Made By Hickory Chair

Luxurious Bedroom Retreats

A really comfortable bed in a beautifully styled room is one of the most loved parts of a home.  It is our retreat at the end of a long day.  It is the place where we linger on cool mornings.  It is a place where we tend to indulge ourselves with luxury.  In reviewing some photographs recently shared with us at Hickory Chair we found some really amazing bedroom get-a-ways that inspired us to share them with you!

 

Maybe it is a luxurious suite at the famous Cincinnatian Inn with the Candler Bed by Suzanne Kasler.

Or this luxurious bedroom at the Moraya Bay Club with a pair of Montauk Beds by Mariette Himes Gomez...

Maybe you would prefer this bedroom shared with us by David Fuller of Alyson Jon Interiors (photo courtesy of Merrick Ales Photography) featuring the Candler Bed by Suzanne Kasler.

Perhaps you would have to smile with a Simone Bed by Suzanne Kasler in an amazing room created by Tobi Fairley!

Our own Ron Fiore's master bedroom seen in the October 2011 issue of Traditional Home featuring the 1911 Collection Artisan Bed.

A night at Blackberry Farms in Cleveland, Tennessee might make you never want to return to your own bedroom without a Hickory Chair bed! Shown is the Calla Bed by Mariette Himes Gomez in this inviting room.

The Lakehouse Bed by Thomas O'Brien is inviting in this cottage at Blackberry Farm.

This luxurious bedroom in a Blackberry Farm cottage features the Chelsea Bed by Thomas O'Brien.

Whether your style is romantic, masculine, formal, casual, traditional, modern, country or coastal, with fabric, leather and finish options why settle for just a bed when you can have it made just for you at our workroom in Hickory, North Carolina!

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!

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!

1911 Collection - The Centennial Collection by Hickory Chair

Turning 100 years old this year is very special for all the employees of Hickory Chair.  We want to say thank you to everyone who has chosen Hickory Chair pieces for their homes these past 100 years.  We enjoy receiving emails with pictures of family heirlooms and special finds at antique stores that so many of you have shared with us. 

This week we have introduced a very special new collection at the Spring International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina.  To create the 1911 Collection, a group of us perused our earliest catalogs.  As we reminiscedabout the products in these vintage catalogs beginning in the 1930's, we realized how beautiful and timeless many of the forms were.  We selected distinctive timeless pieces that we felt could be updated for today.  The result is a grouping of pieces that are respectful of their heritage but are decidedly modern! 

Normally you have to wait up to six months after market to see new pieces in stores, catalogs or web sites.  Not with Hickory Chair!  Our craftsmen in Hickory, North Carolina have already made pieces that have been ordered at market and are shipping them to the stores that ordered them!  Therefore, we have already posted the 1911 collection to our web site.   With over 87% of our entire product line made in Hickory by our talented craftsmen can offer custom finishes, sizes and other options that will allow you to personalize pieces for your home and made for you in just a couple weeks from order!

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!

 

Alexa Hampton - The Language of Interior Design

On October 5, 2010, Alexa Hampton will release her first book, The Language of Interior Design.  Being published by Random House, Alexa will give you a very personal insight into her aesthetic and how it has been used to satisfy her clients wishes.  The Random House press release says, "At an early age, Alexa Hampton learned the language of good design, the vocabulary to speak it, and the elements that define it. As the daughter of interior design legend Mark Hampton, she traveled the world by her father’s side, touring the great architectural landmarks and discovering beauty, training her eye."

The review contines, "Now one of America’s most influential designers herself, Alexa Hampton provides a tour of stunning residences from her own portfolio.  Eighteen classic spaces illustrate in rich detail the elements that govern cultivated design—contrast, proportion, color, and balance. Among the residences are a landmark 1912 McKim, Mead & White restoration on Fifth Avenue in New York City; an eclectic house by the sea layered in textures, patterns, and colors; a contemporary apartment distinguished by simple geometry and clean lines; and Hampton’s own apartment, filled with an exquisite collection of architectural elements."

Additionally, "Hampton also explains how she tailored each space to meet her clients’ needs while retaining a timeless aesthetic, and she provides design expertise on everything from fabric schemes to the particulars of paint. From a French neoclassical tour de force of architec-ture, artwork, and design to a Queen Anne summer cottage furnished to showcase the house’s graceful nineteenth-century dimensions, the spaces here speak the language of design—a language that, under Hampton’s tutelage, anyone can master." 

Hickory Chair will host a book signing at its NEW showroom located at 330 N. Hamilton in High Point, North Carolina on Saturday, October 16th from 3-5 p.m. during the Fall Furniture Market in High Point, North Carolina.  Her furniture collection will showcased along with Hickory Chair's other offerings including the new Suzanne Kasler Studio Collection that is being introduced at the fall market.  Alexa is scheduled for other book signings beginning on September 24th in Omaha, Nebraska.  Other cities with scheduled events include High Point (NC), New York City (NY), Denver and Lone Tree (CO).  This beautiful 256 page book is surely to become a inspirational guide to luxurious design.

In 2005, Hickory Chair introduced the Alexa Hampton Collection and has continued to introduce new groupings regularly since.  Her collection spans classic English Regency, French Moderne to Napolean III pieces each interpreted for today's customer and their busy lifestyle. The vast majority of her collection is hand made in Hickory, North Carolina by talented artisans and craftsmen.  Most wood products are available in a wide range of wood and stained finishes along with Customer's Own Hardware^TM. Her upholstered collection features classics pieces such as the Grant Chair with its distinctive crotch mahogany band around the outback and hand carved mahogany posts as well as pieces that are bench made in your choice of width from a chair to a 120-inch sofa.  Classic style and proportion are her signatures.  She has been listed as a top interior designer annually by both Architectural Digest and House Beautiful magaznies.  In addition to her licensed furniture collection by Hickory Chair, she also has licensed collections with Kravet Fabrics, Stark Carpets and Visual Comfort Lighting.  She lives in New York City, serves as the president of Mark Hampton, Inc., is a wife and mother. 

Making It Mine One At A Time

Every day at Hickory Chair we receive requests to personalize pieces from our vast assortment.  Sometimes a piece is almost perfect... if we could just make a modification or two the piece would be just right for the customer's room.  Some days we make just a few personalized pieces while other days we make close to a dozen.  It is our talented craftsmen that make this possible.  It is their willingness to say yes that makes it possible to create special pieces by request.  Pieces like this American Empire Tall Chest is a great example of the creativity of the designer from Israel's in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the ability of our artisans.  This traditional chest was ordered in a group of custom paint colors - each from Benjamin Moore.  The designer made a sketch with each finish identified.  We made strike off panels for each finish.  With approval from the designer and their client, we made this one of a kind piece to order.

Shay Geyer of IBB Design in Frisco, Texas who is known as the "Designer Detective" on the Dallas Morning News and her blog, ordered this custom sectional for her client - a tall professional athlete.  For this gentleman she ordered a M2M (Made to Measure) Silhouettes sectional that included a sofa and a corner sofa.  Both were ordered in custom lengths with wedge feet in a dark finish, extended depth and height, armless, weltless and box edged back pillows.  A combination of leather and flannel suede was used to create a modern luxurious sectional for his home. In addition, Shay asked that we cut the leather into panels, sew and topstitch them to create a sophisticated exterior.  The result is a completely personalized piece we may never make again this way!

A different designer searched to find a headboard for their client. The style that the designer proposed to the client was the right size and style but the customer wished that it was tufted.  The designer contacted their customer service representative with the special construction request.  We were happy to say yes.  The Candler Bed was made in a painted finish, upholstered and tufted in a neutral linen fabric and then was finished with nail head trim. 

We appreciate the opportunity to make one of a kind pieces like we have shared today.  It is because 87% of our enitre product line being made in Hickory,  North Carolina that allows us to personalize pieces to order.  Do you have a wish for a piece?  Give us the chance to make a special piece for you!

A Luxurious Get-a-Way at the Hotel Parq Central - Albuquerque, NM

You may be familiar with the Hotel Parq Central, a luxurious hotel built in 1926 and established in 2010.  The owners have taken advantage of the economy to invest in this amazing property.  The designer and owner turned to Hickory Chair for their rennovation.  Working alongside of our craftsmen, designers and engineers, we created custom pieces for the hotel. 

Their web site now shows the model room with each of the pieces that were selected for the rennovation. If you notice the secretary, you might recognize it as similar to the Hallings Secretary.  This custom made version for the Hotel Parq Central.  This custom version was made open and finished in a two-tone finish.  It features a pull out shelf to use as a desk or as a nightstand. 

Not seen in the photograph is the custom Sherry Side Table (the nightstand barely visible on the other side of the bed). In the lobby are sofas, chairs and tables made to order.  This fall all of the pieces will arrive for the rooms and lobby.   We are very proud to have been selected by the Hotel Parq Central for their 'urban oasis'.  If you choose this luxurious hotel for your next business or pleasure trip we hope you enjoy the Hickory Chair pieces throughout the property.

Other fine hotels with Hickory Chair pieces can be found in many parts of the world.  For example, the 60 Thompson Hotel in New York City was designed by Thomas O'Brien.  Each room and the public areas are furnished with various Hickory Chair pieces.  The Lowell Hotel in New York City also features various pieces in some rooms and public areas.  The Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-lake has the largest display of Hickory Chair pieces anywhere in the world.  Thirteen luxurious suites feature Hickory Chair pieces as well as the bar, lobby, sunroom, conference rooms and other areas.  Earlier this year we shared a post on the St. Francis Hotel in Sante Fe that had recently added three Made to Measure Roberts Sofas to their lobby.  Share your pictures and stories with us on where you have discovered Hickory Chair in your travels.  We would love to share your story too! 

 

Your Workroom in Hickory, North Carolina

For those of you who have had the opportunity to visit Hickory Chair's workroom in Hickory, North Carolina, you know that it has the feel of a series of custom workrooms instead of an assembly line factory.  Their sentiment also shared that we have master craftsmen and artisans and not factory workers.  This is our secret ingredient... we have talented craftsmen and artisans who are eager to make pieces just the way that you want them.  We have not been able to say yes to every special request but we are working hard to be able to accomodate your wishes. 

We thought you would enjoy seeing some examples of the things that we have been able to personalize in our workroom.  In this first example is our Eton M2M.  Eton is a graceful 72 inch love seat that can be transformed from a 32 inch wide chair to a 120 inch wide sofa.  It is standard with nail head trim.  The chair is available as a swivel. There were many wishes that we could make it without nail head trim.  Our team worked together to determine a manner in which we could upholster the piece without the nail head trim without a problem. Now you can request no nails any time!  Recently someone wished that we could make it into a chaise.  Our craftsmen reviewed the wooden frame and what it would take to modify the frame, fabric and cushion patterns. We were able to say yes!

A different customer wished that we could take a classic 5662-10 tall chest standard in our American Antique finish and paint it in paint colors.  They sent color chips to us along with a rendering of where they wanted each paint color applied.  We were able to say yes and complete this one of a kind piece for them.  Their client wanted to use this cabinet in their den for a media cabinet.  They applied custom hardware once they received the one of a kind chest.

Another customer searched for a special bed for their home.  They selected the Venetian Bed which was originally designed to have a wood panel headboard (8806-20).  Several years ago someone asked that we upholster the head and foot board (8806-71).  We said yes.  This summer a different customer asked if we could apply Silver Leaf to the exposed wood and tuft the head and footboard.  We studied what it would require and then we said yes!

Another wish we have been able to make come true is with our Personal Preferences Dining Table program.  You can design your own dining table by selecting from one of 17 bases and 31 tops in your choice of finishes.  In the example below, we were asked to make a custom 60-inch Campagne Dining Table Top instead of the standard 48-inch size and then use the metal New Yorker table base (7887-11) instead of the faux limestone base (9844-10) that is normally standard with the Campagne top (9843-40).  The result looks great! In fact, we like the 60-inch Campagne top so much we are adding it to our collection at the fall market!

Our workroom is YOUR workroom.  Our group of nearly 500 employees hand make 87% of our entire assortment in this vintage 1911 facility.  The remaining 13% that we purchase are things like the metal New Yorker Dining Table Base, hand carved mahogany chairs, stone, mirror, glass and hardware.  We work hard every day to increase our quality and eliminate waste from our processes so that we are freed to make one of a kind pieces of you.  Is there something you have been wishing for that you have not been able to find?  You know we will help you if we can!
 
 

  

My Hickory Chair Home - Beverly Hall, Roswell, GA

Our friends, Don Easterling and  Nina Nash, HCC University graduates and close associates, recently shared some photographs of the beautiful rooms that they created with their client.  As they reviewed each room, the color scheme, the attitude and ambiance that the client desired, Don and Nina were able to turn to Hickory Chair for basically every room because of our ability to make one of a kind pieces personalized to her client's home! 

A native of South Carolina, Don Easterling has become a gold standard in the interior design business. With over twenty years as one of Atlanta's most respected and coveted Interior Designers, his work can be seen from Hong Kong to Paris to the Bahamas. His strong passion for the architecture and history of Atlanta homes brings out a passion and understanding that makes him truly one of the best in the business. Don Easterling's reputation is derived from his long-term and repeat cliental that depend on him for his widespread experience and his pervasive work with other well-known Atlanta designers. Whether the project is in Sea Island, Lake Martin, Jackson Hole, Boston or Atlanta one doesn't have to travel far to find another one of Don's masterpieces. Integrity, humility and trust make Don Easterling an interior design must.  (excerpt from the Beverly Hall website)

With over three years as an Interior Designer Assistant for Don Easterling of Beverly Hall and eight years in the Visual Arts arena, Nina Marie Nash has developed a keen eye for interior personalization. After traveling across the entirety of Western Europe doing photography work she has spent the last three and a half years entrenched in the endless pursuit of the perfect interior space. Nina is a dedicated and passionate interior designer with natural talent who thrives on tackling new challenges and creating striking spaces that are fresh and fun. Her expertise is drawn from her prior work in the fashion industry and her dual degrees in Fine Art and Graphic Design. With Nina's extensive work on various dwellings such as coastal properties, hunting lodges and high-rise penthouses she is quickly rising to the forefront in Atlanta interior design. (excerpt from the Beverly Hall website)

Don and Nina's client selected a modern, fresh look rooted in continental style.  In the living room, they selected the Emory Sofa by Suzanne Kasler.  With the high tight back it not only provides support for your shoulders and back due to its height, but the four rows of hand-tied springs create lumbar support.  They selected a custom 86" size from our Made To Measure program. The Bristol Cocktail Table is finished in Silver Leaf and has a clear glass top.  Flanking the setting is a pair of Natalie Chairs and a Suzannah Side Table from the Alexa Hampton Collection.  Notice how Don and Nina designed the Natalie Chairs - in addition to the soft blue Hickory Chair fabric, they selected Cream Lacquer paint finish and then requested that our artists hand stripe the chairs in antique rub light gold striping.  The finishing detail was the antique brass nail head trim. The mirrored cabinet with the X-motif is a Cleo Bar Cabinet that was finished in Birch paint finish with Antique Mirror door panels.  In the second image of the living room, you can see how a pair of the Park Avenue Tall Cabinets finished in Cream Lacquer were the perfect solution to place in the insets flanking the fireplace.  They selected our Venetian Blue paint for the interior of the two cabinets as well as Antique Silver hardware from our Customer's Own Hardware^TM program. Positioned in front of the fireplace are a pair of Emory Lounge Chairs from the Suzanne Kasler Collection along with a retired item, the Evalina Table adapted from an antique found at the Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

  In the foyer,they selected a pair of Charles Hassocks to nest underneath the client's mirrored console table.  They requested that we upholster them in an ivory Valtekz^TM fabric that has the texture of a lizard skin.

In the breakfast room the Campagne Dining Table was selected and finished in a special Scrubbed Ash finish.  A set of Linwood Dining Chairs from the Suzanne Kasler Collection finished in Birch finish provide an easy elegance with great comfort.  The family have a beautiful view overlooking the pool area from their intimate breakfast room.

Turning to the dining room, pieces were selected that could have felt very formal.  With their skillful talent, they selected finishes and pieces that created a warm, elegant dining area for their clients.  The James River Collection dining table was finished in a combination of two antique finishes.  The beautiful mahogany dining table top was finished in a warm, light, antiqued finish named Original Antique while the saber pedestal legs were finished in Weathered Linen paint finish which has hand work to create the look of a time worn finish. From the Winterthur Museum, Hickory Chair found the original antique that insipred the Marlboro Side Chair.  Its tall back with its elegant shape and nail head trim provide architectural interest and comfort.  A pair of Delaware Host Chairs were selected to add comfort and contrast.The sideboard with its antique mirrored doors was finished in Weathered Linen finish. The Hotel Trolley was finished also in Weathered Linen finish.  Its removeable tray in Antique Silver provides function and beauty.

In the family room, they recommended the Hepburn Sofa.  Its distinctive pleated corner skirt and bridgewater or English arms accentuate its luxurious comfort.  A Morris Cocktail Table and West Paces Side Table complete the image shown below.    

For the kitchen, the Piedmont Dining Table and Chastain Chairs by Suzanne Kasler were selected along with a Trestle Bench from the Thomas O'Brien Collection. 

Throughout the house additional pieces are found. The many artisans and craftsmen at Hickory Chair collaborated to create these personalized pieces for Don and Nina. We love seeing how the individual pieces look when they arrive in the home for which they were hand made. It means a lot to our talented craftsmen to see the pieces in the rooms the spend their lives in.  If you have pictures to share, please send them along with your story to press@hickorychair.com.