We are excited to introduce A-America, our newest all-wood furniture supplier.  Though not a highly-recognized brand name like Hooker or Lexington, A-America has a great product made from all wood, with a solid design and really great prices.   We are really looking forward to selling this product, which we are just getting in here at Carolina Rustica.   This information was taken from their website, which is worth a visit (it is not yet on Carolina Rustica).When you buy furniture from A-America, you are making a responsible decision to maintain a healthier planet. The solid hardwoods and time-tested craftsmanship used to build your furniture ensure premium quality, luxury and durability. You can relax knowing that both your new solid wood furniture pieces and the forests they came from will be around to enjoy for generations. American Hardwoods such as alder, ash, oak, cherry and hickory reproduce prolifically. Currently nearly twice as much hardwood grows each year than is harvested, which is why in the last 50 years the volume of hardwood in U.S. forests has doubled. American foresters follow a simple rule: On-going replenishment equals a sustained supply. Hardwood trees are grown through a process patented by nature. They’re not mined or created through a chemically intense manmade process. Trees use the power of sunlight to separate carbon dioxide into carbon and oxygen atoms. The carbon is used to grow roots, trunk, branches, and leaves, while the oxygen is released to enrich the air. After a tree is harvested a very small amount of energy is needed to turn it into lumber or other wood products. Our Asian hardwood, mahogany and New Zealand pine are plantation grown and are also legally harvested and certified and controlled under the Lacey Act standards. 

ABOUT THE WOOD

ALDER

Alder wood has been used in many ways throughout history. Common alder is a member of the birch family, yet the fine, even texture of alder wood makes it similar to cherry. We often refer alder as the “poor man’s cherry” because of its beauty and affordable value. Its appearance and high quality make it a popular choice for furniture and cabinets. Red alder grown in the Pacific Northwest is medium in density and is the preferred specie used to build furniture. Alder trees are a gift from Mother Nature since they replant themselves in the forest by dropping its cones and plentiful.

BIRCH

Birch wood is a hardwood that is extremely strong and durable and so is a smart choice for solid hardwood furniture. Birch wood has a beautiful appearance; it is fine grained and has a pale color giving it an elegant look to clean line furniture designs. In recent years, solid birch is finished in dark espresso color because the heavy density in the lumber makes it harder to dent and scratch, therefore, keeping it looking newer longer. Birch trees used for furniture come from Europe and Russia fin colder climate regions. 

CHERRY

Real Solid Cherry wood is perhaps the most prized furniture hardwood in America.  In fact, some of the highest valued antiques in the world are made of cherry wood. Our craftsmen typically use natural solid cherry that is grown in sustainable forests in Pennsylvania region, as that is home to the finest cherry wood in the entire world. For each piece of furniture, natural cherry boards are carefully selected for excellence in grain match, color and width. When you own solid cherry furniture, you will experience the “metamorphosis” of this wood by watching its beautiful glowing patina deepen and become more beautiful with age.

HARDWOOD

Solid Hardwoods are primary milled from rubber wood trees which are plantation grown and responsibly harvested in Southeast Asia. Trees are cut down once they have aged and have completed their latex sap production cycle. Amazingly, the rubber wood tree species is fast-growing, yet also very high in density and provides a hard wood material, excellent for furniture production. Today, the most well-known American furniture brands use solid Asian hardwoods because of its durability and can be finished in to beautiful high-end looks.

HICKORY

A-America is proud to claim to be the only manufacturer who has successfully produced and imported Solid Hickory furniture. Why? It is because solid hickory is an extremely difficult material to use in building furniture with. Hickory is part of the pecan and walnut family and is usually from the Pennsylvania region. Hickory wood is very hard, stiff, dense and shock resistant. There are woods that are stronger than hickory and woods that are harder, but the combination of strength, toughness, hardness, and stiffness found in hickory wood is not found in any other commercial wood. Only the most experienced craftsman can make beautiful our “Amish Quality” hickory furniture.

MAHOGANY

Why will you love Solid Mahogany furniture? Because it is affordable value and have exceptionally beautiful stature. With growing concern for our environment and the deforestation of the rain forests around the world, it is significant to inform our customers that none of the wood used in the crafting of our furniture stems from the Indonesian rain forest. The farmers carefully grow the trees in distinctive patterns, each field displaying trees in various stages of growth. Once the mature trees are harvested, the fields are re-seeded to maintain a healthy reforestation. The government controls and regulates all wood cuttings. Mahogany is a medium density wood that has color variances combining white, pink, peach, grey and brown wood tones to create a more exotic look with stunning with unique patterns that adds character to your home.

MANGO

A top trend in home décor is furnishings made of Solid Mango wood. Yes, the very same trees providing us with delicious mango fruits can age and when they are done giving out fruits, they can be made in to beautiful furniture. Mango trees are fast-growing and plantation grown in Southeast Asia region. Mango wood has unique “Tigard” stripes and multitudes of grain and color variations. Perhaps its best character would be the “Glow” in the wood once finished. It is a hard wood which will provide durability even with everyday usage. Mango lumber is best used in a rustic finish and craftsman designs. It is easy to love this beautiful, exotic wood that is also an affordable value.

MAPLE

Red maple, which is also called Soft Maple is a medium-high density wood, from deciduous trees in eastern North America. Soft maple takes any finish colors well, though like all maple, its grain and color varies from white to grey tones with mineral deposits. These natural wood characteristics are becoming more and more sought after because it adds an “Organic” feel to furniture. Soft maple can be mixed in production of furniture with birch wood to create a better value. 

OAK

Beautiful Solid Oak wood adapts well in a wide range of light to dark finishes to create modern or traditional designs. The oak wood is durable and long lasting because oak trees take their time to grow slowly to produce high density material. It is no wonder that some of the most treasured American antiques are made of oak. If fact with proper care, you can continue using this oak furniture for even a century so what you buy today will be your children’s heirlooms. Oak wood is known to be scratch, stain and dust resistance; hence it does not need regular cleaning like other woods.

See more all-wood furniture suppliers on Carolina Rustica!  And thank you A-America for this great information!

High Point Furniture Shopping Tips

Every once in awhile, we run across some furniture tips so common-sense, we must share them!   Here are some basic furniture shopping tips from our friends at High Point Furniture Directory, one of our lead referral services: 

1. You can buy furniture, rugs and accessories from the stores on this website without coming to North Carolina. However, if you are planning to come to North Carolina remember to bring swatches or color samples of furniture, drapes, fabrics, paint or wallpaper that you will need to color match. If swatches aren't available, take good color pictures on your phone or Ipad and bring them with you.  Better yet, upload them to a photo sharing site that you can access at the store (our suggestion)

2. If you are buying furniture for a whole room or entire house, bring a floor plan of each room (include window, door & ceiling measurements) to help you select furniture with the correct dimensions. Measure other pieces of furniture in the room to ensure that your new furniture will be compatible in scale. (one  example is AICO furniture's Hollywood Swank Collection, which is very large scale, like many AICO groups)


3. If necessary, take hall measurements, door measurements and ceiling measurements. If you are buying furniture that will go upstairs in a two or three story house, bring measurements of the hall and stairway so that you can make sure any furniture that you buy can be carried up your stairway.  This is really important for both you and the retailer!

4. Decide on the furniture style that you like. You can bring pictures of furniture that you like from your favorite home furnishings magazines.  Take pictures on your phone of items you like in other homes, offices, or stores (but ask permission first)

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5. With todays eclectic styles of decorating, many people use different types and finishes of wood in the same room. Select interesting pieces of furniture that complement each other and reflect your taste. If you have oriental and/or decorative rugs that you will be using, make certain that the fabric that you choose for upholstery will complement the colors and design of your rug.

6. To make small rooms look bigger, select furniture and accessories with colors that closely match the walls and floors. Also, reduce the number of pieces of furniture in the room and add reflective surfaces such as mirrors and glass-top tables.

7. To make a large room look smaller and more intimate, position furniture away from the wall and use taller pieces such as an entertainment center, armoire or screen. Use rugs, patterned upholstery fabrics and printed wallpaper to give the area a warm and more comfortable feeling.

8. When shopping for upholstered furniture, try to get the facts about the basic construction: springs, frames, padding, cushions and fabric. Always test furniture that will be used for seating by doing just that: sit on it! Consider how well the chair fits your particular body build. The height of the arms, the pitch of the back and the support under your knees should feel right for your body.  Use customer reviews of the product to determine how long it may last and any issues (our suggestion)

Another suggestion we have here at Carolina Rustica: Call or email ahead!  Give the store or salesperson a chance to get some information together beforehand, and your visit will go that much smoother.   It is sometimes easier to work with one professional who can learn your design style or preferences.


Happy Shopping!

Summer Time Means Paula Deen Furniture!

Its really amazing how quickly Paula Deen furniture has become iconic in the furniture industry.   Introduced about 5 years ago, this group is manufactured by Universal Furniture and strictly distributed through authorized dealers like Carolina Rustica.   The collection has a huge, cross-market appeal for two simple reasons: accessible design and price.    Lets face it, Paula Deen is not going to design furniture for Manhattan lofts...that is the job of licensees like Donald Trump or Jane Seymour.   Paula designs for comfort and simplicity.   Her collection features a limited number of finishes, such as Tobacco, Linen, and Sea Oat.   They also feature designs that can be used in any number of decor styles, such as transitional, cottage, and coastal (just to name a few).    Some of the most popular pieces are here on our showroom floor, such as the Sea Oat Utility Cabinet, which has a wonderful arched louvred door and lots of great storage.   The light finishes available also make this a great collection to feature during the summer, since it reminds us of porchfronts and warm breezes.

Paula Deen is a beloved personality, and Universal has really tapped into that appeal with their whole marketing approach to this group.  There are plenty of first-hand stories from Paula about what inspired each individual piece, such as the Down Home Bubbas Chest, designed for that Southern Guy who absolutely needs a place for everything (and this has it!) This gives the group a warmth and depth that is sometimes missing in furniture introductions.   It is  an extra step that creates a bond between the homeowner and Paula...similar to how she seems to reach out to you personally when she is on her cooking show.    The warmth of the finish seems to echo the warmth conveyed by Paula herself.

The other aspect of Paula Deen is that the furniture crosses generations...some of her pieces have a bit of the old Pottery Barn look and feel, and thus appeal to a younger consumer.   Simple designs have always done best (at least for us), and certainly first-time homeowners lean towards less ornamentation and more functionality.   Take the Kitchen Organizer Pantry in Oatmeal finish, for example.   Practical storage but very very fashionable as well.   We especially love the vintage style hardware and faceplates for keeping track of everything.

In our business, you know a line has been successful when other manufacturers introduce new collections and tell you "its just like Paula Deen".   Why not just buy Paula Deen?   Give us a call at 800-205-7819 and we will be happy to assist you in this endeavor!

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.