Our Ceiling Fan Give-Away Was a Hit!


We recently finished a give-away sweepstakes with one of my favorite design sites, My Design Secrets. This is a great resource for shoppers looking to decorate using a particular style as a benchmark. Lorrie has an encyclopedic knowledge of design motifs, styles, and resources.   I recommend it, even though it might point to our competitors!  

Anyway, we gave away a beautiful Emerson Palazzo ceiling fan.  All you had to do was go onto our site and select one or two items for your "wish list", let us know what it was, and boom!  you were entered into the contest (managed by My Design Secrets) We were so pleased by the impressive turn out and response. The winner of this gorgeous ceiling fan was in shock and simply ecstatic as you can tell by her reaction below:

"WOW!! I'm so excited; this will look so good in my living room! Thank you so much!!"

Sheila H.

But she was the only one who was excited. Below are all the great reviews and comments of the products we carry.  Now mind you, I have only copied the first 100 comments!  We actually had 3 times that in the drawing!



Ali Says:
The first item on my wishlist would be the Charleston Forge Retreat Bookcase- because it’s gorgeous, and it goes with my stuff!
The next would be the Hunter Kenroy Fountain - Floor - Weathered Sphere - because it’s just cool, and I’ve always wanted a fountain.
FWIW- the fan would look great in my livingroom!

Kim Says:
I love the Tommy Bahama Curacao Reef collection - and the armoire and triple dresser would definitely be the two items at the top of my list!

Carol Says:
The Corsican Rabbit Blanket Holder and the Corsican Traditional Cradle are my faves

Debbie Says:
I like both Lexington amoires because, it is a great way to organize blankets and pillows.

Katharina Says:
My two choices are:
(1) Trump Home Westchester Cortlandt Manor Executive Desk … because it’s soooo much nicer than my current desk :)

and (2) Bauer Stiles Brothers Library because I have a spot in my home where it would look incredibly beautiful.

mineola Says:
John Boos Pro Prep Bloc Work Table

Charleston Forge Provincial Coffee Table

They top my wish list!!!!! :)

Baba Says:
Tommy Bahama Kingstown Bonaire Round Extension Dining Table
Product#: 621-870C is looking wonderful for the Stone House project. It would fit with the Victorian look we are after. And also Emerson Julianne Ceiling Fan in Aged Walnut
Product#: CF220AGW because we are going to need another for the Stone House and I love the look of this one!

Cheryl F Says:
I love the Palecek Hudson Leather Ottoman, I’ve been wantng a large one like this for awhile and it would go great with the decor I have. I also like the Designers Fountain Savannah Island Light, I’ve been wanting to put a light over the bar and this would be perfect.

Nadine L Says:
I really like the Iron Bowl by Bago Luma and the Denby Everyday Black Pepper 16 Pc Set.

Wanda Says:
Wow! So many beautiful things! The Tommy Bahama Rumba del Sol Chest on Chest is at the top of my List, because of its lovely style, gorgeous color, and enormous capacity. It has features that make it ideal for coping with modern life!
Also at the top, and not necessarily second, is the Palecek Bar Harbor Rocker, which I would use indoors. I have long wanted a rocker because they are a “comfort” item that takes me back to a simpler, more homey time. I would choose premium options for the cushions so that anyone sitting in this chair would feel coddled and at rest.
Wonderful giveaway! I love the ceiling fan, too, and would put it to very good use. Thank you.

Brandlyn Says:
Tommy Bahama Armoire and the Stiles Brother Library. SO many things to choose from. I love everything!

Jacquelyn Cannon Says:
My favorite are the Bauer Stiles Brothers Library and the Bauer Bedroom Furniture.

Janet Adams Says:
My husband needs a new recliner. It needs to be real comfy because he has to sleep in it. He has a bad back and can no longer sleep in a bed. Barcaloungers Rio Chase recliner, product #7-6609 looks very comfy. I also like the Cooper Classics Franklin round wall clock, product #coop4419. It has very large numbers, easy to read and stylish. These two items are at the top of my extensive wish list.

Linda White Says:
melody bedframe set

Stacey Brown Says:
My favorite are the Bauer Stiles Brothers Library and the Bauer Bedroom Furniture.

Pat Ramey Says:
there are so many beautiful crafted things.
everything is so gorgeous!
My choice would be The Tommy Bahama del Sol Chest on chest, and Bauer bedroom furniture. If I ever win the lotto, guess what store I will be shopping!

Angela C Says:
Since I have mismatched bedroom furniture…I would love love love to have this…Tommy Bahama Home Collection Seven Day Chest of Drawers and this…Tommy Bahama Home Collection Island Breeze Dresser. Absolutely GORGEOUS!
Thanks!

Shilo Beedy Says:
I love the Bauer Stiles Brothers Library to put all my books in. I also love the Bauer Barbados Writing Desk do do my writing at. I have always wanted a desk like that.

Jennifer B. Says:
I like the triple vanity lights and the Lexington Zacara Baltic Buffet.

Theresa Shafer Says:
Minka Aire Napoli II Ceiling Fan in Tuscan Patina. Nice design and would look attractive in our dining area which needs a lighted fan.
Tommy Bahama Rumba del Sol Chest on Chest. An ideal piece, in that I have limited floor and a tall dresser would allow lots of storage.

Chris Says:
I love the Bridgehampton series. It all looks so cool and crisp.

Carolyn G Says:
I really like the John Boos Standing Butcher’s PCA Block (24×24) . I need one in the kitchen for that extra counter space.

Ken Robinson Says:
My wish list would include the Bauer Stiles Brothers Workstation 8′ and Bauer Stiles Brothers Bookcase. Please accept my entry. Thank you.

Mary DeBorde Says:
What beautiful items - hard to pick just two!
Okay, I would definitely pick the Barbados Armoire and the Fine Art Lamps Belgrave Square Bath light!!!

Rita M Says:
Oh my goodness! What a great website - I bounced from page to page and must have changed my picks 6 or 7 times. My first pick would have to be the Tommy Bahama Home Collection Sea Breeze Round Dining Table and a very close second would be the Sarreid Chatham Crossing Double Bookcase with the Marble Top.

MRS.MOMMYY Says:
World of Bob Timberlake King Size Piedmont Bed and the high dresser….because we need new furniture and a new bed would be a blessing instead of just the frame we use

Linz Says:
Difficult to find one favorite - but if I have to decide on one its the Bauer Cricket Club Sofa

Katt Says:
I just moved and have a formal dining room for the first time. I would like to furnish it with the Trump Home Westchester Irvington Rectangular Dining Table. I would also get the matching buffet/sideboard. Thanks!

jess Says:
I lvoe the tommy bahama armoir and the Charleston Forge Provincial Coffee Table. thanks so much!

adrienne Gordon Says:
Bauer Barrel Chair Upholstered would look great in our livingroom.Casablanca Bungalow Ceiling Fan is soemthing that fits with our sunroom.

GINA FANN Says:
Youve got to be joking only two favorite things off this site .I found lots and lots just in living room and bedroom. But i made a choice of only two so here it is. TOMMY BAHAMA KINGSTOWN TRAFALGAR ARMOIRE AND INDUS BED,KING SIZE BY WESLEY ALLEN. That was so hard to choose.

djgroz Says:
BarcaLounger Galaxy Swivel Lounger/Mine recliner has bit the dust and I need a new one!
Wright Design Fireplace Screen/my son has a fireplace and this would makea nice birthday present.
Thanks for the great contest

Barbara McCrea Says:
At the top of my wish list would have to be the John Boos Cucina Classico Maple Top Table, I have been wanting a new kitchen Island and My husband would be able to get up to it even in his wheelchair.
susan varney Says:
queen ann chairs and i also like the glass coffee tables

mickeyfan Says:
Oh man, they have Cal King headboards!!! I really like the Remington. We’ve also been looking at ceiling fans, and I like the Kichler Cottage Grove. (Tho I have to say the one you’re giving away is GORGEOUS!)

Janice Whitaker Says:
Sarreid Chatham Crossing Long Console Trunk With Iron Fittings
Sarreid Chatham Crossing Small Bookcase With Glass Panel Doors

Deborah R Says:
We recently bought a 1920s home and are working to restore it - a couple of thing that would look great in our home are the Barcelona Bar Table Base by Bago Luma and the Lexington Hancock Park Hillcrest Entertainment & Bedroom Armoire, Cognac Finish.

Cathy W. Says:
I have interior damage to my fireplace and have been told that I should have been using in insert to protect against high heat damage. I never knew anything like that even existed. Carolina Rustica has several of these inserts and I love the Pennsylvania Firebacks Large Oak Fireback one. They also have the Pennsylvania Firebacks Fireback Saf-T-Boots which allows the insert to be placed at any angle preferred. I was interested to learn that the inserts also help heat the room.

The site is wonderful and they have many things that I love. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

June Says:
I love this design..Carolina Rustic…would go beautiful in my bedroom The design makes the fan blend into the room not just a black spot on the ceiling.

Jaque Says:
Top on my list is the classic Tommy Bahama Kingstown Warmick Sofa. I do need a new sofa, but I want this because it is gorgeous! My second is the BarcaLounger Presidential Recliner, this is just so retro and is the epitomy of luxury!

Thank you so very much for this opportunity…love the ceiling fan! :)

Nancy Kee Says:
Casablanca Bungalow Ceiling Fan
Jewelry for my bedroom
Time for a decorating Plan
Couldn’t come too soon!

jeannie Says:
I desperately need new furniture. I love the Bauer Cape Town Dresser and the Lexington Hancock Park Carson Sofa. Both are just beautiful! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.

Len Massey Says:
I think the George Kovacs Torii Collection 3 bulb Bath light would look great in my new bathroom and I would probably get the Grandfather Clock by Bago Luma Product#: WMC274 for my mother. She has always wanted a grandfather clock and this awesome looking one would surely fit her taste. Thanks for this great giveaway, I already have a place to put this classic fan!

Mary M Says:
The Lexington Long Cove Midnight Series
Seabury Dresser and
Lake Shores Chest ~
because I love the style and
I’ve been longing for new bedroom furniture for years and years!
TU for the giveaway!

pammyb Says:
I really like the Landmark Lighting Buckingham Collection Island Light in Antique Silver and the Cooper Classics Royston Mirror — could use both of them — THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY !!!!!!

Kenneth Scoville Says:
What wonderful products. I LOVE the Thayer Coggin Design Classic Left Sectional Loveseat. Would go great with exixting pieces in our family room. The Quoizel Duchess 5 light chandelier matches the lighting in our kitchen beautifully. I will probably order this piece when we get our tax refund. We have the perfect room for your ceiling fan which we hope to win.

Ly Taing Says:
1. John Boos Solid Walnut Gathering Block - beautiful, beautiful. I’d love this for my kitchen because I have a real love for all things “solid” and “rugged”. It’s so expensive, though!

2. Saeco Primea Ring Espresson & Coffee Maker - Beautiful piece of machine. A bit too over the top for the home but hey, you gotta go for the best!

Caroline Rustica has too many great things to pick from! Wish I had a bigger pocket book. Hahaha

Donna S. Says:
Trump Home Central Park Riverside Entertainment Hutch because I hate the one I have and this one is beautiful AND Veranda Collection Cocktail Table from Uwharrie Chair because I would love to have a beautiful table for outside.

Lisa L Says:
Palecek Campaign Daybed & Ziba Rugs
Hand-Knotted Wool Rug, Zebra Pattern because at least I can dream about such cool furniture and rug in
my humble home.
Love to be able to buy all that I listed.

Jason C Says:
I could use the Barcaloungers Rio Chase recliner and the Sarreid Chatham Crossing Long Console Trunk With Iron Fittings.

Sharon H Says:
What cool place! I could spend all day just looking!
I love the Bauer Stiles Brothers Steamer Headboard & Bauer Steamer Armoire !
Thanks for the chance to win the fan - I would love this for my parents dining room!

Andrea D. Says:
I just love this site! So many items would match our house just perfect!I I have been looking for bar stools and I found these: Palecek Rustic Cane Swivel Barstool.
Everything is so beautiful. The other item would have to be something we could put over the pool table:
Landmark Lighting Santa Fe Collection 3-Light Island Light
Thanks for the great contest!

Patricia C Says:
I’m thinking about Summer, sick of the Winter. I like the Companion Series Arbor from Uwharrie Chair, I can imagine how beautiful it would be with morning glories twining up the arbor. I also love the Chat Collection 54-Inch Table from Uwharrie Chair, it would be perfect for card games and frozen lemonade during the dog days of summer.

Thomas Dillen Says:
My wish list would have the Tommy Bahama Kingstown Trafalgar Armoire on it. It is a elagant Armoire that would be perfect for my Mother.

It would also have the Tommy Bahama Kingstown Port Royal Desk on it for me. It is the perfect size and would make a great focal point for my Office. Great website thanks for sharing.

allan Says:
Solid Walnut Gathering Block and Landmark Lighting Buckingham Collection Island Light in cooper

Kara Says:
My first wish list item woud be the Classic Bakers Rack by Bago Luma. I have always wanted a bakers rack and this one has everything that I want. My second item would be the Spring Air Sonoma Deluxe Euro Pillow Top Mattress Set in king. My husband and I have worn valleys into our current queen mattress. We are in desperate need of higher sleeping ground - and more elbow room :)

Cathy C Says:
Oh my gosh, how terrific! This is very hard with all the wonderful things to look at there, but as I am trying to update the light fixtures in a new (old) house, I would choose these as tops on my wish list:
1. Second Avenue Adrianna Chandelier with Crystal, in the French Bronze finish (for my dining room!)
2. Hinkley Lighting Landscape Path Lights, the lovely bird ones in the Sienna Bronze finish (at least 4 of them for my front path…we are supposed to WISH, aren’t we?)
Actually, that fan would be PERFECT for my family room!
Thanks for the chance to win it!

Karen E Says:
At the top of my wish list is the Lexington Zacara Queen Size Icon Panel Bed. Then of course I would have to have the dressers that go with it, making the Lexington Zacara Lowell Dresser, the Lexington Zacara Berkeley Chest, the Lexington Zacara Anatole Armoire and the Lexington Zacara Perry Bedside Chest items 2, 3,4, and 5 on my list. The rich color of the wood together with the clean lines makes the entire set ideal in my eyes.

christopher h Says:
the Denby Everyday Black Pepper 16 Pc Set & the Sarreid Chatham Crossing Small Bookcase With Glass Panel Doors

Kate. S Says:
Elk Lighting Viento Sconce & Designers Fountain Arabella Three-Light Vanity I love the look of these fixtures. Would definitely change the look of my bathrooms.

Mary Gunn Says:
OMGosh what a beautiful fan. I would put this in my dining room so everybody would notice it and it could be a conversation piece at dinner.

Erin Solano Says:
First, I would get the Large Woven Display Case by Bago Luma because it really matches my decor. Second, I would get the Regency Bunching Table Bases Bago because they complement my furniture.

Joan Says:
The Charleston Forge Sculptura Round Cocktail Table is fantastic. I just bought a new sofa and love seat and couldn’t find a table that was sturdy but light-weight looking-the Sculputa would be perfect.
Also, I have been looking for a bistro table for my kitchen and the Johnston Casuals Studio Bistro Table Base and Stools would fit my space and add to the cozy nook I enjoy so much.

Thom G. Says:
My wife and I would love the Lexington Hancock Park Hillcrest Entertainment & Bedroom Armoire for our bedroom and a Pennsylvania Firebacks Large Oak Fireback insert for one of our fireplaces.

Rebecca Graham Says:
The kitchen island and Kitchen block would be at the top of my list cause my kitchen needs updating really badly.

Autumn H. Says:
We are in the process of redecorating everything so 1st up would be this:

Bauer Stiles Brothers Library - although with the price tag of around $3500 it might be awhile until I get it =)
&
BarcaLounger Prestige Recliner

they have such gorgeous stuff!

autumn398 (at) yahoo.com

geekbearinggifts Says:
I think I just found the perfect ceiling fan for our bedroom! I also really like the Linwood Furniture American Classics Sleigh Bed and the Sarreid Chatham Crossing Large Chest of Twelve Drawers. Thank you for the generous offer!

Lindsay S. Says:
Brussels and Sawbridge beds. I love wrought iron beds and now that I have the mattress I’ve wanted for years I’m dying to get a bed frame.

Dillon S. Says:
Lexington Highland martini bar and Johnston impala encore server. I’m looking for a bar for my den and both of these are great.

Jan M. Says:
Lexington juliet sofa and nautica houston sofa. I like both of these sofas because they’re contemporary and have sleek lines. I would like either of them to redo the motif in my living room.

Dan M. Says:
Bauer Bombay nightstand and Bauer Bombay steamer nightstand. I love these nightstands. They are great because they have storage and I love the antique look.

Robin B Says:
The first item we’re interested in is the Standing Wine Chiller by Bago Luma. There’s no in our fridge to keep wine chilled, and this would be very handy. The second item is Urban Iron Bed, Queen Size by Elliott’s Designs. It’s a very attractive, minimalist design that would fit in well in our bedroom.

Steven T Says:
BarcaLounger Prestige Recliner and Cooper Classics Wilson Wall Clock

Carol Lawrence Says:
I picked the Epicurean Cutting Board,12×9 in Olive because I need one for my kitchen. My other item is the 8′ Bauer Stiles Brothers Workstation because I don’t have a place that’s nice to do my sweepstakes.

debi welbon Says:
Tommy Banama Bungalo king size bed with matching mirrored dresser and Linwood furniture american classics regescy pedestal extension table. Why is because we bought a new house and the old furniture - I would just rather not take them with me!

Darlene Says:
I would love furniture (all of it) from the Nautica Heritage collection.

Tracey Byram Says:
Bob Timberlake Salt Aire Planter’s Chest
Elk Lighting Heritage Sconce
Both would be beautiful in my bedroom.

Valerie Furr Says:
Oh my gosh this is an awesome site. I will be back. I love the fan it is very unique but a lot of the things on here are one of a kind.
I love the lamps especially the Meyda Tiffiany Lamp and the stone ware was really nice I liked the Beny Fire Chilli mugs. There was so many things I could have picked a lot from the site. We need a fan in our bedroom so bad and this one is just gorgeous.

Quanda Says:
I love the Tommy Bahama Kingstown Malabar Bed-King and the Tommy Bahama Kingstown Stony Point Dresser because of the quality craftsmanship of these items and because I need to replace my bedroom furniture.

david basile Says:
Corbett Outdoor Lighting

Messermeister Park Plaza Chef’s Knife, 8

Linda Lansford Says:
George Kovacs Tower Collection 4-Light Chandelier II
Product#: P374-615B

Rolled Arm Love Seat by Bago Luma
Product#: WSF219

My home is getting dated and thes items would spruce it up.

Brandy Says:
I really like this chandelier: Quoizel Lily 5 light Chandelier
I also like the Casablanca Mission Ceiling Fan

Janice Golden Says:
I would love to have a couple of the Barco lougers they look fantastic
We are making a den in the basement and they would be great

Maureen Hartsock Says:
i would love the furnitur form nautica heritage

Nita Says:
These 2 items would be great for my new home office/guest room.

Blake Sleeper Daybed by Wesley Allen
World of Bob Timberlake Bookcase

Sarah Says:
I’d get the Wright Design Fireplace Screen, it would go great with mine and the Charleston Forge Provincial Coffee Table because the one in my living room is on it’s last legs!

Deb Stewart Says:
I love any of the Tommy Bahama furniture, good quality

Cynthia Rockwell Says:
I would really like to have the John Boos Le Rustica American Cherry Work Table. It’s absolutely lovely and would add some much needed work space in my kitched. The Bauer Schooner Desk is another favorite. I would use this beautiful desk to replace my old, not so pretty, worn out one.

Vicky Boackle Says:
i love the iron and brass bed because mine is ancient and ugly.i also love the oeuf crib for a new baby on the way.

Joni L Says:
These are my faves, they would keep my everday need to use stuff hidden away and I would know exactly where to find it instead of stashing it out of sight and forgetting where that was.

Lexington Zacara Cielo End Table - style + function = I’ll take 3

Lexington Zacara Savoy Writing Desk with theLexington Zacara Savoy Box of Drawers for thing iin it’s place.

Susan C Says:
The Bauer Rangoon Bookcase would be on the top of my list, first because it’s gorgeous, and also, because I need more space for books. I also love the Spring Air Inspriration Super Pillow Top Mattress because it looks so comfortable!
Eleanor Twiss Says:
The Charleston Forge or the Bauer Console table for my foyer.

Kim Says:
I’d get the Lexongton Hancock Park Carson sofa to replace my crummy one that’s way past its prime. I’d also get a Ziba wool rug to warm up my front room.

Nicole Acuna Says:
Everything is just so beautiful!!! My top 2 are Palmer Home Palm Canyon Diego Rectangular Cocktail Table (because if its amazing craftsmanship, color and the fact there is plenty of storage space inside) and the Trump Home Westchester Queen Size Hastings Panel Bed. I LOVE the color and design of the wood and it looks so elegant definatly a must have.

Diana Says:
I love the Nantucket Collection Swing from Uwharrie Chair and Original Series Chaise Lounge from Uwharrie Chair for my back deck. these are lovely. thanks!

amber Says:
What a gorgeous fan! So pretty. I also like the Oxford Canopy Bed, and the Bauer Stiles Brothers Bookcase. Thanks!!

Denise Says:
The chairs in the Nantuckett Collection would look fab on my porch. Beautiful stuff all around! Thank you!!

kimberly b Says:
I like the Charleston Forge Provincial Coffee Table and the Bauer bedroom furniture.

McKim Says:
I would love the Hart Square Collection queen poster bed for our bedroom and the Birmingham queen bed for my spare bedroom. Neither bedroom has a headboard or footboard and I’ve always dreamed of having them.

andy Says:
I really like the Linwood Furniture Turento Collection 2-Door Chest/Amoire (desk and storage) and the Emerson Crown Ceiling Fan. Either would fill a need at my house.

Interior Design Society - IDS


We (Carolina Rustica) are trade members of IDS, the Interior Design Society, based here in High Point, NC.   The IDS describes itself as an "independent national organization more than 4,000 members strong. One of the country's largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry, the Interior Design Society offers members community, education and business support. Founded in 1973 by the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) to support interior designers based within furniture stores, the Interior Design Society has long since expanded its focus. All qualified residential design professionals, including those who work in a retail environment, are welcome and encouraged to join IDS as an adjunct to their classroom education"

The Charlotte Chapter of the IDS is a great mix of design professionals, trade affiliates, and showrooms like Carolina Rustica.  We have only been a member for a few months, but I enjoy the meetings tremendously, and have reconnected with some designers I knew from over 10 years ago when I had Himal Home Gallery on Kings Drive in Charlotte.

There are two main designer trade groups, IDS being one and the American Society of Interior Designers, or ASID, being the other.   ASID is perhaps a little more established, and its certainly older, but I like the peppiness of IDS.   I think IDS is perhaps a little more casual as well.   Each has a place in the design world, however, and its a pity the two rival organizations are not the best of pals (putting it mildly).   We intend to become trade affiliates with ASID as well, when I have the time to go to the meetings on a regular basis.

At Carolina Rustica, about 15% of our business is done through the trade.  And that number is growing, especially as mid-market consumers cut back.    Typically, your upper end customers work through designers, but that does not have to be the case.  Actually, interior designers work on all levels and are happy to accomodate almost any budget.  Here is another insight: Interior Designers can save you money.  Its true!  Many are able to negotiate discounted pricing with showrooms and dealers like Carolina Rustica, and some (but not all, of course) may pass those savings through to you.  If you are doing a large room with lots of items to purchase, this can actually result in significant savings,  especially if your designer is working by the hour.

Each designer works on a different basis for renumeration.  Some get a percentage back from the showroom or retailer.  Some work on an hourly basis.  Some set a price for the job.  It really depends, and as I mentioned earlier, they are very flexible in terms of working within your budget.  And of course, the results are wonderful.  After all, that is what they have trained for, and it is rigorous training indeed.

So go ahead and contact a designer, whether he or she is IDS or ASID or any of the other certifying organizations...and get started on your dream room!