How Excited Are We About Vanguard Furniture?

Answer...VERY Excited! At the last High Point market, which ended only two weeks ago, we were delighted to finally open with Vanguard Furniture. We love their approach to design...simple, livable, accessible, but outstanding quality. They provide unlimited choices for upholstery with their American Bungalow Collection, which lets you build your sofa or loveseat from the ground up. Vanguard has four outstanding designer collections, described below. Although we do not have any of these products live on our website, please call us at 800-205-7819 for pricing on any Vanguard Furniture item

Thom Felicia:

Thom Filicia Home Collection is a multifaceted collection that includes a mix of living, dining and bedroom pieces, occasional chairs, cocktail and occasional tables, upholstered pieces and textiles. The new home collection captures Thom Filicia's classic simplicity and injects an unexpected, modern flair. With a fresh yet timeless approach to design, the collection balances elements in unique and beautiful ways. Refined details mix with raw edges, industrial plays against organic, and materials, textures and palettes are used in unexpected ways.

Michael Wiess:

Featuring styles under the Modernism and Classics collections, furniture by Juilliard-trained designer Michael Weiss is a study in the seamless blending of contrasts. Clean, sleek lines and classic geometric forms are presented in refreshing and dramatic modern designs. Modernism is a collection of contemporary styles with energy and fluidity, while Classics is a free form, artistic mix of historical influences, inspired by classic taste and style.

Annie Selke:
A celebrated pioneer of color and comfort, Annie Selke offers an approach to design that reminds us our homes are meant to be lived in comfortably and enjoyed. With Annie Selke Home, she fully executes her longtime vision of creating a total finished environment. A vision begun with bedding, rugs, tabletop and accessories now branches to include 80 new pieces of furniture for living room, dining room and bedroom, along with bold, richly patterned fabric and trim. Fabulous, functional and designed with real life living in mind, Annie Selke Home encourages the playful mixing and matching that makes homes unique.

Bloomsbury by Blake Tovin:
The Bloomsbury Group explored alternative ways of living and fresh ideas in the arts and social sciences. Their collective spirit of collaboration, community, and inquiry spawned the creation of diverse works including literature, economics, and art.
Drawing upon the creative influences of the Bloomsbury Group, Blake Tovin has designed a home furnishings collection exclusively for Vanguard Furniture. This collection embodies the spirit of the Bloomsbury Group executed in a modern day sensibility.

Please call us at 800-205-7819 for pricing on any Vanguard Furniture item

Welcome Kincaid Furniture!

Kincaid Furniture has been around a long time, but they are new to us! We are really excited about adding this wonderful new furniture manufacturer to our floor and online. Kincaid is one of the storied, North Carolina furniture brand names that has endured for decades with good reason. Their product line is varied, but quality built and incredibly affordable.

It's been said that "things aren't made the way they used to be," but at Kincaid, that's not exactly true. While several enhancements have been made since their beginnings in 1946, they still use solid wood construction, wood-on-wood drawer movement, and hand rubbed finishes to craft their wood furniture. And the same can be said for their upholstery. Over the past 30 years, their upholstery operations in western North Carolina have built quality, bench made upholstery one piece at a time. And like Kincaid's solid wood furniture, the upholstery has also benefited from a number of enhancements that continue to add value for the customer.

American Heartland is a traditional solid oak bedroom collection that is grounded in down-home sensibilities. The classic oak grain’s characteristics are highlighted with three distinct finishes: an aged Oatmeal, gently worn Slate, and lustrous Harvest. Three bed designs are offered, including a rope carved Poster Bed with a low, curved headboard and carved posts which also have lower (60”) or taller (83”) options to suit a variety of style preferences. The Sleigh Bed is updated with an extra low footboard which gives it a platform feeling. The triple panels and graceful feet provide visual interest. The sturdy design of the Cannonball Bed will give consumers a point of reference when recalling the homey comfort of this style from childhood.

Kincaid also recently introduced Rosecroft, an Arts & Crafts-inspired home collection that includes bedroom, dining, home office, occasional, and upholstery items in a beautifully distressed rich Heirloom finish. For the dining room, Rosecroft debuts a Rectangular Leg Table with two 20” leaves, a Round Dining Table with one 20” leaf, and a Counter Height Round Table with Tile Top. All pieces have considerable substance in the turned legs and tops, which not only provides a visual focal point, but also creates a foundation to the room’s décor. Two coordinating chair styles are available: the first includes a gently curved backrest, scooped top, and upholstered seats; the second has a supportively curved backrest, a practical handle opening in the top, and upholstered seat. The China Display Hutch and Buffet incorporate beautifully antiqued glass doors with decorative bordered panels which highlight the Wild Irish Rose insignia on the sideview glass. A unique Bar Server is a distinguished and incredibly versatile addition, and could be a useful accent in many areas of the home.

Kincaid is well known for its creation and presentation of the Laura Ashley Collections. Exuding the gentle essence of European country cottage living, the Laura Ashley Sturlyn collection displays sophisticated style with great attention to detail and ornamentation. It's eclectic reach creates an interpretive expression for any home with three distinct finishes to choose from; a rich Sienna stain and relaxed Linen and Onyx colors are all featured finishes characterized by a breathtaking hand rubbed and naturally antiqued finish. A rich impression and depth of finish typifying cottage charm is created with an air of understated grace, Sturlyn can be dressed up to adapt to European traditional settings as easily as it can be dressed down for more relaxed living.


Like a gifted sculptor, the skilled craftsman chisels, then molds, casts, then carves to create the delicate details and stunning grandeur that defines the character of the Artisan's Shoppe collection. The seamless blending and balancing of details create the grand and magnificent design that can only be achieved through hand-crafting solid wood furniture. Intertwining intricate distressing and a warm, polished finish evokes refined furniture pieces that bring natural beauty and subtle confidence into the home.

Founded in 1946, Kincaid Furniture Company is the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketer of solid wood furniture. Kincaid’s growth is based on a commitment to quality solid wood case goods, fashionable upholstery, and the best service the industry has to offer. Kincaid Furniture Company is part of La-Z-Boy Incorporated’s family of companies. For more information on Kincaid, please visit http://www.kincaidfurniture.com/

Lamp Shade Styles

This lamp shade information is from one of our suppliers, Ashley Lighting. Visit their wonderful site at http://www.ashleylighting.com/ They sell mostly to hospitality groups, so chances are, you have already enjoyed their products!

It may seem basic, but there are is a vast array of styles and fabrics available for shades. The following illustrates the most frequently used shade shapes. These are the most popular shade types found in both residential and hospitality. Please call us at 800-205-7819 if you have any questions about shades, or lighting:
Round Drum:

Round Taper:


Round Bell:

Square Taper:

Square Drum:

Square Bell:

Oval Taper:

Oval Drum:



Rectangular Drum:


SHADE CONSTRUCTION
1. Hardback: Fabric or paper is laminated to a Polystyrene inner lining. This is then secured to the top and bottom ring with adhesive tape. Available with self fold trim or hand tucked.
2. Stretched: Stretched shades are made with full framework, top and bottom ring welded together by ribs. Stretched shades are made with an inner fabric lining, usually white, and an outer fabric that is stretched over the full framework. Available with self fold trims and optional piping on the ribs. Stretch shades are commonly referred to a "Silk Shades" which is misleading. Stretch shades are not necessarily made from silk. They can be made from a variety of fabrics including linen, cotton and blends.
3. Pleated Shades: Shades are available in a varied pleat styles, from Soft Pleat, Knife Pleat-No Trim, Box Pleat, and Pinch Pleat. A pleated fabric or vinyl is applied to a polystyrene body.
Self fold trim is used at the bottom and top rings
4. Shade Trims: Double and Single Fold-Trim is adhered over the top and bottom shade rings.
Self Fold-No Trim- Fabric is tucked and glued around the shade rings.

HARPS AND FINIALS
A harp is the detachable bracket that attaches to the saddle serving as a mounting bracket for the shade. We use harp sizes ranging from 7" to 12". Bulb type is a factor when determining the harp for a specific shade. Harp, Saddles and Finials are available in plated and powder coat finishes. Powder Coat is recommended in locations where humidity is a concern.
A finial is a threaded cap that screws onto the top of the harp to tighten and hold the lamp shade in place.

DIFFUSERS
Diffusers are used to obscure the light bulb and diffuse the light from the bulb.
Diffusers can be utilized for debris and bug guard
Diffusers are used on the top, bottom or both areas of a shade or fixture.
Diffusers are available in Acrylic/Plastics, Metal and Glass
Special considerations to heat must be made when using a diffuser

Sidewiki = More Honest Feedback

We can all do things better, whether it is on our website, in our business, or how we communicate with customers. Sometimes we do things very good, sometimes not so much. Its important to get all feedback in order to improve. Sidewiki is a big step in allowing that to happen, and the rules of engagement are clear.

in reference to: Google (view on Google Sidewiki)

IDS Speaking Engagement

I am honored to be speaking at the national headquarters of the Interior Design Society this coming High Point International Furniture Market. The date is Oct 19th and the locale is the IDS Seminar Room, 164 South Main Street, High Point

Here is a synopsis, which can also be found by clicking here:
Friending and Tweeting and Linking, Oh My!


Straight Talk on Internet Marketing for your business. As business owners, the easiest part of our job is doing what we know and love, such as design consultation or furniture sales. The hardest part is deciding on how to allocate hard-earned resources to marketing your business online. While the internet is now the definitive source for business referrals and sales (for most of us), it is still a labyrinth of confusing, and often times, expensive marketing opportunities. Recent media coverage regarding social networking has added to the conflict of where to invest your time and money for online marketing. This short seminar by Richard Sexton will untangle these options and put you on track for successful internet marketing.

Find Directions Here:

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Northeast Lanterns: One of our Favorites Outdoor Lantern Manufacturers

Chandeliers	Exterior Hanging Lanterns	Exterior Wall Mount	Exterior Post Mount
Adams Collection	Boston Collection	Concord Collection	Hardwick Collection
Heal Collection	Lodge Collection	Onion Collection	Suffolk Collection
Windcliffe Collection	York Collection

If you travel in New England, you will notice that so many of the outdoor lighting styles hearken back to our colonial past. In our opinion, NOBODY manufacturers this style of lighting better than Northeast Lanterns Ltd

Northeast Lantern Ltd. began doing business 20 years ago when the President, Skip Heal, had a dream to manufacture and sell solid copper and brass fixtures. Starting out in a little rented space, he slowly grew the business into what it is today. Employing over 25 people, the company now works out of a new 15,000 square foot facility. From the simple to the simply elegant, Northeast Lanterns has it all! Northeast Lanterns is known for its tradition of quality lighting at affordable pricing. This Exeter, NH-based company produces all of its products on-site, and each year introduces new styling and innovative products to meet most lighting needs. Northeast Lantern Ltd. has been manufacturing lighting fixtures since 1987. From colonial to contemporary styles, Northeast Lantern provides a comprehensive range of products and finishes.

For 20 years, Northeast Lantern has provided high quality reasonable priced lighting fixtures, made of solid copper and brass, that have colonial characteristics. The craftsmanship and personalities of all employees, along with the acceptance in the marketplace, provide the distinctive collection that sets Northeast Lantern apart from the competition.
Northeast Lantern began doing business when the President, Skip Heal, had a dream to manufacture and sell solid copper and solid brass fixtures. Starting out in a little rented space, he slowly grew the business into what it is today. Employing over 25 people, the company now works out of a new 15,000 square foot facility. The experienced craftsmen and women fabricate, solder and finish each lantern by hand.

Their intention is to continue to grow the business by offering current and potential customer hand-crafted, U.S.-made products at an outstanding price. Northeast Lantern is an environmentally friendly manufacturer and is a state permitted facility. Like Carolina Rustica, Northeast Lantern prides itself with excellent customer service and backs up each and every product with a lifetime guarantee, something you will rarely find in today's discount economy. Only the glass is not covered (for obvious reasons).
CollectionsThere are many captivating collections in the Northeast Lantern group of lighting just waiting to be explored. You will find our pricing on these outstanding collections to be the most competative possible, and all Northeast Lantern items have free shipping.

The Onion Collection is certainly one of their most popular...so much so that it is incorporated into their logo. This is a traditional design that Northeast Lanterns has enhanced with their own particular touch of hand-crafted quality. These collections showcase some of the aspects that make Northeast Lanterns unique: the fixtures are solid brass or solid copper, each backed by a lifetime guarantee. All glass is removable, replaceable, and washable. Several types of glass are offered, depending on the look you are going for: clear, optic (creates a "banded" look), seedy, and optic seedy. The "seedy" glass tends to give the fixture more of a maritime look. Other popular colonial style collections include the Adams Collection, the Heal Collection (named after the founder) and the Suffolk Collection.

Links to:

The Heal Collection
The Adams Collection
The Suffolk Collection

Northeast Lanterns finishes are applied by hand and can vary from fixture to fixture. They try to match each as close as possible. They do not lacquer their fixtures so the will age naturally and evenly in the same environment. All outdoor fixtures, no matter what finish is ordered, will turn dark and in time will "verdi", depending on the location. The color of their applied Verid finish can vary depending on what mixture and time of day the finish is applied. Some of the Verdi will wear off when placed outdoors. When installing interior fixtures, care should be taken to keep oily fingerprints off the finish. If in time the fixture shows prints, they may be removed with a metal polish applied to a cloth and rubbed gently.

Shop Northeast Lantern Now

Hinkley Lighting & Energy Star Lighting

HINKLEY LIGHTING'S ENERGY STAR PROGRAM


Hinkley Lighting is one of our favorite lighting suppliers, not only because of the high quality and vast selection of designs, but also because of their commitment to developing and marketing energy-efficient lighting. Hinkley recognizes that going green is not just about labels, but that it is truly about offering practical and desirable lighting alternatives for the interior and exterior of your home.

Shop Hinkly Energy Star Lighting
Shop All Hinkley Lighting Now

Discover Hinkley Lighting on YouTube:

ENERGY STAR qualified lighting provides bright, warm light but uses about 75 percent less energy than standard lighting, produce 75 percent less heat, and bulbs lasts up to 10 times longer.

Hinkley Energy Star® qualified lighting fixtures are equipped with GU24 sockets and include self-ballasted, compact fluorescent bulbs. CFL bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Each fixture also features a daylight sensing photocell, which prevents the fixture from being illuminated during daylight hours, maximizing the fixture's energy-saving potential.

By choosing Energy Star qualified lighting fixtures, you will save money on energy bills and bulb replacements. With these fixtures, bulbs last 10,000 hours (about seven years of regular use). Hinkley's EST fixtures carry a 2-year warranty.

HINKLEY'S ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

Upon specification, Hinkley outdoor lanterns can be engineered with the following eco-friendly options. To identify a fixture's potential to be engineered with one of the following environmentally friendly configurations, look for the corresponding icons on the product description page.

Energy Saving (ES)
Hinkley's Energy Saving (ES) fixtures are equipped with GU24 sockets and include self-ballasted, compact fluorescent bulbs. ES fixtures support California's "Title-24", a government-backed program that helps businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Dark Sky (DS)
Fixtures come equipped with a captive reflector or other design feature that minimizes or eliminates light glare upward into the night sky.

Energy Saving and Dark Sky (ESDS)
Hinkley's Energy Saving, Dark Sky fixtures combine Hinkley's energy saving advantages of fluorescent technology together with minimizing the amount of light glare produced in an upward direction towards the night sky. ESDS fixtures adhere to California's "Title-24" requirements.

Energy Star (EST)
Hinkley's Energy Star qualified lighting fixtures meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE). Each fixture combines a GU24 socket together with a self-ballasted CFL bulb and a photocell that prevents the fixture from staying illuminated during daylight hours, maximizing its energy-saving potential.

PhotoCell
Many Hinkley outdoor lanterns can be equipped with a photocell that will prevent the fixture from staying illuminated during daylight hours, maximizing its energy-saving potential.

Find More Information on Hinkley Lighting Here on Their Website