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.

Trend Spotting: Fuschia

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 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

Can You “Sea” Nautical in Your Home?

Posted on July 6, 2012 by jbutler in Fashion and Design

“Anchors aweigh” has a whole new meaning this summer with nautical-inspired trends taking over the runway and yacht club alike. We’re seeing everything from monkey knots to anchors to patriotic red, white and blue looks. We love this Ralph Lauren striped jacket with brass buttons, paired with trendy red cropped pants for a sophisticated approach to fashion.

Our designers at Drexel Heritage can’t get enough of this revived, bold look and are incorporating seaside trends into functional pieces for your home. The Selat Mirror is the perfect accessory for any room with its modern take on the elegant “rope look.”

Our Selat Mirror

The brass links on the Filigree Side Table compliment the dark wood finish for a complete and en vogue furniture piece.

Our Filigree Side Table

The key to nautical décor is to keep it clean and simple, which is why we love the beautiful Daughtry Sofa. The white sofa with blue trim and tufting is just enough to add a pop of color without going overboard.

Our Daughtry Sofa

If you’re ready to jump right in to the nautical trend, try adding a splash of red to your bedroom with our Urban Contemporary Bed.

Our Urban Contemporary Bed

Can you “sea” how to incorporate the nautical trend into your home? We’d love to hear you design ideas!

Crochet Craze

Posted on June 20, 2012 by jbutler in Fashion and Design, Trendy Tips

Rejoice – it’s no longer just for doilies and tablecloths! Crochet is back in style, and this time around, its intricate detailing has a sophisticated and trendy vibe. Today, everyone from Chanel to Tory Burch to Ralph Lauren is integrating crotchet into their summer fashion lines, and we love it for its surprisingly elegant and beautifully simple feel, as seen here in Who What Wear’s fashion spread.

Fashion blog Who, What, Wear loves the new crochet trend — and so do we!

Drexel Heritage is leading the furniture world into this trend with our beautiful, contemporary Laurie Chair and coordinating crochet-inspired pillow. Available in a variety of stunning colors and patterns to suit your preference, our Laurie Chair pillow looks stunning in a deep, cool blue crochet-inspired upholstery or a soft, sweet pink. Choosing a crisp, white upholstery combines two of this season’s most versatile trends – crochet and the ever-elegant white.

Our Laurie Chair

If you’re ready to fully embrace this trend, try the Laurie Chair in a crochet-inspired upholstery, accented with a bright pillow instead.

Try our Laurie Chair in this crochet-inspired upholstery

The Laurie Chair wowed the crowds when it showcased at the High Point Market showroom, and we’re sure that when upholstered in the trendy and sophisticated crochet, it would be just as much of a statement piece in your home!

Do You Dare: White Sofa?

Posted on June 14, 2012 by jbutler in Fashion and Design

Looking to take a risk this summer? On the runways, white is the new black, and we’re loving the new trendy looks. And we’re not the only ones! Celebrities, like Katie Holmes, are finding ways to incorporate white jeans into their wardrobes for a fresh, crisp look.  The structured and clean lines take a sophisticated yet daring approach to fashion.

The good news about using white in your home? It goes with everything! Our designers have introduced beautiful white upholstered pieces to the market, like our Brinley Sofa. The contemporary, sleek design can add a modern twist to any room in your home.

Our Brinley sofa

The Arabella Sofa is every home decorator’s dream. The simple yet elegant design is perfect for colorful pillows and a decorative throw blanket. Or, if you’re up for the challenge, master the all-white trend with bold accessories for fashion-forward décor.

Our Arabella sofa

So now we pose the question, do you dare?

Arrested by Color

Posted on October 26, 2011 by jbutler in Color Forecasting, Fashion and Design

Denise loves her blues!

In New York, our creative team, Denise and Carl, were repeatedly arrested. Arrested by color, that is. The colors that caused the most commotion were the usual suspects: red, green and blue.  But seen with a designer’s eye in a vibrant NYC milieu, they’re anything but ordinary.

Intoxicating Reds: According to Denise, “red has graduated.” Literally! She further explains, “We’re seeing a broad palette of reds – from quiet pink, blush and rose to live-out-loud fuchsia, raspberry and cherry – all interacting together. The mix is the thing.”  It’s a new mind-bending approach to monochromatic!

Not-Your-Granny’s Green: Green is making a comeback. “After all,” Denise comments, “green is the ultimate perennial – the color of nature. But a new incarnation is just starting to emerge.” Denise took note of this in Fifth Avenue windows and SoHo boutiques. Green is bubbling across a broad palette – from jade and Anjou to pistachio and puce.

Wild Blue Yonder: “I can’t be impartial about blue,” Denise confesses, “It’s my personal favorite, and I love where blue is going now.” The expansive palette is once again in play. Blue-infused charcoals and smoky lavenders seduce. Indigo and turquoise demand attention. True blue is the color of water and sky, evoking a sense of harmony, fluidity and flow where ever it goes.

No one is neutral about color. What hues turn your head and trigger your imagination? Drunk on reds? Green with envy? Singing the blues? Tell us about your favorites. How are you are using the colors du jour to freshen up your wardrobe and your home décor? Stay tuned for the conclusion of this mini-series, where Denise and Carl revisit familiar patterns with a fresh eye.

Cool + Warm = Hot!

Posted on October 12, 2011 by jbutler in Color Forecasting, Trendy Tips

Two distinctly different masterminds lead our creative design team. First, meet Denise. Her style is cool, hip and feminine with a European slant. We also want you to know Carl. His style and manner is warm, friendly and funny with a penchant for detail, detail, detail. It’s interesting that this “cool and warm” commingling design combo is also playing out in the world of design on the streets of NYC. Let us explain.

In a traditional design approach, harmony is achieved by bringing together colors with a similar value. For example, icy blues, dove whites and silvery sages might reside beautifully in one cool and collected palette, while those dusty taupes, teals and tawny browns are in another neighborhood.

The rules are changing. As a design team, Denise and Carl meld two style perspectives and approaches. In fashion, so-called cool and warm tones are mixing it up, and the result is anything but lukewarm – it’s hot! “It’s really refreshing,” Denise notes. Her favorite: a warm espresso dialed up and down across a diverse spectrum. “It’s already an important accent color in our line, and I think there’s room for expansion. Stay tuned.”

The new hues are not limited to fabrics and textiles. Wood furniture is traditionally brown, “but who said so?” asks Carl. Most of the Drexel lineup is available in more than 40 custom paint and finish colors ranging from Tangerine and Apple Green to a Smoke, Linen and Fog. The design team is “in the lab” now calibrating new paint color introductions inspired by travel and fashion trends.

Are you a student of color? Be sure to share your thoughts, and stay tuned as we discuss more color trends in part three of our trendspotting series.

A Bite of the Big Apple

Posted on September 28, 2011 by jbutler in Color Forecasting, Fashion and Design, Trendy Tips

We love London, Paris and Milan. Truly, we do. But NYC is a mere 90-minute flight from our North Carolina headquarters. One of Denise and Carl’s job requirements (we should all be so lucky) is frequent NYC field trips to soak up the city and go-mingle sights, sounds, colors and textures with Drexel Heritage designs on the drawing board. Let’s get started with two fashion-into-furniture emergent (and evolving) trends:

Still Mad about Geometry: While Denise admits geometry was not her favorite subject in school, she’s a devotee today. “It’s wide open,” she notes, “the geometrics are morphing with new forms – sometimes bold, other times faint, oversized and diminutive.” It’s everywhere from chunky jewelry (think Wilma Flintstone circa 2011) to highly patterned hosiery to home décor. Drexel Heritage fabrics are right on trend this season, as well as our new collection, Synchronicity (which celebrates symmetry, Carl points out), coming later this fall. (P.S. Carl aced geometry in high school.)

In the Wild:  Animal prints (Denise says faux is fine – in fact, even better) are a perennial classic abounding on the streets of NYC and in shop windows.  “What’s new and so exciting,” Denise observes, “is that the menagerie and color palette is getting really diverse. Animal prints are always present, but this season they’re breaking free, so to speak!” This means a wider cast of characters — zebras, cheetahs, pythons, leopards and the traditional black-brown coloration is giving way to metallics, magentas and a range of other strong, saturated colors. “A little goes a long way,” Denise observes, “It’s a rich potion.”

Starting to see a pattern? Join the discussion. Let us know what patterns, shapes and textures you see – new and emerging. Let’s trendspot together!