Made By Hickory Chair

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!

Traditional Modern by Thomas O'Brien

Is the new Veneto Hall Chair by Thomas O'Brien traditional or modern?  One might argue that it is both. This striking design combines an unlikely pair of modern and ancient inspirations. The narrow, exaggerated high-back seat is based on the form of 1960s-era hall chairs that O’Brien has long wanted to add to his Hickory Chair collection. The legs were drawn from a much-admired image of a bronze Roman tripod table with classical paw feet. The feet are carved in intricate detail, adding to the opulent proportion and exotic historical drama of the chair.

 

The fabric, 3414-88,  was introduced at the spring market.  It is a beautiful velvet stripe in chocolate tones.  The pile is chocolate and the base cloth is a golden tone with a herringbone design.  The finish over the hand carved mahogany is Dark Walnut.  The nail head trim is NS-08 Old Antique.  The mix of finish, fabric, nail over this newly created timeless form has created a modern classic!

Durning the market Thomas spoke to us at Hickory Chair about how he plans a room or a piece that he is designing for one of his licensees.  He likes contrasts and suggested that "I likes mixing tall pieces (like the Veneto Chair) with short pieces, formal and casual, masculine and feminine, light and dark, modern and traditional - these contrasts create balance.  These contrasts make it feel fresh and new.  These contrasts keep it modern over time as trendy things go in and out of style."  

I think the room scene below illustrates this idea perfectly!  Want to learn more from Thomas?  His new book American Modern is a beautiful book filled with Thomas' thoughts on design, collecting and creating modern traditional spaces that are beautiful, personal, livable and timeless.

 
   

No Doubting Thomas Here!

Today Hickory Chair officially launched the 10th anniversary of the Thomas O'Brien Collection with an dynamic introduction of classic modern forms.  The collection is complete with bedroom, dining room and living room pieces that are inspired by his passion for collecting timeless forms from different eras and then mixing them in unexpected ways creating modern interiors. 

These distinctive pieces feature fine details such as hand applied nail head trim, fine book-matched walnut and mahogany veneers, custom hardware and fine hand carving.  In this room scene, the Warner Lounge Chair is shown that is a reproduction of a 1755 George II sleeping chair, the Atheneum Sofa with its upholstered leg that rests upon an antique brass ferrule, the stately Sheffield Sideboard with the Keaton Mirror with its scored clear mirror, the Sebastian Side Chair with its very tall back, the graceful Inama Tray Table in its soft beige painted finish, and the Classico Cocktail Table with its faux shagreen top, bookmatched walnut veneered base that rests upon antique brass ferrules.  The unique forms complement each other creating comfort and luxury.

We are very proud that almost every piece from the new collection was made by the talented craftsmen in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom.  It is because of these dedicated craftsmen that Thomas entrusts his creations to Hickory Chair.  He does not doubt the passion and ability to execute these finely made pieces.  Their quality of construction will allow them to become tomorrow's antiques. 

We wish you could be here with us to see this beautiful and distinctive new collection!

A Sneak Preview...

 

For those of you who attend the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina next week, we think we have an amazing treat for you!  Our showroom is being installed over the next week.  In addition to the pieces we show from each of our collections, we are premiering the introduction of The Library Collection by Thomas O'Brien in celebration of the 10th anniversary of this landmark collection by Hickory Chair. 

This new collection grew out of O’Brien’s personal collecting and designing for a new studio-library that he is building in the garden of his Long Island house. The furniture that he has been gathering for this space led to ideas for a type of ‘curated’ group for Hickory Chair – the kind of things one might bring home from wonderful travels, or uncover in favorite small antique shops. The setting of a personal library becomes symbolic, for in this type of space, furniture can be at its best: comfortable and deeply loungeful, formal enough to receive special guests, generous with places to display treasures, relaxed yet elegant and worldly. And, such furniture pieces are often equal to the surrounding artifacts – they are collected objects themselves.

 

 

 

 

Thomas O'Brien Featured In The NY Times

   
As I was searching the web this morning I ran across this feature about Thomas O'Brien that had been featured in the New York Times.  In this biography it shares how he began Aero Studios, his licensing programs with Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort, Safavieh Rugs, Reed & Barton, Target and others.  There are links to each of his licensed collections listed.  My favorite part is the very personal statement at the very end where he is quoted "...Mr. O’Brien described his role as akin to that of an art advisor. “Whether it’s antiques or art,” he said, “I’m helping somebody build a collection – and a life.”

Last night the first book signing was held at Aero Studios for American Modern by Thomas O'Brien.  This beautiful new book published by Abrams is filled with not only pictures of Thomas O'Brien's favorite rooms from his homes and clients, but also with the thought process and stories behind the pieces and why they are special. Visit your local bookstore, Aero Studios, Abrams or search online to acquire your own copy of American Modern by Thomas O'Brien. 

Hickory Chair is introducing a very large new collection by Thomas O'Brien at the Spring International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina next month.  These amazing new pieces have a heritage of being reproduced or inspired by timeless, classic pieces that have withstood the test of time.  Thomas has perfected each piece to every detail from the crispness of carving, the proportion and scale to the jewerly-like custom hardware.  Next week we will work together to install these beautiful new pieces in our showroom in High Point.  In the weeks to come we will share photography of the pieces.  This summer you will be able to visit key furniture stores, boutique stores and trade showrooms to see the pieces in person. 

Interested in learning more? I found a wonderful blog today about Thomas O'Brien named Everything LEB entitled Changes Over Time.  I think you will enjoy it too!

A New Chapter For Hickory Chair

For those of you who attend the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC, we invite you to attend one of our special events this market! 

Our first event will be held on Friday, April 16th from 3-5 pm.  We will hold a book signing for Thomas O'Brien's new book American Modern.  The second event will be held on Saturday, April 17th from 3-5 pm.  We have the honor of holding four book signings!  The four authors will be in our Hickory Chair Showroom most of the day to meet our dealers, designers, members of the press and then from 3-5 pm, will sign books.  Who are the authors?

Duane Hampton is the author of Mark Hampton: An American Decorator.  She is the widow of the late Mark Hampton and the mother of both Alexa Hampton Papageorgiou and Kate Hampton.  Her new book, published by Rizzoli, documents the lifework of Mark Hampton.  It is a celebration of the career of the late interior designer Mark Hampton (1940–1998), whom the New York Times called "an icon of American Style." Rich with original materials including Hampton’s watercolors, sketches, and notebooks, as well as hundreds of images of Hampton’s important commissions, and impeccably researched and intimately written by his widow, Duane Hampton, this will be a visual feast for everyone interested in interiors as well as an important addition to the history of interior design.  In addition, she is the author of The Art of Friendship, a compilation of Mark Hampton’s watercolors.  The Mark Hampton Collection has been continuously made since its launch in 1988.  

 
Mariette Himes Gomez is the author of the newly released book, Apartments.  This is the third in a series published by Harper Collins that began with Rooms, was followed by Houses and now finally Apartments.  These beautiful books reflect the beautifully appointed rooms, houses and apartments that Mariette has created for her clients.  A book case is also being made available to house the complete works.  The Mariette Himes Gomez Collection for Hickory Chair was introduced in 2002.  

 

Thomas O'Brien is the author of American Modern by Abrams.  This is the first book by Thomas O'Brien.  Abrams quotes "Important design principles such as architectural authenticity, color relationships, correctness of scale, and informed collecting are threaded through a practical narrative that reads like a master class in interior design. American Modern is an inspiring design volume that will redefine the way readers think about modern interiors."  
The first book signing for this beautiful book is being held today in New York.  We are proud to introduce his new furniture collection and host two book signings.  The Thomas O'Brien Collection by Hickory Chair was introduced in 1999.

Suzanne Kasler is the author of Inspired Interiors.  This beautiful book by Rizzoli was released in 2009 and is on its third printing.   
Hickory Chair held a book-signing during the October 2009 market and is proud to make this book available once more.  The Suzanne Kasler Collection by Hickory Chair was introduced in 2008.

Not coming to market?  These books are available through your local bookstore, online or from the publisher.

 

 

 

 

Spending A Day With Thomas O'Brien

We had the great pleasure of spending the day with Thomas O'Brien!  He traveled to Hickory Chair to debut his new collection with our sales organization.  We are celebrating the 10th year anniversary of the Thomas O'Brien Collection.  For those of you who have had the opportunity to meet Thomas, you know that he is brilliant talent who is warm and personable.  He is passionate about design, quality, form and fashion.  He has a gift for mixing traditional and modern pieces together to create timeless rooms. 

The new Library Collection is both traditional and modern.  It is mixable not only with the existing Thomas O'Brien collection pieces that have evolved over the past 10 years, but also with pieces and collections in the complete Hickory Chair assortment.

In addition to the new collection by Hickory Chair, Abrams has just released American Modern by Thomas O'Brien.  This first book by Thomas is beautifully written and illustrated with beautiful rooms, collections and favorite pieces.  Abrams states the following about the book"

"About the book

Designer and merchant, collector and tastemaker, Thomas O’Brien has made a career of translating cool notions of modernism into an easy and generous array of modern styles that anyone can attain. Now he introduces readers to a range of those styles—from casual to formal, vintage to urban—alongside stunning photography and charming design stories.

O’Brien carefully describes the design process of his chosen projects, including a downtown New York City loft, a traditional Connecticut estate, and a converted schoolhouse in eastern Long Island. Each home explores a view on the modern design spectrum he has created, as well as the individual choices that make the design unique and its mix essentially American. He explains not only what was at work to create a given style, but how readers can import those practices to their own homes and personal design sensibilities. Important design principles such as architectural authenticity, color relationships, correctness of scale, and informed collecting are threaded through a practical narrative that reads like a master class in interior design.

American Modern is an inspiring design volume that will redefine the way readers think about modern interiors."

Abrams also features this biography about Thomas: 

"About the author

Thomas O’Brien is an interior and home furnishings designer based in New York City. He is the founder and President of Aero Studios, one of America’s most respected design firms, and the proprietor of AERO, the influential home boutique which is located within that studio setting. O’Brien is widely recognized for his collection of Thomas O’Brien Vintage Modern products for Target, and for his own brand of newly classic home furnishings in partnership with great American companies such as Reed & Barton and Hickory Chair. He lives in Manhattan and Bellport, Long Island."

 

Hickory Chair will hold two book signings in April.  The first will be held from 3-5 pm on Friday, April 16 and the second on Saturday, April 17.  They will be held in the Hickory Chair Showroom (open to the trade only) during the upcoming furniture market.

 

Hickory Chair will debut this dynamic new collection and the book signings at the upcoming April 2010 International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina.  The collection will be available in stores in mid-summer.  The new collection is complete with bedroom, dining room and living room groupings.

For more information contact press@hickorychair.com.

Apartments by Mariette Himes Gomez

Our friend and licensing partner, Mariette Himes Gomez, has just released the third book of her career!  Apartments has joined sister books, Rooms and Houses as a set of inspirational guides to 21st century interior design.  As their titles suggest, each book focuses on projects that Mariette has been commissioned to create with her devoted clients.  Each book shares her design philosophy in both the written word and in beautiful photography.  Harper Collins is the publisher of the series.   

Since 2002, Hickory Chair has had the great pleasure of hand making the Mariette Himes Gomez Collection.  Each piece was thoughtfully inspired by pieces in Mariette or her client's homes and all have references in antique or vintage forms that she has collected.  As a great shopper, she has an eye for intruiging shapes and textures.  Her considers her collection as the bridge between the modern furniture by Thomas O'Brien and the more classic pieces Hickory Chair has been known for since 1911. 

Hickory Chair will sponsor a book signing in its trade showroom in High Point, North Carolina during the International Home Furnishings Market on Saturday, April 17th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. 

 

Suzanne Kasler & Hickory Chair In The News!

Ellen Gefen of Industry Update and thehome.com visited the Hickory Chair Showroom during the Spring market. She is a great supporter of Hickory Chair and we can always count on her to come see our color and style trends.

She recently shared on thehome.com a story about using color and accessories to create a fresh new look. She interviewed Suzanne Kasler in the Hickory Chair showroom during the Fall 2008 market. The message is as relevant today as it was when she captured this beautiful room inspired by a trip to Africa by Suzanne and her family. Most pieces were upholstered in natural linen or neutral prints but with a punch of yellow linen and an ethnic woven on the armless chairs, her African accessories created a dynamic room!

Enjoy the full interview by clicking on the link:

http://thehome.com/2009/05/01/suzanne-kasler-use-interchangable-accent-pieces-for-an-easy-new-look

A Wonderful Reunion of HCC University Alumni

One of my favorite things about the High Point Market each spring and fall is the reunion with our HCC University Alumni! I can not even count how many HCC University Alumni that came to the showroom over the past week. It was wonderful to catch up and share stories.

I was thinking about all of the HCC University wishes that came true this market and as I realized how many had come true, I thought you would enjoy reviewing the list!

• I wish you made some modern swivel chairs, low profile swivel chairs and swivel chairs without skirts. We have developed with our supplier a new mechanism which allows us to keep our custom engineered 8-way hand tied spring system and provide you 9 low profile swivel chairs!





• I wish you had a sleep sofa. Our Silhouettes Upholstery program has a queen size sleep sofa with an exclusive tri-fold mechanism and Air Dream mattress.
• I wish that you had more fully upholstered scale sofas with exposed legs. Our Silhouettes Upholstery program offers your choice of 17 exposed legs!
• I wish that you could change the arms on your sofas and chairs. Our Silhouettes Upholstery program includes 13 arm choices!
• I wish that you had more high back sofas. We offer an extended height option to Silhouettes Upholstery.
• I wish you had deeper sofas. Silhouettes Upholstery offers an extended depth option.
• I wish you had more chaises in your line. Silhouettes Upholstery offers a variety of armless, 2 arm or single arm chaises.
• I wish that you could change the back construction. There are 5 back choices in Silhouettes Upholstery.
• And we offer Made To Measure lengths on most of the pieces as well!

These and other wishes were granted at the Spring Market. We are in the process of posting all of the price lists and pictures on Homebase. Keep sharing your wishes. You know we listen and we will make them come true!