the extensive finish selections offered by the craftsmen of Hickory Chair, David was able to give the room texture and color interest by selecting a black stain, Kohl, for the Andrew Side Table and the Asheworth Campaign Desk in Dark Walnut stain.

In the Living Room, a made to measure Milo Console Table was the perfect solution to the small sofa.  David was able to design the table to the size that he needed.  First he selected a 30" height, 16" depth and 72" length and the top panel to be made from mahogany.  Then he chose to have the table finished in Sable stain with the top mahogany panel painted in our Black Lacquer finish. 

In the bedroom, he found several additional pieces that we were able to make for the room.  A pair of luxurious green velvet Macdonald Lounge Chairs by Alexa Hampton were selected to sit facing the bed as an accent color. David selected the Candler Bed by Suzanne Kasler.  the clean lines of the bed were accentuated by the dark finish and the luxurious beige velvet.  Flanking the bed are a pair of Renata Stands also by Alexa Hampton that were finished in our Sable finish. In the master bath, a Trestle Bench upholstered in leather from the Thomas O'Brien Collection was used to provide the seating needed.  These are a sampling of the many pieces we were able to provide to David for this beautiful showhouse.

Why did he chose Hickory Chair for this beautiful project?  He stated "Having been a  great fan of Hickory Chair since the 1970's and a Hickory Chair dealer, I chose to showcase several pieces in the home from licensed collections for their classic style and livibility.  The finish options from Hickory Chair allow me to create the transitional, clean look I needed as well as feature luxurious fabric and leather applications."

When I mentioned 'long time friend' of Hickory Chair previously, what I meant is that we have had the joy of working with David for many years.  He recently shared with us that in 1971 he worked for a high end design oriented shop in South Bend, Indiana that carried Hickory Chair.  He remembers meeting a young sales representative from Hickory Chair in 1981 that had just graduated from the sales training program at the factory who was based in Michigan.  Now, almost 30 years later, they are both living in Texas.  David is at home at Alyson Jon Interiors and that same sales representative is now traveling Texas and Louisiana with his wife and partner.  They are there assisting him in ordering special pieces that are just right for the client.  As the author of this blog, I had the priviledge to meet David over 20 years ago when he participated in HCC University the first time (he has attended a second time).  It is truly the relationships that we make along the way that make our industry so special.  Thank you David for sharing your story with all of us!

My Hickory Chair Home - Beverly Hall, Roswell, GA - Part II

You may recall our feature on July 26th, My Hickory Chair Home - Beverly Hall, Roswell, GA where we featured the work of Don Easterling and Nina Nash. In this feature we shared a beautiful home that they designed that was filled with Hickory Chair pieces.  Due to popular demand, we have been asked to share more of their story with you. 

 Upstairs in the home is a bedroom that is warm and inviting.  The Montauk Bed and Boudoir Sofa by Mariette Himes Gomez are the key pieces.  The Bouidor Sofa is upholstered in a beige fabric with blue and green throw pillows.  The drapes have a beige background with blue and green printed fabric that ties the scheme together.  Flanking the Bouidor Sofa are a pair of Kit Chairs upholstered in a soft green fabric.  Their mahogany legs are carved to look like faux bamboo.  The oval Pleasant Street Cocktail Ottoman nests nicely with the curved front of the sofa and its legs repeat the faux bamboo turnings of the Kit Chairs. The Montauk Bed is upholstered in a soft green fabric and are flanked by a pair of Andrew Side Tables finished in Antique Ivory paint. 

 In the family room is a sectional that was made to order.  The two piece sectional was custom made from the Silhouettes collection by Hickory Chair.  To make the perfect sectional for their room they selected a dressmaker skirt (with a special request to make it touch the floor), pleated arms, one piece Luxury Spring Down seat cushions and knife edge back pillows.  In addition they chose the extended height and depth options to make it a really deep and luxurious place for the family to gather.  For the perfect size, they requested that the Left Arm Facing sofa be made 78-inches and the Right Arm Facing corner sofa be made 96-inches in length.  A luxurious dark green velvet was selected to upholster it in. 

In the study, a pair of Weston Swivel Chairs were chosen and placed in front of tall windows draped in a beautiful printed fabric.  A Spoleto Table was placed in between them.  Looking into the study from the hallway is a Milo M2M Console Table and a Mark Desk by Alexa Hampton.  The Milo Console Table is a custom piece.  They selected the 34-inch console height (also available in 20-inch, 24-inch and 30-inch heights), a 48-inch width and an 18-inch depth.  A mahogany top was selected and then it was finished in the artisan finish Antique Worn White to have the look and feel of an antique.  The Mark Desk was finished in the Birch painted finish.  Birch is a very soft green painted finish.

In another living room area the Sutton Sofa was selected that was upholstered in a navy blue fabric.  It is flanked by a pair of Sara Side Tables by Alexa Hampton that were finished in Birch finish.  TheJacques Tray Cocktail Table is the perfect complement with its metal base and Birch finished trays.   

Don and Nina skillfully listened to their customer's desires for style, quality, color and comfort.  We are proud that so many of our pieces provided the perfect solution for this family.  Have you been searching for solutions for your home?  We would love to help!

 

Why Settle When You Can Have It Made?

How many times have you searched for something and the best that you could find was not just right.  I think all of us deal with this as we shop for any product.  We either have to settle or keep searching.

When shopping for furniture this is especially true.  Stores do their best to provide a great representation of the products they carry that are appropriate for the homes in their area.  Typically the floor samples are only the tip of the iceberg of products the store represents. 

While walking through our Hickory Chair upholstery workroom recently I saw a piece that was a reminder of what imagination and creativity is all about.  On our web site and in our catalog is this picture of theLowell Chair and Ottoman.  It is upholstered in a beautiful brown leather.  It has a very traditional feel. 

 The Lowell Chair that I saw in our workroom stopped us in our tracks!  The designer had found a blue and white striped fabric and requested that we upholster it horizontally on the chair. (It is our standard to upholster stripes vertically.) As you can see, the chair now feels much more modern and fresh than in its traditional leather.  We hope that the family it was made for loves its comfort and how it looks in their home.

This is a very popular piece but we had some ask it it was available without the casters on the front legs.   We were able to make this wish come true by designing the Lowell Chair without casters with a longer turned leg.  We add an antique brass toe cap to dress the leg.  Sometimes we receive requests to leave off the antique brass toe cap. 

Need a companion Lowell Sofa?  The Lowell is available as a 80 1/2" sofa as well!  Of course, you can select the version with the casters or without.  Like the casters but wish they were silver?  We offer the casters in an optional Satin Nickel finish.  The choice is yours to make for what is right for your room.  The best part is that our craftsmen can complete your order in just a couple weeks instead of months like is typical. 

We are happy to make it just the way that is right for your home.  Like we say, why settle when you can have it made?