Can you guess what appliance in your household actually helps reduce energy consumption and can help save on energy costs? If you can't tell by the post title - it's your ceiling fan! Yes, that's right - ceiling fans can help you save money!

It's not Fall quite yet, but we are in a stage of transitioning to a cooler season. This is a great time to turn down your thermostat and start using your ceiling fan more often - especially at night. When you adjust your thermostat by 2 degrees, it can actually add a whopping 14% to your energy bill! Using your ceiling fan will make you feel at least 2 degrees cooler so bring out the light blankets and use a fan instead of the costly central air that most of us are blindly using. By using nothing but ceiling fans, you can save over three trillion kilowatt hours of energy consumption!

Carolina Rustica is participating in National Ceiling Fan Day (started by Fanimation) on September 18, 2013 and we encourage everyone to be involved. The mission is to inform people about the cost-saving benefits that a simple ceiling fan can offer. All you have to do is:

1.) Turn off your central cooling system.
2.) Turn on your ceiling fan, floor fan, desk fan - any kind of fan!
3.) Let everyone know! Support by sharing - this will help bring more awareness.

Who knows - it may even become a routine habit for you and then you'll really see a difference in your energy bill. We carry several ceiling fans at our website that will look great in any of your rooms - and help you save money!

New In-Store Clearance Items from Kincaid

Usually when we post our new in-store clearance items online, they go pretty quickly.   Since we are a little behind in getting these products up on our site, I thought I would do a quick sneak preview of what we will be uploading here from one of our most important suppliers, Kincaid Furniture.  This is our usual first-come first-serve offer, and all you need to do is pick up the phone and call 800-205-7819 to order.   Your furniture will be on its way!  So without further ado....

Kincaid Meeting House Table and Chair Set (1 leaf available.  4 side chairs, 2 arm chairs, Solid Wood):  Reg. $2,200, In-Store Clearance Price $1,499 (this is one of Kincaid's most popular sets.  People will always love traditional cherry furniture)

The Kincaid Carson Sofa looks like it is much more expensive than it is!  It has a beautiful heavy chenille fabric and includes these gorgeous pillows.  This is brand new to our showroom!  Reg. $1,598  In-Store Clearance Price $1,399. Made in the USA.

 This Kincaid Sectional is unbelievably comfortable, and features Sunbrella Fabric, so it will last forever.  Includes pillow, and our Reg. $2,760 has now been reduced to an incredible In-Store Clearance Price $2,300. Made in the USA.

Kincaid Homecoming Pine Collection Kitchen Hutch and Buffet.   Its simply beautiful, and gives that upscale rustic touch to anywhere.   Made in the USA. Reg. $2,250  In-Store Clearance Price $1,450

Fine Furniture Design is Back!

Its always gratifying when we can re-connect with some of our favorite suppliers, which is the case with Fine Furniture Design.  This manufacturer, though not yet a household name, creates some of the nicest heirloom-quality furniture we have seen in their price category.   Their attention to detail is outstanding, and while they excel in traditional to transitional designs, they also have some plantation and contemporary groups as well.  We will explore a few here, to highlight the diversity of the overall portfolio and hopefully give you some decorating ideas in the process.   The four groups we will look at are Antebellum and Sunset Canyon (traditional), Palm Island (Plantation) and Cachet (Transitional to Contemporary).

Antebellum is one of their longest-standing groups and continue to do outstanding at the furniture market. The group is made from walnut solids, with maple and ebony inlay veneers.  The finish for this group is called Hermitage. In addition, the group has a classic Black and Gold finish, which reflects the traditional Continental influence of the collection.  With details such as sculpted case good fronts, with contrasting inlays of maple and ebony.    This traditional collection is truly a perfect fusion of craftsmanship and reflects a more poignant era that valued traditional woodworking and furniture finish skills.

Sunset Canyon is still a traditional collection, but unlike Antebellum, it is more relaxed with some transitional influences born out of California trends in home design.   Many homeowners prefer the more casual lifestyle that is projected from collections like Sunset Canyon, particularly empty-nesters who don't necessarily have those big family gatherings anymore.  The finish in this group is called Malibu, naturally enough, and it is a hand-rubbed finish on beautifully crafted alder veneers with some distressing on the tops.   The other great thing about this group is the use of accent metal on certain pieces along with some travertine (stone) tops.

Plantation-Style furniture is really increasing in popularity, with its relaxed island-inspired feel and the images it conveys of long weekends at the beach and an aspirational lifestyle. After all, who wouldn't want their life to be one, long weekend?  Here at Carolina Rustica, we have have half a dozen manufacturers of plantation-style furniture, and FFD's entry with Palm Island is a strong contender with our other island-oriented collections.  The finish on Palm Island is called Bali, and it is in a more casual tone that compliments the primavera veneers and hardwood solids to give this group a natural sun-bleached feel.  This bed has a woven padded twill with woven rattan which makes it very comfortable.

Last but not least, we have the occasional group of Cachet, with has both mid-century modern influences and some transitional elements as well, making it the perfect group for homeowners who want to select one individual piece at a time to customize the look of their living space.  Not everyone like to have matching suites, after all, and Cachet is a great way to give your room a curated collection feel. The silhouettes, finishes, and variety of treatments in this group allow it to be mixed and matched with itself, or other FFD collections.

We hope you take a look at Fine Furniture Design...they really are a quality manufacturer and a great choice for the upscale homeowner who wants heirloom quality furniture that makes a statement on its own.

Our Designer Rewards Program

A big part of our business here at Carolina Rustica is "to the trade", meaning, to accredited designers working on behalf of clients (or sometimes themselves).  Two of the largest nationwide organizations that educate, certify, and advocate for designers are:

The Interior Design Society (IDS) 

 The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

Carolina Rustica is proud to be a Industry Partner with both of these outstanding organizations, and to offer their members nationwide automatic participation in our Designer Rewards Program detailed below:



Welcome to the Designer Rewards Program for Carolina Rustica and our family of websites.
As a member, you will enjoy benefits like:

1. • 10% - 15% discount with our Tier Program*
2. • Personalized Service
3. • Exclusive sale and promotions for you and your clients

*Discount tiers refer to purchases made during a 12-month period (year to be measured from membership start date). Once a new tier amount is reached, the new discount rate goes into effect for 12 months. 

Member Benefits:

1. • No minimum purchase required
2. • We process the orders, set up delivery, and handle customer service so you can focus on design and building your clientele
3. • All of our products can be found online with detailed descriptions and pictures giving you instant, 24-hour access. Can’t get on the internet? Contact the Designer Rewards Manager directly or contact our Sales staff 7 days a week by phone or chat
4. • With our detailed “Narrow Your Search” toolbar, you can find your product in seconds, giving you more time to devote to your clients’ needs
5. • Pay NO Sales Tax (excludes MI, OH, UT, NC, & IN)

Begin your Membership!
Apply Online providing one or more documents from this list:

1. • Business license # with your trade name
2. • Resale Certificate # with your trade name
3. • Designer certification & proof of professional affiliation
4. • Website and/or advertisement

Contact: Kristi Day - Designer Rewards Manager
Phone: 1.810.225.4944 ext. 7221
Email: kristina@us-mattress.net
Fax: 810.229.2388

Hooker Furniture's Most Recent Collections

Hooker Furniture has always been one of our most steadfast suppliers, consistently introducing fashionable, well-built furniture at a price point that appeals to homeowners across the board.

The Estate collection is a new approach to antiques-inspired furniture design. Estate is an antiques upgrade that re-vitalizes vintage. Estate achieves an unexpected freshness through a diverse blend of multiple finishes and wood veneers, but retains many classic antique elements

Speaking of Classic….the beautiful medium chestnut colored finish on primavera veneers in Hooker’s Classique collection speak to this in volumes. Classique's offering of bedroom, dining room, and home entertainment furniture along with living room tables and writing desks presents an updated and casual approach to exquisite traditional forms.  The beautiful primavera veneers are complimented by crotch okume veneers which are used on signature pieces for added impact.

Lorimer is a collection that blends contemporary and clean design with a warm, casual finish.  This more modest approach is enhanced by soft, breakfront shaped silhouettes and metal on selected pieces.

Of course, every new offering has to have a transitional group, and we find the metropolitan and modern attitude of Ludlow just such a feature.  The collection is distinguished by an intriguing walnut veneer story and hip fretwork detail. The simple symmetry of Ludlow's Macintosh-inspired fretwork offers sophisticated yet tranquil design.

The groundbreaking Rhapsody collection brings together classic design elements, grand scale, and a relaxed rustic finish to create an impassioned marriage of casual opulence. Exuberant scale and serpentine shapes infuse the pieces with emotion, while timeless motifs like scrolls, rope twist molding, the acanthus leaf and fleur-de-lis anchor Rhapsody in old world charm. Building on the grand scale and classic European design is the defining element of the collection: a walnut-colored finish inspired by the natural yet rustic nature of reclaimed woods in beautiful patinas.

We also love Sheridan , which evokes the charm of an Old World chateau in a casual and unpretentious way. Generously scaled with soft, rounded posts on the case pieces, Sheridan's breathtaking finish is what sets it apart. Sheridan is crafted of mahogany solids and veneers with a highly rubbed finish with a waxed patina, hand planing and physical distressing for the feel of an antique that has been buffed and polished. Sheridan's bedroom and dining furniture, along with living room tables and home entertainment pieces, and home office, offer your home quality, style and distinction.

Click on any of the collection images below to go straight to Hooker Furniture's website, or just give us a call at 800-205-7819 for more information.

Sheridan		Lorimer
Classique		Primrose Hill
Estate		Rhapsody

Three In-Store Clearance Items You Might Like!

Once a month, or so, I like to post some of our ridiculous deals in our store.   Here are a few in Gallery III that are in-store pickup only, but if you can make the trip, it will be worth your while!

• 

  HO-5042-75900-store

  Hooker Harbour Pointe Buffet - Floor Sample on Clearance

  In Store Pick Up Only. Sold As is with No Returns.

  $1,207.00

  $600.00
• 

  UF-932653-store

  Paula Deen Tobacco Paula's Table - Floor Sample on Clearance

  In Store Pick Up Only. Sold As is with No Returns.

  $899.00

  $150.00
• 

  ASHLEY-USM-NS

  Ashley Key Town Signature Design Nightstand - Floor Sample on Clearance

  In Store Pick Up Only. Sold As is with No Returns.

  $200.00

  $75.00

Fresh Cool Design with Tommy Bahama's Ivory Key Collection

Introduced at last market, and hitting showroom floors right now, Tommy Bahama's Ivory Key Collection is inspired by the enchanting pastel-painted home, crisp whitewashed roofs and pink sand beaches with the lush landscape of Bermuda.  It features the natural look and texture of woven raffia, finished in a stunning white with subtle parchment highlights

For example, the Southampton Poster Bed, which is on our showroom floor, combines these styles effortlessly.

With a nod to classic British architectural design, Ivory Key embodies the casual and colorful side of Tommy Bahama Furniture, with a distinctive quatrefoil and diamond design, complemented by a fresh palette of captivating island colors.  The headboard features the design over a raffia panel. Raffia is also on the footboard and side rails. 

We also have the Castle Harbour Rectangular Dining Table on the floor, paired with the Mill Creek Side Chair. The table may appear simple in design yet the fine raised outline of the leg, apron, and cantered leg adds an appreciated detail. With two 20 inch leaves, this table sits 6 to 8 people quite comfortably. The Mill Creeks chairs  feature a decorative back splat distinguished by the quadrefoil and diamond pattern, curved to ensure a comfortable dining experience. We have it in the standard fabric,  a linen weave construction in a light parchment coloration

What do we love best about Ivory Key?  Well, it epitomizes Tommy Bahama, speaking to the lighter and brighter side of island living.  The Shoal Bay chairs pictured at left are exactly as they appear on our floor, with a captivating upholstery color palette helps to create an island oasis that is right at home. 

Partnered with the unique Spar Point Chairside table, and blending traditional elements, leather-wrapped bamboo and raffia accents offers a spirited take on refined island living. The look is sophisticated but the lifestyle is casual and cool.  So come on by our showroom to check out Tommy Bahama's Ivory Key Collection soon, and feel the breeze!

Coming Soon, and Just In Time for Summer: Pelican Reef Outdoor Furniture

 

After a long cold winter, its so nice to see more of the sun and sky these days...and that also means a lot more time relaxing outside on the deck or patio.   Whether you live in the 'burbs, near the beach, or in the city...everyone needs to relax on comfortable outdoor furniture to make their season complete.   So we are really happy to have on board here at Carolina Rustica the complete line of outdoor furniture from Pelican Reef, which includes Panama Jack as well as their own best-selling groups.    Shown above is the best-selling Panama Jack 6-pc St Barth's Modular Sectional.  The St Barths collection by Panama Jack incorporates an extruded aluminum frame with an exclusive thick woven wicker fiber from Viro. Fast drying cushions with outdoor fabric make for all for year round use outdoors. At left is the Panama Jack Leeward Islands Chair, another great-looking design.  In fact, there are four groups within Panama Jack, as well as great accessories like fire pits and umbrellas.   

Panama Jack Collections available at Carolina Rustica

We recommend that visit the manufacturer website www.pelicanreef.com to find more selections, just as we are busy adding all of their great collections to our own website.   Here is what you can find on Pelican Reef for outdoor furniture:

   

  

Remember that they also have a stunning array of indoor furniture as well.  For example, the Cabana Collection bed is one of the most dramatic that we have seen, and it fits a range of decor from Plantation to Contemporary.  Another dramatic choice is the indoor collection of Sea Escape, which has clean lines executed in woven rattan, which makes it a unique dining room placement for where you are most relaxed with the family!  So please be sure to visit the Pelican Reef website and give us a call at 800-205-7819 and we will be glad to help you get ready for a summer of entertaining and relaxing (at least on the weekends!)

US-Mattress.com's Newest Showroom!

How excited are we, now that our US-Mattress.com Showroom is now almost complete!  With lots of support from headquarters in Brighton (MI), we've been able to totally re-make Gallery I into the first North Carolina showroom of our parent company, who happens to be the largest online retailer of premium mattresses.   You can now find Sealy, Serta, Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Simmons mattresses all neatly displayed in our spacious gallery.   We've got all of our floor models with complete information, including the famous US-Mattress Comfort Scale, which has set the industry standard in determining the perfect mattress for how you live and how you sleep.   We've taken the highlights of the scale and repeated them here:

Comfort Scale

®

1

-

2

-

3

-

4

-

5

-

6

-

7

-

8

-

9

-

10

HARD

SOFT

Our 10 Point Scale: It's Easy to Use

Our Mattress Comfort Scale® is based on a standard 10-point scale and is superior to traditional mattress ratings. It is a tool for you to use when deciding which mattress you will find most comfortable. Keep in mind that the scale measures comfort, not support. It is important to understand the difference between comfort and support, as the comfort of a mattress is unrelated to the support your body receives from the inner structure. 

Comfort Scale Rating of 1: The Firmest of Mattresses

A mattress with a rating of 1 would give you the feeling of sleeping on your living room's carpeted floor. A rating of 1 does not really exist in bedding today. We have it at the base of our Comfort Scale for a reference point. It is very possible with the continuously increasing mattress technology in the industry today that a mattress with this level of hardness will become a reality. 

Comfort Scale Rating of 2 to 4: Hard, Like Sleeping on a Carpeted Floor

If you have no problem sleeping comfortably on your living room floor, and don't wake up with aches and pains, a mattress with a Comfort Scale rating of 2 to 4 would be ideal for you. These mattresses would feel hard to very hard.

Comfort Scale Rating of 4.5 to 6.5: Mid-Range, a Good Compromise

Mattresses in this category are great if you are in-between the other comfort ratings or your partner and you are on opposite sides of the Comfort Scale. Mattresses in this range make a great "compromise" mattress. If you just don't have a preference, then a Comfort Scale rating of 4.5 to 6.5 is good for you. 

Comfort Scale Rating of 7 to 9: Conforming Softness

Do you find yourself trying to increase the softness of your current mattress with a down feather mattress pad, or you just love the way a waterbed feels - then a mattress with a Comfort Scale rating of 7 to 9 would be ideal for you. These beds are soft! They are usually pillow tops, but some plush beds can be in this category too. 

Comfort Scale Rating of 10: Super Soft

A mattress with a rating of 10 would give you the impression of sleeping on a cloud. Obviously this is impossible. We also use the 10 rating as a reference point for the softest mattress you could possibly have. 

The other great feature of our showroom is that you will be able to take advantage of any of the special offers featured on the US-Mattress.com website, such as this great deal offered on Simmons Mattresses:

SIMMONS MATTRESSES   Beautyrest mattresses have been improving people's quality of life by improving their quality of sleep, for over 125 years. Acquiring a top quality simmons mattress like this is like buying a luxury car. The standard model is great - but the more you can afford, the more pleasure you'll get out of it. FREE IN HOME DELIVERY AND REMOVAL ON EVERY SIMMONS!   Special Financing Available

So give us a call at 800-205-7819 for more information on our mattress gallery, and of course, you can visit all 20,000 square feet of furniture and mattresses.   You can find directions to Carolina Rustica here.

Today's Featured Floor Favorite...Introducing Panama Jack

There seems to be a lot of these guys running around the tropics having a good old time, apparently designing fine furniture in between relaxing on the beach with cocktails!   Well, we have two of them in our galleries here at Carolina Rustica..both Tommy Bahama and his upstart cousin, Panama Jack.   You all know what fans we are of Tommy, of course, but we would love to familiarize you more with Jack.

 The themes are the same...a relaxed, upscale look with plenty of plantation influences.   However, whereas Tommy has embraced a more contemporary look these days, Panama Jack is firmly in the tropics, with the use of rattan and other woven materials complimenting the warm island tones.  The Island Breeze Collection really embodies this feel, with the crossing bamboo-style slats and the carved finials.   The King Bed is on our floor in Gallery II, and it really looks great.  We've got it accompanied by the full bedroom suite, including the Island Breeze Night Stand (shown at left) and dresser.  We've got this group accompanied by the Currey and Company Seeward Chandelier, and the look is positively Caribbean.   Or Pacific.   Or British Colonial.   That's the great thing about decorating with a tropical influence...it brings you back to your favorite island, no matter where in the world that may be.

So if you get the chance, come by our showroom to take a look at Panama Jack, put your feet up, take a breath, and we promise you will leave more relaxed!