American Drew Barrington House & Essex Collections

We have been selling American Drew Furniture here at Carolina Rustica for many years, and it is a perennial best-seller.   Not only becuase they are one of the few remaining furniture companies that still maintains some manufacturing here in the U.S....it also the case that American Drew has such a broad selection of styles and price points for owners of  fresh new homes to upscale second homes.  We find this line to be incredibly easy to sell, because they offer more value priced collections in their stylish Profiles group (like Camden Light and Camden Dark) and they have some very upscale collections that would look great in traditional upscale homes as well as country estates and mountain retreats.   Perhaps their single most popular collection is the Cherry Grove 45th Anniversary Group, their all-cherry solid wood line that finds a place in any traditional home across the country. 

The Essex Collection

American Drew knows that casual living is more about self-expression and less about traditional expectations.  Essex is a moderately-priced new group that features materials such as wood, metal, leather and glass to create that casual self expression you have been longing for.   These elements come together in a perfect blend of classic styling with a crisp look, with a Warm Mink wood tone.  This features hand selected American Walnut veneers with Ebony inlays. Reversed diamond patterns are showcased on the beds, table tops and doors, a detail that creates a subtle geometric design. The Satin Nickel finished metal on hardware and select pieces; along with Black Leather accents exudes a collection of finesse and beauty.  You can visit the American Drew site to view this new collection and then call us for a quote!

BARRINGTON HOUSE

We were particulary impressed with American Drew's new introduction, Barrington House.  Featuring the charm of an Old World manor house, Barrington House offers a fusion of traditional

European styles and inspirations mixed with the practical needs of today’s lifestyles. We love the subtle rustic overtones that lend a casual interpretation of this traditional styling.  This group would look great in every home from a suburban retreat to an empty-nester's condo.  The Heirloom Cherry color finish is completed with gentle distressing, warm burnished edges and subtle highlights .  Other elements include matched cathedral pattern veneers with maple and ebony.  All in all, Barrington House is one of our new favorites from American Drew, and that is saying a lot! 

You can find information on both of these new groups, as well as Americana Home (introduced this Spring of 2012 but not available for several months) on our website at CarolinaRustica.com/American-Drew-Furniture

New Lexington Furniture Collections

Lexington Home Brands is indisputably our most popular manufacturer.  With over a dozen fresh, innovative collections to choose from, they consistently offer high-end styling that sets the standard for fresh design.  At this year's High Point Furniture Market, we visited their spectacular showroom and saw their new Quail Hollow Collection.




Quail Hollow offers an inspired approach to New Traditional style - an innovative take on the familiar. Crafted in Quartered Mahogany, the burnished finish has the warm rich patina of an antique. The group does not skimp on detail...like reeded molding, distinctive raised panels, and graceful turnings add to the collection’s timeless appeal. Lexington Furniture also introduced new upholstery designs that feature exceptional tailoring with an elegant layering of patterns and textures.  This new look of traditional style defines Quail Hollow and is guaranteed to be placed in many homes across the region.




Of course, Lexingtom Home Brands is known wide and far as being the manufacturer of Tommy Bahama Furniture.  Tommy Bahama has been celebrated world-wide as embodying the idea of upscale leisure time, a globe-trotting carefree soul who lives surrounded only by the finest.   His newest group is Inspired by Australia’s rugged beauty and indigenous style, Road to Canberra from Tommy Bahama blends Aussie attitude with distinctive contemporary design.  The unique look of woven veneer is accented by a remarkable blend of natural elements – honed travertine, woven lampakanai, rattan, aged metal, woven leather, and petrified wood   This unique group is also one that has a light natural tone with a soft linen-white glaze that highlights the grain. Beauty from half a world away will make you feel right at home


Don't forget that Lexington acquired Sligh Home Office furniture last year, and they have been bringing this quality line to new heights, in a way only they could.   They are also bringing out new coordinated groups to match both their lifestyle collections and their home office and entertainment offerings, such as Twilight Bay, one of Lexington's most popular groups introduced 2 years ago.   We are lucky to have extensive sales experience with both of these lines, and can help you pick out the perfect, coordinated home office grouping to go with your lovely home decor!

The Newest AICO Furniture Collections Have Arrived!

Michael Amini, the creative and business force behind AICO Furniture, has an obvious flair for the dramatic.   His furniture designs over time have consistently proven to be industry leaders in the fashion-forward industry of home décor.   He is not subtle…instead, he uses oversize design elements, unusual materials, and fashion concepts that other furniture designers would not dare contemplate.   This is what makes him so popular...what he does is simply not available anywhere else. 

 

His partnership with Jane Seymour on several collections has only reinforced his position as an industry leader.   Their most popular group has literally taken the furniture industry by storm…the indubitable Hollywood Swank, now featured in Architectural Digest and other high-end fashion publications.  Nobody else has married “bling” to classic design like the team of Amini and Seymour.  Their bedroom group must be one of the most popular in the country.   Certainly when our customers come into our store, this is the very first bedroom they gravitate to.   The bed features a wing shaped headboard that is adorned with a crystal button tufted upholstery, unique drawer fronts, and a swivel lingerie chest that makes it a showcase piece for any home.  The finishes (Metallic Graphite, Creamy Pearl, Pearl Caviar, and Platinum) of the collection are enhanced by the alligator vinyl wraps, such as the dark “Amazing Gator”, “Crystal Croc” or “Black Iguana”)

The newest High Point Market introductions include a combination of Michael Amini original designs and several collections that build upon his collaboration with Jane Seymour.    One of the most dynamic groups in this latter category is the Beverly Boulevard Collection, a striking contemporary contrast of colors and materials.   It is a West Coast post-modernist fantasy, but accessible in its ability to blend in certain pieces to existing Amini collections.

We will be presenting the new Beverly Boulevard Collection on line at Carolina Rustica within the next week, and like so many of the other collaborative groups, we are positive it is going to generate a lot of interest.   The other new Amini/Seymour introductions include Overture, an eye-popping collection featuring ultra-modern materials, and Cosmopolitan, a worldly-inspired collection with a rich wood tone, subtle designs, and a moderate scale.   We have ordered floor placements for both of these collections.   Also forthcoming is Wembley Estate and Tuxedo, the latter being another contemporary-inspired grouping that will blend with a number of AICO modern stylings.

We will also be featuring online the best of the Toledo Platinum Collection,  an upholstery grouping that has gorgeous flowing lines, a large scale with configurable options that includes a sensual sectional and ottoman grouping that beckons you to relax!

Of course, the most popular groupings also continue to grow with us here at Carolina Rustica, such as the AICO Cortina Collection, which occupies a large part of our floor, and the Villa Valenzia group. Both of these furniture collections are large scale.  They demand a space of significant proportion in order to be truly appreciated.   They also create a sense of security and well-being….imagine curling up in the monstrous AICO Villa Valencia canopy bed, with its towering, massive columns and intertwining sculpture…it is truly a masterpiece of construction and design, a majestic piece of furniture that we have found with no other suppliers.   It is one of AICO’s most expensive groups, since it uses many different elements and combines stone with wood in a Classic Chestnut finish, but it also continues to be a best-seller.   Critics who thought that the scale was simply too grand are now reconsidering this best-seller!

The Cortina bedroom is an Amini furniture design that also shares some of that large scale, but it is more flowing and features a gentle Honey Walnut finish.    The Cortina Sleigh Bed is also on our floor and it gets tremendous response…the striking design flows in a gentle arch, to cradle you in its embrace.   It is a solid collection with lots of detailing, including stone detailing on the headboard and stone tops on many of the bedroom pieces.   

There are so many other wonderful AICO furniture groups to choose from…as one of the most dynamic and innovative designer, Michael Amini continues to build his global presence with furniture collections that exude an upscale, dynamic lifestyle.  And after all, doesn’t that describe you?

The New Look of Carolina Rustica

By the end of this week, it will finally be launched!  After 6 months of hard work, our team of in-house website experts, in conjunction with 2 outside agencies, have created a website that reflects our high-end furniture and lighting business.   Importantly, the site keeps our easy navigation, product layout, and unique product descriptions.    We will have more opportunities to better segment our business on other targeted Carolina Rustica websites as well, so this is just the beginning for us.   Look for crlighting.com first...a website designed for lighting shoppers just like you.   Meantime, enjoy a sneak peek at our home page, and next time you visit www.carolinarustica.com, spend some time browsing our new site, and most importantly, let us know what you think!

Hubbardton Forge on This Old House

Since the company began in 1974, Hubbardton Forge Lighting has been re-exploring the ancient art of metal sculpting and creating lighting and accessories of grace and simplicity. Their design and manufacturing process is a collaboration of designers, engineers and craftspeople. Every curve, taper, and twist in the metal carries with it the distinctive marks of honest hand-crafting.

The words, "they just don't make it like that anymore", just doesn't apply to Hubbardton Forge Lighting. Sure, computer software and machine technology have helped some, but they still do much of it the old fashioned way, with anvils, hammers and the unique craftsmanship that only a skilled blacksmith can provide.

When you own a Hubbardton Forge pendant, lamp, chandelier or sconce, you own a piece of Vermont-made art of enduring value.

On a recent episode of "This Old House", their team of skilled artisans at their forge in Castleton, Vermont opened their doors to show why they're one of the very best at their craft for these creative and well built American made products.

Click on the "This Old House" logo on the left to view the Episode 24 video on their website and select "Scene 5" to view the tour of their facility.

Their award-winning collection of transitional and contemporary pendants is one of the most distinctive in the industry. They draw their design inspiration from modern sculptural forms, yet possess a warm, organic quality of light that is comfortable in a wide range of settings. And we’ve made them highly configurable. Mix and match your choice of glass, finish and shade options to create a customized design to suit your personal decorating style.

Johnston Casuals Getting Ready for the High Point Furniture Market

One of our favorite manufacturers of iron furniture is getting ready to exhibit at the High Point Furniture Market. Johnston Casuals takes an architectural approach to contemporary/traditional furniture styling…sculptural simplicity, textural interest, and creative design set Johnston Casuals apart from the crowd.

So what is the High Point Furniture Market?

Twice a year, the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world comes to High Point, NC. About 80,000 people arrive to see all of the latest design offerings from more than 2000 Exhibitors! Serious retail home furnishings buyers can be found in High Point during these two exciting times a year because if you can’t find it in High Point…it probably doesn’t exist.

Furniture Market Facts:

• 180 Buildings
• 10 Million Square Feet of Showspace
• 80,000 Attendees Each Market
• More Than 2000 Exhibitors
• 106 Countries Represented
• Tens of Thousands of New Product Introductions
• Approximately 10% of Attendees Are International

Since 1981, Johnston Casuals has produced furniture that is not only beautiful but made to last. From hand grinding to robotics, to automated powdercoating, their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility utilizes the latest technology and the pride of over a hundred skilled artisans.

From dining and bar options to occasional furniture, shelves and baker's racks, Johnston Casuals has hundreds of well-built contemporary designs that keep comfort and function as the hallmark of their products.

Is it Time for a New Clock?

Clocks are generally an afterthought when it comes to accessorizing a room, yet they are likely one of the most used accessories that you own. You might still have the same clock that you received for a wedding gift or perhaps it was a  Christmas present from your dear mother-in-law. If you have a worn out, dated, or even just an ugly clock that you keep moving from house to house, or room to room,  and the darn thing just keeps on ticking, then maybe it's time to donate it to Goodwill and freshen up your walls with a brand new look.

Clock designs have come a long way in the past twenty years or so. Adding these home accessories to your decor will combine artistic form and color, along with function, that you most likely will use on a daily basis. Now how many accessories do you own that you can say that about? Some clocks may even include additional functions than just giving you the time of day. They may also give you the date, the indoor and outdoor temperatures and even the barometric pressure, if that's the kind of information that you find useful before you venture out into the elements.

A manufacturer that offers some great clock designs is Uttermost. Shown here in this blog post are two clocks that offer you more than just the time of day. How about a clock like the one shown above where to can view some of your favorite photos of the people and places you love the most while you are checking the time of day? If you're a traveler, or frequently do business in other areas of the country or globe, the clock at the right allows you to view two different time zones as well as your own.

Whether your passion is color, gears, animals, contemporary, classic, whimsical, or anything else, you can easily  find a clock in a multitude of sizes, designs, colors, material and style that will fit your personal style and decor.

LEDA Furniture: Italian in Design, Built by Canadian Craftsmen

It is a rare manufacturer that presents hand-crafted, North-American made furniture available in a range of affordable prices and current styles. Here at Carolina Rustica, we have been consistently impressed by Leda Furniture, a family-owned company that makes its product outside of Toronto, Canada. By keeping their total product count to a manageable level, while at the same time refining their production capabilities, Leda Furniture has kept consistent growth and offers an outstanding value to the consumer. A great example of this is the Leda Lounge Collection Staggered Wall Shelf shown at left, with its strong simple lines.

LEDA has been manufacturing fine furniture in Ontario, Canada for over 40 years. They offer timeless collections combining detailed styling with meticulous old world craftsmanship. Beginning in 1967, manufacturing custom-made furniture and parts, Lino Confalone has built LEDA by gradually adding to the product offering.

ACHIEVEMENTS: LEDA is the proud recipient of many coveted TRILLIUM AWARDS for design & manufacturing and as well as GRAND TRILLIUM AWARDS for design/marketing excellence from the Ontario Furniture Manufacturing Association, and the Better Homes and Gardens CONSUMER AWARD in England.

The LEDA Furniture Story

The Leda motto is "Always looking to the future, never losing sight of the past". It was a vision conceived in the heart of Italy, then brought to life in Canada by the company's founders, Lino and Leda Confalone.

Both Lino and Leda's fathers were woodworkers and talented artisans. Following the family tradition, Lino was inspired to create a business working with wood, and rapidly progressed from finishing kitchen cabinets to creating the enterprise we see today. Leda is responsible for such gorgeous pieces such as the Astoria Dresser, seen here in the Retro Mahogany finish on our floor here at Carolina Rustica. Not only is the inlay veneer completely striking, but the hand-cast silver hardware is uniquely beautiful as well.

After a period of great expansion in the 1970s and 1980s, what was once Italcraft became known as the present-day Leda Furniture. "When we changed our name from Italcraft to Leda, it was to show our pride in our all-Canadian made furniture. The name Leda seemed appropriate; it is elegant, unique like Leda, my wife, and like the furniture we create." said Lino. He is justifiably proud of the company's top-of-the-line machinery, including a number of sophisticated CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) machines, ensuring Leda's status as a truly high-tech furniture manufacturing entity. The couple’s two children are very involved in the family business. Today Marco and Sergio hold the positions of President and Vice President, respectively.

February Sale - New Additions!

Now that your sweet tooth has been satisfied with that box of chocolate (and hopefully some other goodies) it’s time to start thinking about early spring redecorating. Traditionally, President’s Day has been one of the best times of the year to start on that venture…. and here at Carolina Rustica, we want to continue that heritage. Starting today, we will be offering some great furniture and home accent specials from our most popular brands, like Lexington, Bernhardt, Century, Hickory White, and others. Don't forget about our other sales still in effect such as Hooker Furniture, Ambella Home, Barclay Butera Lifestyle, Currey and Company, and an exclusive offer from Serta. We also have lighting from Murray Feiss and a President's Day Only sale from Uwharrie Chair! Lastly, remember to check out our enticing Clearance section, which features many in-stock items and changes from day to day. The manufacturer specials featured are for a limited time, so be sure to take advantage of them by the end of the month. As always our clearance section is very limited availability and in most cases only one is in stock. If you have any questions please feel free to give our design experts a call at 800-205-7819 for more information. Enjoy the Season and Happy Shopping! Richard Sexton President

Was: $2361 Now: $1180 in stock Was: $5994 Now: $2997 in stock

A sampling of our Bernhardt casegoods. Click here to shop Bernhardt.

Was: $1699 Now: $975 Was: $799 Now: $599 Was: $899 Now: $650 Was: $899 Now: $650 Was: $599 Now: $299 Was: $3297 Now: $1450 Was: $1800 Now: $599 Was: $1700 Now: $500