Made By Hickory Chair

Nothing Says Hand Made More Than Hand Tufted

Tufted furniture has reappeared leading fashion, comfort and luxury. Real tufting is a centuries old craft that is hand made by only the most skilled craftsmen.

In these pictures we have featured a wide variety of tufted pieces made in our Hickory, NC workroom! From classic 18th Century custom tufted settees to custom banquettes made for a restaurant to the new Syrie Maugham Sofa, our craftsmen are eager to create special pieces in just a few weeks from order.

Real hand tufting entails using a needle that is just over 12 inches long that is threaded with polyester thread and a hand made button. The tufter inserts the needle through the fabric, padding and frame and then creates the diamond shaped tuft, folds the pleats and then ties the buttons to the correct depth. This process requires about 3-4 hours for a chair and as long as 8 hours for a large sofa.

It is this type of careful precision found at Hickory Chair whether it is in hand sanding, hand inlay, hand finishing, hand sewing, hand painting, hand nailing or any other area. It is Made not manufactured. Made by hand. Made to order. Made to last. Made for over 100 years. Made for you?

Celebrating Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Furniture

Sophia Mirror, Artisan Chest with Overlay, Madigan Benches, Charleston Dining Table

One of the premier high end furniture stores in America is Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Furniture in Edina, Minnesota.  They have other locations in Souix Falls, SD, Fargo, ND and in Souix City, IA.  For decades Hickory Chair's talented artisans and craftsmen have had the honor to make fine furniture for this prestigious store.  Recently the talented team at Gabberts collaborated with Hickory Chair to create a truly inspirational display for the Edina location.

Kent M2M Sofa, Bowman Cocktail Table and Jules Chair

The display is located on the main level of the store in the Design Center area.  A beautiful display was created that illustrates the skill and personalization from our nearly 600 talented artisans and craftsmen in our HIckory, North Carolina workroom. 

Halden Sofa, Davis Drop Leaf Table, Ingold Table, Surry Side Chair

Pieces from many collections were selected to make beautiful displays to show area families how they could add special pieces to their homes.  Hickory Chair's centennial collection, the 1911 Collection, is mixed with licensed collections by four of the most famous American interior designers - Alexa Hampton, Mariette Himes Gomez, Suzanne Kasler and Thomas O'Brien.  In fact, in January 2012, Architectural Digest magazine named them in their listing of the new top 100 interior designers in America! 

Hallings Secretary, Wakeley Sofa, Alexa Ottoman, Alex Tray, Wabi Cocktail Table, Hunt Side Chair, Charles Hassock, Ian Bench

In each of the room scenes shown, a mix of interesting furniture forms were personalized through finish, hardware, fabric, leather and nail head trim from the extensive options at Hickory Chair.  As each piece is made to order, the craftsmen at Hickory Chair encourage you to select from these extensive options to create a very personal piece that suits your taste instead of settling on the standard.  It is this spirit that has allowed Hickory Chair to celebrate its 101st year of making fine furniture this year!

9th Street Sofa, Wabi Cocktail Table, Wakeley Sofa, Alex Ottoman, Alex Tray, Silhouettes Lounge Chair, David Lounge Chair

Many of the talented designers and sales associates at Gabberts are graduates of HCC University.  These individuals have traveled to Hickory, North Carolina to sharpen their skills on how high end custom furniture is made.  They have talked with woodworkers, upholsterers, cutters, finishers, sewers and all sorts of other craftsmen.  They have seen how kiln-dried lumber is transformed into the skeletal frame that is then hand-upholstered to order.  They have spent time in our showroom with an extensive assortment of furniture so that they know how each piece sits, what is behind the doors and most importantly they know it personally.

We hope you will go experience Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Furniture for yourself when you are in the Minneapolis area.  If you are not in the Minneapolis area, please visit our website to locate a dealer near you.  Our team in Hickory would love nothing more than have the honor of making a special piece for your home.

 

Once Upon A Time...Is Now!

The year was 1901 and brothers George and Waldron Bailey started a chair company in North Carolina.  Their family had made 'pins' that were used on telephone poles to hold the insulators as the United States was linked across the country with electricity.  Finding their market saturated, these young entrepreneurs looked for another use for 'pins'.  With the Industrial Revolution gaining speed, the furniture industry was emerging in North Carolina.  These enterprizing Baily brothers moved from Mt. Kisco, NY to Elkin, North Carolina and started a dining chair factory, the Elkin Chair Company, with just one style of chair.  

After just a year or two, Waldron returned to New York to pursue another profession.  George bought the company from his brother and it became the George Baily Chair Company.  Within just a few years local investors bought into the growing chair company and it became the Surry Chair Company.

In 1911, George felt that Hickory was a better place for his company due to the emergence of a few startup furniture manufacturers that specialied in either dining room furniture, bedroom furniture or desks.  He knew that there would be more skilled craftsmen available to make his chairs.  Hickory needed more jobs for the growing community and to replace the jobs being lost at the Piedmont Wagon Company due to the impact of the horseless carriage.  Local investors brought George and his chair company to Hickory with a dream to make more than one style of dining chair... to make upholstery of all types and perhaps more in the future. In 1911 the company began the process of building a factory, acquiring a railroad spur and a work force.  George brought his expertise, patterns and determination with him to Hickory.  In 1912 the first piece of lumber was sawn to build the first chair. 

George retired in 1951 with 50 years of service to the company he began with his brother. We think he would be proud to know that 100 years later we are still here in Hickory sawing wood, cutting fabric, tying springs, applying finishes and making a full line of upholstery, living room, dining room and bedroom furniture. Nearly 90% of our entire line is made in America.

2012 has been a very good year for Hickory with the addition of almost 70 additional artisans and craftsmen. We should have approximately 560 employees by year's end.  These talented artisans and craftsmen make each wood or upholstered item by hand to order in just a few weeks.

Hickory Chair is just one American company that has worked hard to overcome wars, depression, recessions, domestic and import competition and other challenges for over a century.  We appreciate each person who chooses to allow Hickory Chair to make an heirloom quality piece for your home or business.  You can help us create future chapters in our history by entrusting pieces to be made for your home by our artisans and craftsmen.  Visit our website to find a recommended retailer near you or a to the trade showroom.  With your support we can begin a fresh new year in 2013 with the ability to put more talented artisans and craftsmen to work making special pieces like the ones shown below...

One At A Time

Every day Hickory's 'Made To Order Made To Last' tag line is proven as designers and sales associates challenge our workroom with one of a kind pieces.  Every day drawings and sketches arrive with wishes of how existing pieces could be transformed for their clients.  Every day we try to make the majority of these wishes come true. We would like to share some recent pieces with you that are on display in our High Point Showoom!

Shown in this image is the 1271-55 Townsend Wing Chair from the rear and facing it is a special construction where we stretched it to an overall 77 inches wide and then hand-tufted the back, seat, arms and wings.  This custom settee proves our ability to create an entirely new style by modifying an existing item.

Custom 1271-55 Townsend Wing Chair as a Settee

1271-55 Townsend Wing Chair

We needed a large square glass top cocktail table for the setting below but did not have the right style or size. We selected the Hutton M2M 20-inch Cocktail Table but make it 19-inches high, added a Starfire 1/2" thick glass top, finisedh it in Dark Walnut and apply the Antique Brass collars to the posts.  This custom Hutton table looks very different from the standard construction of a wood panel top.

Custom 176-51 Hutton M2M Cocktail Table with Glass Top

176-51 Hutton M2M Cocktail Table with Wood Top

The Carved Bed from the French Collection has a wood headboard.  We made it for the showroom with an upholstered headboard with nail head trim and painted it in Artisan Birch. 

9621-70 Carved Bed with Upholstered Headboard with Nail Head Trim

9621-00 Carved Bed in Antique French finish

These are but a few of the special pieces made to order by our talented craftsmen in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom.  We are honored to be trusted to make custom pieces and challenged to learn new ideas and skills. Why settle for standard when you can have it made?

 

Happenings at 'The Chair'

This fall at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina, Hickory Chair introduces our new VP/Creative Director, Skip Rumley and his fresh presentation of Hickory Chair furniture.  His fresh outlook has brought an easy elegance in our 25,000 square foot showroom.  Divided into luxury apartments and suites, each area is distinctive with fresh new fabrics, special constructions and thoughtfully choreographed rooms.  Our Hickory, North Carolina workroom has the ability to make nearly 90% of our entire product offering in just a few weeks from order.  Skip has worked alongside to create special pieces never imagined before.  Adding to the excitement is that all four of our licensees, Alexa Hampton, Suzanne Kasler, Mariette Himes Gomez and Thomas O'Brien have new pieces for their respective collections this fall.  We, and they, are honored that Architectural DIgest named each of them as a Top 100 Interior Designer this year!

In addition to new furniture this season, we have dynamic new fabrics, leather and trim that reflect beautiful pattern, color and texture.  Continuing our licensing program with Hable Construction, we have added 11 new prints and wovens to our collection this season!  Shown is a grouping of pieces upholstered in new Hable Construction fabrics that are exclusive to Hickory Chair. The Muse Cabinet and a Madigan Bar Stool are shown the new print Marble in the Skinny Dip colorway, a screen in Pom Pom in the Sapphire colorway, the Edward Chair in Peony and the Inman Ottoman in the new Coal colorway of Costume.

Alexa Hampton has created the beautiful Alice Secretary along with a distinctive grouping of chairs named Rachel and Gregory and the new Tatum Side Table.

  

Mariette Himes Gomez owns a vintage sofa made by the legendary Syrie Maugham.  Working with the craftsmen in the Hickory workroom we introduce the luxurious adaptation we have named the Syrie Maugham Sofa. From feedback at market we have created the most comfortable sofa ever in the Hickory Chair line.

 
Suzanne Kasler has many new introductions this season.  Included in this grouping is the Arden Dining Table.  Crafted in ash solids and veneers, this 8-legged table is perfect as a dining or center table.  The top and base are interchangeable with many other tops and bases allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind table as well.

From Thomas O'Brien is a new sofa, love seat and sectional named Pablo, a grouping of small occasional tables, a settee, chairs and a distinctive bed named Stanford. This distinctive bed is made from mahogany solids with fine kingwood veneers.  It has a button-tufted upholstered headboard.  A series of elegant fluted posts that wrap around the footboard.

These exciting new pieces being introduced is season are available through your designer or local Hickory Chair dealer.  Visit hickorychair.com to see all pieces our Hickory Chair family of collections.

Ken Gemes Interiors - Bronxville, NY

Ken Gemes is the owner of Ken Gemes Interiors in Bronxville, NY.  He is a talented interior designer that we have had the pleasure of working with for many projects.  He attended HCC University earlier this year where he met the nearly 550 artisans and craftsmen that make our wood and upholstered pieces to order.  He recently asked the help of Hickory Chair's craftsmen to create a custom sectional for a client in our workroom.  The client had enlisted Ken to create a special place for their children.  We asked him to share his experience with all of us.  

"I was having trouble finding a very tailored sectional, with small arms to make room for more seating capacity – so when I saw the slender arm of the Leigh (Leigh Sectional by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair), I thought it was the perfect candidate for a sectional.  My clients were building a pool house on the water in Westhampton Beach.  They are an active family with three children, ages 3, 5 & 7, so they wanted a fun room where the kids could hang out, eat lunch and crash on the sofa in front of a movie or a game. The pool house could be no larger than 800 square feet in order to meet code, and we were trying to accommodate a powder room, with an exterior shower, a laundry room, small kitchen and a hang out room with a bar and a large flat screen TV.  We did a small peninsula with bar stools to break the Kitchen from the Family Room. 
We wanted the sectional to butt up against the back of the peninsula and sit just below the stone top which was 35” from the floor.  By squaring up the back of the sectional, still leaving a slight pitch for comfort and having the hard back hit just below the stone countertop, we managed to get optimum seating without crowding our multi-functional hang out
room.  The Jim Thompson “Funny Fish” print provided the color direction – inspired with colors from the sea.  The great mix of aqua’s, ocean blues and navy worked perfectly with our black countertops, white cabinetry and “Wenge” ceramic floor  tile which gives the appearance of hard wood.  
The clients wanted a sofa the kids could live on, so by using an outdoor Sunbrella fabric in navy, no one was worried about a wet suit or a spilled drink.  The client was so in love with the “Funny Fish” and since it ended up being only one pillow on the sofa, I framed two panels of it, to brighten up
the interior and save on the “art budget”. 

To help Ken achieve his objective, our craftsmen took Ken's instructions, measurements and wishes to create this sectional.  Special construction modifications were made to insure that the custom sized sectional would perfectly fit the space.  The Alex M2M Cocktail Ottoman from the Alexa Hampton Collection was scaled for the room.  Ken chose a Hickory Chair fabric named Pom Pom Sapphire an exclusive from the Hable Construction collection. Each of these pieces were Made 2 Measure (M2M^TM) in our Hickory, NC workroom.  Our craftsmen were proud to create these pieces for for Ken and his client.  For over 100 years we have been trusted to make special pieces for families.  With your support we can continue this tradition for generations of families to come. 

Made to Order. Made to Last. Made over 100 years.

Denise McGaha Interior Design - Dallas, Texas

Denise McGaha is a talented designer that we have had the opportunity to work with over the past few years.  She attended HCC University and ever since she has not only embraced our products at Hickory Chair, but she has challenged our workroom to make custom pieces for her projects. 

Last year she was presented the opportunity to design the Texas State Fair House of Tomorrow with the builder, Regenesis Design Build.  The challenge was that she only had 16 days to design and install the project.  To do this she had to quickly decide on the aesthetic and turn to the sources she knew could create products for her in this short lead time.  We were thrilled that she trusted Hickory Chair to create one-of-a-kind wood and upholstered pieces for this showhouse.  She was selected to design the kitchen and the living room for the October 2011 House of Tomorrow showhouse.

The living room shown below is a great example of Denise's creativity and ability to challenge our workroom!  As she began to choose pieces for this beautiful room she had to not only choose pieces perfect for the aesthetic, but also the right scale for the room.  Fortunately Hickory Chair was ready to respond with the right pieces, made to the right size and in the right amount of time! She could have it made just in time!

In the foreground is the Boyd Sofa was selected in a soft gray fabric and was trimmed with chrome nail head trim.  The Hutton Console Table, Milo Cocktail Table and 9th Street Ottoman were all made to fit the room.  Denise specified the width and length along with the height of the tables and each were made to order.  Nestled under the console is a Right Side Facing Studio Bookcase from the Thomas O'Brien Collection.  In the background are a pair of Delaware Host Chairs that were upholstered in an exclusive fabric designed by Texan, Susan Hable Smith for Hable Construction.  Also shown is a set of four Eva Side Chairs from the Alexa Hampton Collection surrounding an octagonal Center Hall Table from the Mariette Himes Gomez collecation. 

In this detail shot showing the built in desk and the set of four Eva Side Chairs from the Alexa Hampton Collection surrounding an octagonal Center Hall Table from the Mariette Himes Gomez collection.  Denise chose the Chippy White paint for the table and chairs and a linen fabric.  The creamy Chippy White paint softens the architectural form of the table and chairs. 

Denise selected Hable Construction throw pillows to add a visual punch to the neutral gray sofa. She chose their 'Checker' polka dot and a bright orange and white print throw pillow. 

In one of the Delaware Host Chairs that were upholstered in an exclusive fabric 3805-14 designed by Texan, Susan Hable Smith for Hable Construction, Denise has draped a bright orange cable knit throw and another Hable Construction polka dot throw pillow.  This punch of orange is also repeated in a pair of vases that flank the portrait above the fireplace, as beads in a bowl on the console and in the floral arrangement that was placed on the Milo M2M Cocktail Table.

While this beautiful interior was set up for the showhouse, Denise used the same smart planning she would for her clients.  The punch of orange brought fashion and life to a very neutral room.  Denise used accessories for all the happy color.  Next season if orange was out and red was the hot color of the season (which it is by the way), it would be easy and inexpensive to update this interior by changing out the vases, throw pillows and an afghan.  We do this with our wardrobe... a new skirt, boots, scarf or jacket can make your closet fashion forward again.  Why not do this with your home?

We would like to thank Denise for the opportunity to make these pieces in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom.  Our talented group of 550 talented artists and craftsmen were excited to make these special pieces to order.  Why settle for standard when you can have it made?

 

Sweet Peas Design - Libertyville, IL

Nothing seems more exciting than receiving an email from a friend.  Recently an email came from our friends at Sweet Peas Design in Libertyville, IL.  The owner, Susan Brunstrum, attended HCC University along with one of her associates.  They shared this very special installation using many Hickory Chair pieces in this email.  We hope that you will be as inspired as we when you read her story and see the creativity in these inspirational roomscenes below!

Interior designer Susan Brunstrum drastically downsized last year from a 7,500-square-foot home to a charming 1927 bungalow located in the coveted Heritage area of Libertyville, an older section of this upscale North suburb of Chicago.

The Craftsman-like home, where she and her two college-age children live, weighs in at a mere 2,000 square feet: intimate, but not cramped. It is located near the all-American downtown and commuter train station, two attractive perks.

With respect for the area’s history, Brunstrum preserved the bones and footprint of this vintage cottage, including the hardwood floors, which she refinished, arched doorways and textured ceilings, but she gave it a contemporary makeover that’s refined  and a little glam. The neutral color palette and uncomplicated design are what she craves after long days working with color and patterns for clients.

She turned to Hickory Chair for furnishings that would help interpret the tailored, sophisticated style she calls “rough luxe.” The firm is an old friend that she often relies on to create custom looks for her clients, but this time it was her turn.

The result is a casually elegant mix of masculine and feminine elements that’s a bit like “GQ Guy Meets Cosmo Girl,” and she found more than 20 pieces from Hickory Chair to make that look work.

Here are the results:

KITCHEN:

It all started in the kitchen. The handsome grey kitchen cabinets and the quartzite countertops inspired the neutral color palette for the whole house. Susan fell for the soothing quality of this men’s suiting hue and its versatility with many other colors. On either side of the Milo Made 2 Measure dining table in the breakfast nook is a pair of Bistro Banquettes in Vacona Downy Gray. The Dara side chairs have a dark walnut finish with antique rub silver striping and elephant colored fabric.

 

DEN:

This is where Susan put some whimsy and a lot of texture to work while creating the illusion of more space. A standard sofa would have consumed most of the room, so she chose two Leigh Low Arm Chaises in espresso,  embellished with a flange welt and butterfly corners, and separated by an Andrew Side Table in Weathered Stone.   The open Sullivan Bookcase Rack lets the eye roam through the shelving to Susan’s signature burlap fabric wall treatment, hand-fringed and applied horizontally, producing long sight lines. Exotic pillows, aqua glass vases and a custom zebra rug complete the picture.

 

DINING ROOM:

Through the kitchen and just past the butler’s pantry is the formal dining room where Susan designed the area rug so the floral motif sits at the corners, skirting the silver leaf, Sutherland Table Pedestal and dark walnut Sloan Table Top. The Bridgewater Chest adds warm, walnut contrast and there’s a clear-cut feminine/masculine contrast in the glass bead Zia Privin chandelier, Barbara Barry narrow glass ront armoires and Christopher Guy chain link mirror.

 

 

LIVING ROOM:

Now that she doesn’t have to worry about peanut-butter hands, Susan dared to dress the living room in elegant ivory. She designed the square-in-square hide rug by Edelman that anchors the space and secured the pair of Curtis Sofas with espresso finish.   The antique ivory Taylor Chests provide extra storage for this cozy cottage while the mirror-backed Lorenzo Cabinet displays hand-picked treasures.  The fireplace is a clever bit of designer detail – Susan had it painted to look like the flagstone she installed on the front walk. A snakeskin parsons table by Edelman, two mohair ottomans made by Nelson Paiz and another Priven chandelier fill out the room.

 

MASTER BEDROOM

Susan tells us this is her refuge. The quaint angles of the ceiling create a quiet niche for a comfy bed made up with an Ann Gish French knot cover. Flanking the leather Christopher Guy headboard is a pair of Lancaster Side Tables in contrasting Rustic Silver and Sable. Kravet fabric covers the ottomans and the Reagan Hayes chair, and for a girlie-girl finish, there’s a McLaughlin acrylic perching chair with long-haired goat seat and Barbara Barry desk. 

 

LOWER LEVEL

This lower level is a “man cave” that women love too.  Who wouldn’t want to stretch out on this flannel, Silhouettes Seating sectional.  Susan designed the Thomas McNeil cabinetry and the pear-green leather ottoman made by Nelson Paiz. The Eliza Chair with large nail heads and flat tape trim provides an extra seat, while the glass Evan Lewis tables collect  iPads, laptops and drinks.

One last note: Even though Susan downsized by 75 percent, she didn’t sacrifice anything in quality of materials or workmanship. Smaller can still be luxurious.

Thank you to Susan for sharing this great story today!  Do you have a story to share?  Send your story and pictures to press@hickorychair.com and we will be in touch!

Why Settle For Standard?

Every day designers envision how to transform their client's rooms into very personal and comfortable creations.  From endless sources designers can select furniture, fabrics, leather, paint, rugs, accessories, light fixtures and other components from all over the world for pieces.  We are honored at Hickory Chair that so many designers turn to our artisans and craftsmen for not only for heirloom quality pieces but also pieces made custom for their clients. With nearly 90% of our diverse products made in America in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom we can say Yes to many special construction requests for both wood and upholstered pieces.  We thought mght you might enjoy seeing some of these one-of-a-kind pieces made by hand in our workroom:

 Custom 9772-70 Murano Chest 

Made as a double dresser finished in Silver Leaf with a wood top finished in Rustic Silver paint.

122 9th Street Sofas custom made as sectionals for this Media Room

A custom oval top for the Hudson Table

A Mark Hampton 5210-70 Regency Writing Table made smaller as a Hall Console

123-51 Kent M2M Sofa made as a 2-piece sectional

Custom Marielle Bookcases as a Wall Unit

Why settle for standard when you can have it made in just a few weeks from order?

KOTY - House Beautiful's 2012 Kitchen of the Year

During the week of July 16th, House Beautiful sponsored the KOTY "Kitchen Of The Year" in New York City.  Hickory Chair was honored to be a sponsor for its second consecutive year.  Held on the patio of Rockefeller Center, this amazing kitchen is constructed for a week of special events from interviews by NBC's own Al Roker to cooking demonstrations by some of New York's finest chefs.  Parties and product demonstrations filled the week as well.

Image courtesy of Kravet

Mick de Guilio was this year's KOTY designer. The project included both an indoor and an outdoor kitches.  He created this very inspirational indoor kitchen with great room by combining a fresh palette including white, washed/scrubbed finishes and rich fabrics and leather in gray tones.  Hickory Chair's 5750-07 Madigan Backless Counter Stools were selected to use at the bar.  They were finished in Kohl stain, upholstered in a deep gray leather, 220 Manhattan Pewter, trimmed in NS-03 Chrome nail head trim and an Antique Nickel stretcher guard finished the look.  The Madigan Backless Counter Stool is part of a complete series of dining chairs, bar and counter stools with or without backs and arms. 

In addition to the Madigan Backless Counter Stools, our new 9591-40 17th C. Italian Console was selected in the great room area.  Made from solid Ash wood, Mick selected our Scrubbed Ash finish which opened the grain and allowed for a pumice colored wax to hang up in the grain.  While he selected the standard size, we also make it M2M (Made to Measure) from 26 to 84 inches in length to order, with or without large size nail head trim and in over 70 stain and painted finishes. 

As the KOTY is now over and the plaza has been cleared, these special Hickory Chair pieces can be found at our Hickory Chair showroom located at the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, space 102.  Maybe they would be the perfect solution for your home!  Enjoy these additional images from the 2012 House Beautiful Kitchen Of The Year event!