Fall HPMkt 2012: Part V
Posted on November 19, 2012 by mhorgan in Blogger Spotlight, Color Forecasting, Fashion and Design, Furniture Market, Trendy Tips
At Fall Market 2012, we continued to showcase what Drexel Heritage is known for: customization, high-end upholstery and finishes and the ability to take a personal and specialized spin on traditional and classic designs. Below, are some of examples of Drexel’s custom designs that our friends at Apartment Therapy recently shared on their blog. We hope these pieces featured will show you how a classic design can look completely new and will inspire you to be your own designer with Drexel Heritage!
Drexel Heritage’s Tweed Upholstered Wingback Chair
A handsome cut of menswear-inspired tweed upholstery, tailored for a wingback chair from Drexel Heritage.
Drexel Heritage’s Tie Dyed Wingback Chair
They’ve been designing and selling furniture since 1903, but that hasn’t stopped Drexel Heritage Furniture from taking playful risks, like this colorful tie dyed upholstery wingback chair.
Maxwell spots a color trend (fuschia!), and in the process snapped several of our editorial staff (Janel, Jason, and Chris) taking the tour at the Drexel Heritage showroom.
Fall #HPMkt 2012: Part IV
Posted on November 9, 2012 by mhorgan in Blogger Spotlight, Fashion and Design, Furniture Market, Trendy Tips
In part four of our Fall Market blogger coverage, we share the insights of the fabulous Fanki Durbin, designer and author of the blog Life in a Venti Cup. Below, we have shared her thoughts and reactions from her visit to the Drexel Heritage showroom. Enjoy!
High Point Market: Design by Drexel Heritage
Trending at Market: hair on hide. It was everywhere. This chair was one of the best examples I’ve seen of the trend. Love the placement of such organic elements around such a finely crafted French style chair.
Another element seen repeatedly at Market: the quatrefoil. Rarely, however, is an entire piece of furniture formed in this classic shape. I loved this versatile occasional piece. Bedside chest, end table, accent table… you name it, this piece could fill that role. A really beautiful element in any room.
A stunning sofa rests in the bqckground with fabulous cream frame and blue trellis bench seat. Of course the styling in the showroom, as seen on the cocktail table in the foreground, is so good you simply have to stop and admire the grouping.
Always the best part of any showroom visit: the resource room! Drexel realy turns it out when it comes to fabric samples. I’d love to have my own fabric swatch inventory arranged this way in my home office. Isn’t this delicious?
And of course, a French sofa with an incredible silhouette and a Gustavian Gray finish. I do have a weakness for these linen covered pieces with European stylng. A truly beautiful upholstered piece. And isn’t that rug yummy?
Zebra, anyone? This particular fabric has an ombre effect to it, with the stripes having more intensity of color in the center and fading out slightly at the edges. Note how it was placed on this classic chair finished in silver leaf. Serious pop of drama.
One of the showroom tours I was most looking forward to at Market was Drexel Heritage. I’ve had a soft spot for in my designer heart for years for this brand. I love the sheer variety of the showroom and it’s artisan appeal. But much of this stems from my appreciation of the talent of their creative director Denise Alala. She is one half of the creative team behind this luxurious furniture brand and never ceases to amaze me with her ability to evolve and surprise when it comes to new introductions for High Point Market.
Drexel Heritage doesn’t have a “look” or a style. Their collections run the gamut between classic European pieces (like bergeres and French settees) and on-trend designs that clearly derive influences from runway fashion and modern culture (as is the case with the zebra & silver leaf chair above). It’s this delicious visual melange that keeps your eyes from ever tiring during a showroom tour. Beyond every corner is a vignette in a completely different look that the one you just passed through.
The unifying quality, of course, is the “collected” look that Drexel does so well. Each piece is offered in a seemingly endless array of finishes. Have that iron bed painted chippy antique white or do it up in rich red. The choice is yours and the showroom reflects this attention to personalization. Their upholstery selection knows no bounds either. From shimmering wovens to vibrant prints, the beauty of their textiles is always a treat for the eyes.
Beyond what they offer, the mood at Drexel is always quite sexy. Lights are dimmed just so. Vignettes are styled so richly that you want to move right in. It’s such a lush space that you want to occupy not just the space but the lifestyle that the styling implies. Design books are scattered about, fresh flowers are scattered about in vases, art supplies are gathered here and there. This is what good showroom styling is all about. Drexel is selling an artisan lifestyle and I love it.
While I was there I was able to spend time with longtime online (and now real) friend Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence Blog, Ronda Rice Carman of All the Best Blog(a VERY longtime online friend whom I’ve finally had the pleasure to meet & spend time with) as well as the always lovely Meg BIram of Mimi and Meg. This was a fantastic group of girls to be on tour with and it was so nice to finaly get that offline time with “my girls” – especially in a stylish environment like the Drexel space.
Thank you, Denise for the tour and for your time. And thank you, Lisa Hanly ofFurniture Brands for inviting me to come play at Drexel!
If you have a Drexel Heritage showroom in your city, please go visit. The variety of styles and personalization choices will astonish you. Each piece truly is crafted to your specificiations. Stay tuned in the next few weeks to my twitter & facebook feeds, as I’ll be posting even more snaps from my tour. Many lovely photos to share with you.
Fall #HPMkt 2012: Part III
Posted on November 2, 2012 by mhorgan in Blogger Spotlight, Fashion and Design, Furniture Market, Trendy Tips
As we have discussed in our past couple of posts, meeting with the fabulous design bloggers is one of our favorite parts about High Point Market! We have shared market coverage from our friends at All the Best and Apartment Therapy, and this week, we wanted to share a recent post from the blog Quintessence. Enjoy!
High Point Picks | Drexel Heritage Delivers
Drexel Heritage wants you to tell your story at home your way. And to help, they focus on offering customization options at every level. As my sponsor at High Point, Drexel hosted me and several other bloggers for a morning at their showroom. We were delighted to have the very knowledgeable Denise Alala, Vice President of Upholstery lead part of our tour. She explained how this season Drexel introduced many new fabrics to their stable of over 800 selections. From graphic blues
to animal patterns, bold prints, textured smalls
and colorful leathers,
there is a wide variety to choose from. They also added more smaller scaled, apartment friendly frames to their Options program, where customers can mix and match arm style, seat and back options, skirt and trim styles as well as wood finishes. And the woods, all executed here in the states, are now available in more finishes and paint colors. I liked the new vintage alpine, for example, on this casual occasional chair
And see how different the same Indulgence Display cabinet looks in two custom colors. And because all the work is done right here in the States, even custom items take merely weeks to complete.
Denise’s talents also extend to styling, which lent a lived-in look throughout the enormous space
The Viage collection, “inspired by the idea of what you might find in a European artist’s studio,” was the new introduction at market. It features “layered moldings, intricate joinery, hand-accented veneer patterns, metal star details and simple turnings on posts, mixing elements from European antiques with modern components, like glass and metal,” such as one of my favorite pieces from the line, the Postcards Desk.
The Expedition Console and Mirror of Discovery are both updated classic and versatile pieces from the collection that could migrate from room to room.
Drexel’s case goods feature thoughtful details as can be seen in their Vintage Originals collection. I always appreciate handsome hardware and the drawer pulls on the Haberdashery Chest
and the Sazerac bar/secretary
are details that definitely make a difference. In wandering through the showroom, I thought I would share a few other picks that I think show the versatile and flexible nature of what Drexel Heritage offers. The Voussoir Pedestal Dining Table is a modern classic that could work not only as a dining table but also as an entry table in a larger home. The clean lines and metal du jour would mix with any number of complementary styles
From the Celladora collection, this case hall chest and Larkspur mirror are pieces perfectly suited for locations from the mountains to beach. And the new case goods options finishes extend to this collection so they could be reimagined in any number of collectible colors.
And lastly, several designer friends mentioned the upholstered console as a favorite and it is easy to see why. In a totally chic shape, this infinitely useful and stylish piece is available in a plethora of prints or solids to accent any decor.
With pretty piping and a fitted glass top, this console could work in literally any room of the house or apartment.
A huge thanks to Lisa Hanley, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Relations of parent company Furniture Brands for the generous sponsorship and welcoming hospitality. Drexel does deliver on so many levels!
Fall #HPMkt 2012: Part II
Posted on October 26, 2012 by mhorgan in Blogger Spotlight, Fashion and Design, Furniture Market, Trendy Tips
One of the reasons we love High Point Market so much is because we get to meet with all of our favorite design bloggers! Our friends at Apartment Therapy were kind enough to stop by our showroom and share some of their favorite new Drexel Heritage trends. From pops of pink to menswear inspired pieces to creative leather detailing, Apartment Therapy covered all of the new Drexel style stories on their blog, which we have shared with you below. Enjoy!
High Point Highlights: 5 Amped up Style Directions at Drexel Heritage
The Drexel showroom was one of our first stops at High Point and the whole team wanted in on the tour! In addition to our guide, Lisa, being absolutely 100% entertaining, there are plenty of good design ideas getting served up by the creative team behind this brand. Here are a few of the style stories that were apparent in their collections for this season:
Classic Menswear
Hot Pink Details
Global Patterns in Blue and White
Creative Leather Detailing
Vintage Inspired Plaids and Florals
Fall #HPMkt 2012
Posted on October 19, 2012 by mhorgan in Blogger Spotlight, Furniture Market
It happens twice a year and is one of the furniture industry’s biggest events – High Point Market. We had a great Fall Market this year and were fortunate enough to visit with some of our favorite design bloggers, like Ronda Carman from All the Best! Keep reading below for Ronda’s recent blog post about her first visit to the Drexel Heritage showroom at High Point Market!
Tomorrow I leave for High Point Market in North Carolina. It’s one of the biggest events in the industry and I have yet to attend (making this trip even more exciting). This past February I met the lovely Lisa Hanly, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Relations for Furniture Brands (including:Thomasville, Drexel Heritage, Maitland-Smith, Pearson, Henredon, Broyhill, Hickory, La Barge, Lane Furniture and Lane Venture), who kindly invited me to come and witness High Point for myself.
The theme for this market is ‘Fashion Focus’ and I am eager to see what’s in store–especially after Lisa sent me these fabulous sketches of Drexel Heritage’s new Viage Collection. In the same vein, I really want to see the two Thomasville tables (below) in person! I will try to post as best as I can while at market, but feel free to follow me on Instagram (AllTheBestBlog) from great photos or Twitter @allthebestblog
Additionally, Rizzoli is hosting it’s 2nd annual ‘Superstar Book Signing’ on Monday, Oct. 15, at 4pm in the Market Square Courtyard. Authors include Charlotte Moss, Henrietta Spencer-Churchill, Susanna Salk, Florence de Dampierre, and James Lowell Strickland. The first 75 attendees will receive an exclusive sneak-peek of my book Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living.
Drexel Heritage Viage Collection Panel Bed
Drexel Heritage Viage Collection Buffet
Drexel Heritage Viage Collection Pedestal Table
Drexel Heritage Viage Collection Linen Embroidered Headboard Post Bed
Drexel Heritage Viage Collection Leather Chair
Thomasville Furniture Banyon Bay Collection Nesting Table
Thomasville Furniture Banyon Bay Collection End Table
Blogger Spotlight: Meet Elaine
Posted on March 8, 2012 by jbutler in Blogger Spotlight
For more than 20 years, Elaine Williamson, principal of Elaine Williamson Designs, has been creating interiors that are elegant and comfortable. We were lucky enough to catch up with her this past week.
Elaine loved our upholstered bed-mirror combo at High Point Market last season!
How did you become interested in interior design?
Growing up in the Deep South and New Orleans, I could not seem to think of anything else. I can remember from a very early age loving the fabrics my mom had in our home, and I will never forget the day the “drapes” were hung in the formal living room. I swooned for hours! Moving to New Orleans only added to my addiction of layered fabrics and color.
When you aren’t blogging, what do you do?
Well, I truly should be blogging more. I have the utmost appreciation for all that bloggers do for our industry and our society in general. They open up and expose our readers to sights and ideas they may never have conceived or come across otherwise. When I’m not blogging, I have a small boutique design firm in Dallas, and it keeps me very busy. But, when I do get a break, I enjoy traveling and painting.
What is one of your design/decorating ideas or tips?
If you are a designer, the best tip I have is to listen to your client and offer the best design you can come up with for them. Tapping into your client’s mind and lifestyle and really, I mean really understanding them is a rare characteristic and brings so much value to the table.
Another useful tip is to study the color wheel. If you can understand the relationship of colors, then your creativity can flow!
Blogger Spotlight
Posted on February 15, 2012 by jbutler in Blogger Spotlight
We can't get enough of Erin!
Since 2007, Erin Olson has been sharing beautiful and inspirational rooms on her design blog, House of Turquoise. The full-time blogger also runs Decor By Color where she features home decor products organized into color-themed shopping blogs. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Chris and their two dogs and two cats.
How did you become interested in design?
I’ve loved design since I was a child…rearranging my furniture, decorating my bedroom, experimenting with color (especially turquoise!). I’m sure the love of design springs from my father, who is an architect. I’ve learned to appreciate good design from him.
When you aren’t blogging, what do you do?
Spend time with my husband! We were married in April and are loving it so far! We recently sold our house and have been house-hunting like crazy. My favorite downtime activities, though, are watching movies, listening to music or going to concerts, traveling and shopping.
What’s one of your favorite decorating ideas or tips?
I absolutely adore color, but neutrals can be your best friend. It’s so easy to change out accessories when your background is neutral. A white slipcovered sofa is my favorite thing ever. It’s so easy to change the look of it, but it’s also easy to clean (which is great when you have 4 animals!).
Thanks for sharing and inspiring us, Erin! For more information about Erin, visit her blog at http://www.houseofturquoise.com/.
Blogger Spotlight: Erinn V
Posted on November 10, 2011 by jbutler in Blogger Spotlight
Meet design and style expert Erinn Valencich. Born and raised in Northern Califorina, she comes from a family of designers. Her grandfather was a fine cabinetmaker, her father studied with Frank Lloyd Wright, and Erinn grew up making doll furniture out of scrap wood. It was this natural talent and inherit passion for design that led her to launch, Erinn V Design Group, which specializes in residential and commercial design, remodeling and new construction.
Erinn has made quite a name for herself in the design world. Her reputation as a style expert has led to appearances on Extra!, The View and Access Hollywood. She’s hosted several specials on HGTV and is the resident decorating expert on eHow.com. She blogs for HGTV’s Design Happens , Decorati.com and her own blog, ErinnVSyle.
We were glad to catch up with Erinn as part of our Blogger Spotlight series. Here’s what she had to say:
How did you become interested in interior design?
I started my company, Erinn V Design Group , seven years ago, but prior to that I was COO of a media-based, lifestyle company for six years. I started doing TV makeovers and helped write and produce two design books with Simon & Schuster, as well as develop product lines for a retailer. My family is in construction, so it kind of made sense that I ended up doing interiors and building homes. After starting Erinn V Design Group, I am finally opening my first showroom, Erinn V Maison on Robertson Blvd. in Beverly Hills.
When you aren’t blogging, what do you do?
I work a ton! I am doing a hotel in Las Vegas, the Downtown Grand, and between that, the five other projects I’m doing in Los Angeles and opening the store, it leaves little time for much else. I am a big foodie, though, so my spare time is usually spent enjoying a great meal with friends.
What’s one of your favorite decorating ideas or tips?
A good tip is to always hang your drapery right under the crown molding or about 4 inches from the ceiling. It really changes the room and makes the space feel larger!
Thanks for inspiring us, Erinn, and congratulations on your many successes! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out her blog at http://erinnv.com/blog/!
Blogger Spotlight: Erin Loechner
Posted on September 21, 2011 by jbutler in Blogger Spotlight
If you don’t already know Erin Loechner, the charming writer/stylist/designer behind DesignForMankind.com, recently named one of the top 50 design blogs in the world by The Times of London, then it’s time you got to know her.
This talented fashionista, DIYer and admirer of all things fabulous, hosts a renovation column on HGTV.com where she catalogs her experiences as an impromptu interior designer. Her work has been featured in Glamour, Lucky, Dwell, Apartment Therapy and The Huffington Post, to name a few.
Erin is one of our favorite design bloggers so we were excited to catch up with her this week as part of our Blogger Spotlight series.
Here’s what she had to say:
How did you become interested in interior design?
I grew up in a very tiny Indiana town, so to be honest, I didn’t know interior design existed until college. My roommate was an art major and enrolled in a design class for fun. I used to beg to borrow her books and peruse all of the beautiful images!
When you aren’t blogging, what do you do?
My husband and I are renovating a ranch-style home, so I’m either decorating/renovating or writing about decorating/renovating! I joke that if I don’t have a hammer in my hand, I’ve got a laptop.
What’s your favorite post that you’ve written on your blog and why?
I love my Color of the Week series — it’s hard to choose a fave!
Thanks for inspiring us, Erin! Be sure to check out her blog at, DesignForMankind.com.
Blogger Spotlight: Lisa Sherry
Posted on September 2, 2011 by jbutler in Blogger Spotlight
Our creative team, led by Denise Alala and Carl Bundy, finds inspiration from many different sources, including the work of interior designers and design bloggers. Lisa Sherry just so happens to be both, and it’s icing on the cake that she is a North Carolina designer located near our headquarters. Earlier this week, we had a chance to catch up with Lisa. Here’s what she had to say:
When you aren’t blogging, what do you do?
A better question might be, what should I be doing when I’m blogging! It’s like an “extra credit” assignment in school, as I’m a full-time-plus professional interior designer with two offices and great clients. Blogging has been so fun and rewarding. It’s introduced me to new people and ideas. And, because I’m fundamentally more of a visual person (surprise), the blog is a platform to marry words and images which makes everything richer.
How did you become interested in interior design?
My mother has a fabulous sense of style. So as a child, I saw an interior design aesthetic played out in our home. Home was not posh, mind you, but mom cherished simple, elegant pieces and took pleasure in making things last. She still does. I actually came to design as a profession in a circuitous way. I was a fashion/photography stylist. My first clients saw “camera ready” interiors in magazines and wanted the look for real. And, here I am today. I love every minute of it.
What is your favorite post that you’ve written on your blog and why?
The next one is my favorite one. Write on!
Thank you for sharing, Lisa. If you haven’t had a chance to check out her site, visit it here: www.lisasherryinterieurs.com. We guarantee you’ll find it just as inspirational as we do!