At Long Last..Bernhardt Furniture!

There are some furniture names that are synonymous with quality...names that engender an instant recognition of a certain level of quality and distinction. It is our distinct privilege to announce that we are now carrying Bernhardt Furniture.   The Bernhardt family has been crafting fine furniture since 1889, one of the oldest names out there in the business. Located in our home state of North Carolina, the company produces a broad line of upholstered furniture in both contemporary and traditional styles, and all transitional styles in between.  It is truly an astounding variety of styles, as well as quality wood furniture for the dining room, bedroom, living room and home office.  Bernhardt is also an unmatched value in the marketplace.


There are a few new collections in Bernhardt that have met with outstanding success, such as Artisan Estate.  This collection makes a rather bold statement, even with its understated spirit. Inspired by the enduring Tuscan country style, the collection exhibits insight into what makes people comfortable. First, simplicity – absolutely nothing fussy. Then, calmness and tactile appeal, communicated here through broad expanses of soft-touch woods that show the mark of the craftsman and appear worn by time and life. Finally, some zeal and enthusiasm for life, by incorporating one bold, curved, glamorous statement piece into every living area. Furniture surfaces display a soft natural sheen as a result of hand-finishing waxes. The artisanal aesthetic is enhanced by handmade, heavy bellpulls and knobs with a naturalized iron patina – this unique hardware comes directly from the blacksmith shop. Select designs feature earthy cast stone in an aged limestone finish.  All in all, its the perfect look for your upscale casual home.


Bernhardt has also introduced an entirely new collection called Bernhardt Interiors. The collection features upholstery with classic modern flair and livability. Options in the upholstered beds, seating, and dining chairs include a fantastic collection of fabrics, nailheads, and finishes – all upholstered and customized in Lenoir, North Carolina. Several new occasional styles are fully wrapped in shagreen, parchment, linen or antiqued mirror.  Others feature hammered, cast iron, or blackened aged steel frames. Every piece in the collection is designed to either stand alone or complement the additional pieces in the group.  




Another incredible collection from Bernhardt is Bon Maison, French for "The good home". Designed to provide comfort, beauty, and a human touch to families, Bon Maison by Bernhardt is a lesson in style.  With quiet understated forms, simple softly rounded lines, and minimal ornamentation, this is a gentle look with worn, weathered, natural looking woods. This is certainly going to be one of the most popular new introductions from Bernhardt this season.

The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte

This month (April 2011), the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be opening!  This is such an important community endeavor, sponsored by some outstanding companies in addition to McDonalds.   


This information is from the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte website (found here):


The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte will be one of the more than 280 Houses operating worldwide today. Since 1974, Ronald McDonald Houses have united in a common purpose – to offer hope, support and love to families struggling with children’s illness. The goal of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to improve the health and well-being of nearly 3.7 million children worldwide every year – and it has indeed made a global impact. And while its approach is to think globally, RMHC acts locally by tailoring programs and services that address the most urgent needs of each community it serves. With a network of local chapters, like the one here in Charlotte, its core programs can be found in 52 countries and regions around the globe. 

Where there is a sick child who needs specific treatment at a children's medical facility, a Ronald McDonald House is open to welcome and comfort families in need. Families are stronger when they are together, which helps in the healing process. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents can also better communicate with their child’s medical team, and keep up with complicated treatment plans as needed.


Carolina Rustica has worked with designer Kamonda Phillips to furnish Suite 209 in the RMH of Charlotte. The facility looks absolutely beautiful and Kamonda's Suite looks wonderful as well, she did a fantastic job! We feel so privileged to be a small part of this important community facility. 








BarcaLounger is Back!

One of the most-recognized names among all furniture brands, Barcalounger has renewed operations in 2011, and we could not be happier.   BarcaLounger has a storied history in the world of leisure furniture, and was our best-selling leather recliner line up until they got caught in the financial meltdown of recent years, which was a pity for this decades-old name.  The good news is that BarcaLounger is back, providing some of the best-loved designs in top-grain leather, with multiple reclining options such as wall huggers, swivel recliners and rocker recliners.
Barcalounger Cutaway view

BarcaLounger Quality is All About Using The Finest Construction Available
  • Heavy duty sinuous springs
  • Heavy gauge steel mechanism by Legget &  Platt
  • Kiln dried frames
  • Carved legs are doweled and glued
  • Deeply padded back
  • High resiliency foam seat
  • Heavy duty nylon thread
  • Locking T-nuts prevent screw backout

Here are some BarcaLounger favorites:

Barcalounger Spectra II
BAR-7-4721
Free Shipping. Stargo Black Leather Splits (5451-13).
$868.00
Lead Time: Approx. 42-56 days
Barcalounger Platinum II
BAR-8-5246
Free Shipping. Stargo Cream Leather Splits (5451-19).
$868.00
Lead Time: Approx. 42-56 days
Barcalounger Ashton II
BAR-7-4483
Free Shipping. Chaps Havana Brown (5401-17) Leather with Espresso...
$1088.00
Lead Time: Approx. 42-56 days


Barcalounger Churchill II
BAR-7-4440
Free Shipping. Double Fudge (5404-41) or Art Burl (5406-42) Top G...
$1088.00
Lead Time: Approx. 42-56 days
Barcalounger Craftsman II
BAR-7-4411
Free Shipping. Chaps Saddle Top Grain Leather (5401-16). Dark Oak...
$1088.00
Lead Time: Approx. 42-56 days
Barcalounger Longhorn II
BAR-7-4727
Free Shipping. Chaps Saddle Top Grain (5401-16). Espresso Leg Fin...
$1088.00
Lead Time: Approx. 42-56 days



Henry Link Furniture Collection by Lexington Home Brands

The 2011 Spring High Point International Furniture Market ends today, and my legs are saying "thank you!".  After six days of visiting current and future suppliers, I am both excited and exhausted at the same time.   Our partnerships with our key manufacturers is only going to grow stronger, with brands such as Hickory White, Century Furniture, Hooker Furniture, and Wesley Allen, just to name a very few.   There is so much innovation out there in terms of producing unique looks at fantastic price points, its amazing.   The key dynamic is creating innovative, quality products at price levels that reflect the value of the item.    We support the middle-high market, so we find value in even more expensive groups like Bob Timberlake by Century, or Sanctuary by Hooker Furniture.

All of this is leading up to announcing the wonderful new Henry Link Trading Company furniture introduction by Lexington Home Brands.  Its a stunning collection utilizing natural motifs and unique organic materials, and it blends perfectly with some of Lexington's best-selling Tommy Bahama Furniture Brands.


Click here to view the debut video of the Henry Link Trading Company furniture introduction by Lexington.

Here is the official press release from Lexington Home Brands:
We often dream of travel to romantic destinations and places unknown, but we find our lives get too busy to pursue those aspirations. Henry Link Trading Company displays a passion lies in the discovery of unique and exotic furniture designs from every part of the globe, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of pieces that were hand-selected by a group of well-traveled collectors and designers for the timeless style.

Items in the group are classic in styling, but fresh and contemporary in their interpretation. Natural materials are used -- exotic woods, travertine and marble, shell inlay, aged brass and metal, leather-wrapped rattan, and woven cane.  These materials enhance the beauty of hand crafted designs from around the world. Unique finishes impart a one-of-a-kind look to distinctive silhouettes that are destined to capture your imagination.