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
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!
Tie-Dye It!
Posted on May 18, 2012 by jbutler in Furniture Market, Trendy Tips
Shake your groove thing because ‘60s-inspired tie-dye is making a triumphant return and just in time for summer! The colorful trend is getting a modern makeover on the runway, like in this edgy dress from Nordstrom. We love the vibrant coastal blue shade, which makes it perfect for the beach or a night out on the town.
Upholstery designer Denise Alala is taking note of the tie-dye craze and is using it as a fun twist on traditional furniture fabric. The upholstered console table and Keeley chair are perfect examples of how we incorporated this trend into our High Point Market showroom.
Our groovy Keeley Chairs.
Our upholstered console table is far out!
You can pay tribute to the psychedelic ‘60s in your home, too. Simply add a funky accent piece to your living room or mix it with other patterns in the bedroom for subtle flair.
Have you caught tie-dye fever? How are you using it to decorate your home?
More from #HPMkt 2012
Posted on May 9, 2012 by jbutler in Furniture Market
If you’ve ever had the luxury of visiting High Point Market, then you know that it’s an exhilarating but exhausting experience! Now that we’ve had a chance to catch our breath, we’d like to bring you a few thoughts from some of our favorite design bloggers: Jeanine Hays from AphroChic and Jill Seidner of Material Girls (two visitors to our Market showroom).
To kick things off, Jeanine declared it the “Year of the Side Chair,” naming our Foster Chair with a flame stitch throw pillow as one of her favorites. Here’s a pic she snapped:
Photo by AphroChic
Jeanine also loved our Keeley Chair featured in a bright and playful ikat fabric.
Photo by AphroChic
AphroChic was also a fan of our yellow gingham upholstered headboard – a beautiful update to traditional style!
Photo by AphroChic
Our friend Jill from Material Girls also fell in love with a headboard…covered in bugs!
Photo by Material Girls
And last, but certainly not least, Jill couldn’t get enough of our tie-dyed upholstered side table with nail head trim.
Photo by Material Girls
See anything you like? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and thank you Jill and Jeanine for stopping by our showroom during your visit to High Point!
#HPMkt 2012
Posted on April 26, 2012 by jbutler in Furniture Market
We’re excited to bring you the latest and greatest from Drexel Heritage, straight from our High Point Market showroom. Stay tuned as we share emerging trends in fabric, furniture, color and accessories over the next several weeks. In the meantime, we thought we’d share a couple of highlights from this week.
For starters, our blogging friends Cassandra Lavalle of coco+kelley, Jeanine Hays from AphroChic and Jill Seidner of Material Girls enjoyed a quick moment of relaxation on what is known as “The Pit” (two of our Drexel Heritage Upholstery chaise lounges pushed together with a single plush topper).
Our blogging friends wanted to curl up and take a nap in "The Pit."
Our friends from Coastal Living also stopped by and were excited about mixing and melding our new bright green, blue and yellow upholstery selections — a very coastal look, indeed!
Our friends from Coastal Living couldn't get enough of our upholstery room in our High Point Market showroom!
Be sure to check back soon….We can’t wait to show you what’s next for Drexel Heritage!
Go Green
Posted on March 15, 2012 by jbutler in Color Forecasting
These days, green is everywhere. From emerald to jade, jasper to sage (and even environmentally), everyone and everything is going green. Right now, we’re spotting different shades of green all around us, from Pinterest to the runway to right here in the Drexel Heritage showroom – and just in time: Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner!
To celebrate the approaching holiday, we’d like to revisit a quote from our resident designer, Denise Alala. “Green is the ultimate perennial – the color of nature,” she said. “But a new incarnation is just starting to emerge.”
Denise took note of this in Fifth Avenue windows and SoHo boutiques during a trip to New York early last year. Now, her ideas have taken shape on the showroom floor. Here are a few of our favorites:
Nothing says sleek sophistication like Denise’s green leather desk with lustrous silver nailhead trim.
Invoke feelings of calm and relaxation with this muted green sofa. Want to make it pop? Toss in a few striped pillows.
Sick of the same old solids? Create an interesting focal point in your living room with this Missoni-inspired side table in differing shades of neutral greens.
Go green or go home. This sofa table will turn heads with its bright acid green leather upholstery.
What are your favorite shades of green? We’d love to hear your thoughts, and happy Saint Patrick’s Day!