With the launch of the Thomas O'Brien Collection in 1999, Hickory Chair found realized that it had begun a new journey into the modern world of design. We found that we had customers who loved our classic pieces and a new group who were attracted to the modern looks from Thomas O'Brien. We realized that we needed a 'bridge' between the collections. As we thought about this opportunity we were inspired by the very talented Mariette Himes Gomez. She specialized in spacious interiors that she carefully selected decorative pieces made from various materials - metal, glass, stone, wood, acrylic, etc. She typically selected white and cream with walnut toned finishes. We felt that her 'style' was transitional. We felt it could be the bridge we wanted to create between our classic and modern offerings. She is considered to be Dean of Design (Elle Decor 2004) and a top 100 interior designer (Architectural Digest.) She is the author of three books through Harper Collins, Rooms, Houses and Apartments. Her design office and retail boutique, The Shop, are located at 504-506 East 74th Street in New York City.
Our next step was to contact Mariette and to our pleasure she was very interested in pursuing a furniture collection by Hickory Chair. Introduced in April 2002, Mariette's collection was instantly recognized as the perfect product for the time. In the years since, we have continued to add special pieces that has kept her diverse collection fresh and relevant. Shown in this room scene is the New Yorker Dining Table. It has a brushed alumnium base and is standard with a 60-inch round top made from Ash Burl veneers. It is shown in a clear lacquer finish without any stain. Also shown is the Southfield Side Chair and the Bistro Banquette. The Bistro Banquette is made to measureTM in lengths from 28 to 120 inches. Her extensive collection by Hickory Chair includes upholstery, dining room, bedroom and living room pieces.
how fortuitous - I was just thinking of Mariette! I had the pleasure of meeting her at High Point this year. She's just magical. Her "center stage" settee is a thing of beauty. I'm still scheming how and when to add one to my home. The thing about the designers Hickory Chair works with is their intelligence. These are extremely well informed designers with a deep, true love of history and design. They aren't just creating pretty pieces... they are designing future heirlooms and treasured furnishings with deep historical references. And yet, they are thoroughly modern!
Standing in the Hickory Chair showroom is a real experience. It stirs me to become a better designer, a more informed consumer and a more passionate professional. That's the power of quality design!
Posted by: franki durbin | November 28, 2010 at 05:29 PM