Nothing About Furniture

Those of you who follow us through this blog, or Twitter, or Facebook...know that on many of my posts I talk about personal events of great significance ("I ran this morning"..."My parrot bit me"...etc).  While I am always happy to talk about Furniture and Carolina Rustica, since I think it is such a topic, I realize this can be repetitive sometimes.   So I won't expostulate about the new, great furniture lines we have brought in recently, or how we are busier than we ever have been in June.  What I would like to announce is that we will soon be expanding our retail footprint, doubling it to over 10,000 square feet.   This is the first part of a three-part expansion that will make Carolina Rustica one of the largest high-end furniture retailers in the region.  

Expanding in an uncertain economy can be scary.  We have not truly emerged from the recession, and homeowners are all feeling the pinch.  Where the market goes from here is anyone's guess (and don't let them tell you otherwise!).  So we feel particularly honored that so many of our great customers have placed their trust in us by continuing to order, again and again, resulting in over a 25% sales increase over last year to date.

We will continue to strive to bring you the best value for our high-end furniture lines that are available today.   More importantly (and since I said I wasn't going to talk about furniture) we will continue to work our hardest to exceed your expectations in every way, and live up to the trust you have placed in us.  This is the most competitive environment I have ever seen in my 16 years in the business, so earning your business is something we are proud of, and take extremely seriously.

Now, have I ever told you about our new bunny......?

Lexington Furniture Clearance

Lexington Home Brands is one of our largest and most valued suppliers.  We buy into every collection they introduce, and sell this inventory from our website and retail store.   Of course,  being an 11-year old business, we do build up inventory over time, and now is a great time to be buying some of these closeouts and floor samples at unbelievable prices.    Most of these items are free shipping as well.   Please call us at 800-205-7819 if you would like more details on any of these great items!

Lexington Harrison Collection Drummond Single China on Clearance

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Lexington Harrison Collection on Clearance. ONLY 1 AVAILABLE, SOLD AS IS.
Was: $1299.00  NOW: $799.00
Tommy Bahama Rumba del Sol Console Table on Clearance

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Discontinued Item Free Shipping
$1500.00
NOW: $499.00
Lexington Cimarron Collection Coldwater Cocktail Table On Clearance

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Discontinued Lexington Item on Clearance. Free Shipping. Floor sample sold as is.
$1775.00
$850.00
Lexington Long Cove Midnight Series Montauk Side Chair on Clearance

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Discontinued item now on Clearance. Free Shipping.
$600.00
NOW: $375.00
Lexington Zacara Crescent Lamp Table on Clearance

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Lexington Zacara Crescent Lamp Table on Clearance
$499.00
NOW: $300.00
Lexington Long Cove Midnight Series South Bay Armoire on Clearance

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Lexington Long Cove Collection Closeout Item
$2550.00
NOW: $1699.00

Lexington Black Ice Jasper File Chest on Clearance
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Floor Sample on Clearance, Only 1 Available. Sold As-Is. Free Shipping.
$1299.00
Lexington Black Ice Mercury Double Etagere on Clearance

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Floor Sample on Clearance, Only 1 Available. Sold As-Is. Free Shipping.
NOW: $1799.00
Lexington St. Tropez Ritz Sideboard on Clearance
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Shown in Corsica Finish. Discontinued item now on Clearance. Free Shipping.
$3480.00
NOW: $1625.00
Lexington St. Tropez Chantilly Writing Desk on Clearance

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Shown in Monaco Finish. Discontinued item now on Clearance. Free Shipping.
$2385.00
NOW: $1110.00
Lexington Long Cove Meridian Lamp Table on Clearance

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Floor Sample, sold as is. Free Shipping, Only 2 Available.
$589.00
NOW: $275.00
Lexington Barclay Square St. Regis Bed, King Complete on Clearance

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Customer Return Perfect Condition
For Price & to Order, Please Call 800-205-7819
Tommy Bahama Original Collection Sunset Rectangular Dining Table on Clearance

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Tommy Bahama Home by Lexington. Discontinued Item on Clearance, Free Shipping
$3150.00
NOW: $1275.00
Tommy Bahama Curacao Reef Armoire on Clearance

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Tommy Bahama Discontinued Item On Clearance. VERY FEW LEFT. Free Shipping.
$5040.00
NOW: $1500.00
Trump Mar-a-Lago Allegra Round Dining Table on Clearance

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Trump Mar-a-Lago Collection by Lexington Free Shipping. Floor display, sold as shown.
$5389.00
NOW: $2500.00
Trump Mar-a-Lago Imperia Cocktail Table on Clearance

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Trump Mar-a-Lago Collection by Lexington. Free Shipping. Floor display, sold as shown.
$2529.00
NOW: $1500.00

AF Lighting & The Awards for Design Excellence Winners

They are not the largest lighting company, but they are one of our favorites for their cool sense of style, great prices, and focus on upscale transitional design.  We are talking about AF Lighting, of course, who feature lighting fixtures, lamps, and home accents in a wonderful variety of materials and  finishes.   One of their best-selling lighting collections is by Candice Olsen, who has really come into her own as a home fashion guru.

Recently, AF Lighting received another distinction from ADEX. The Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX) is one of the largest and most prestigious awards program for product design of furniture, fixtures and finishes marketed to the design trade. The anonymous panel of professionals representing a cross section of the design industry recognize new superior product designed in the last year. The 2011 ADEX Awards attracted upwards of 500 companies that submitted approximately two thousand innovative new products.

Gleaned from the thousands of entries, 4 AFLighting designs were bestowed an award based on force-ranking of form, function and fitness for a particular purpose. AFLighting is proud of each designer and their creative and innovative execution that gives the AFLighting brand the ability to be on-trend and inventive.  Click on the links below to go to AF Lighting's website for the most recent product introductions, then give us a call and we will be happy to order it for you!



Casby
Candice Olson
- 2011 ADEX Silver Winner -

7908-3H

$498.00

More Info
Tear Sheet
Kinston
Horizon Series
- 2011 ADEX Platinum Winner -

7929-TL

$398.00

More Info
Tear Sheet

The Delicate Glass Beads with Silver Accents Give an Awe-Inspiring Illusion of Floating Shade - Chocolate Poly Silk Hard-Back
Shade.
The Kinston Lamp combines the transitional with rustic. An oil rubbed bronze metal pattern overlays on 2" thick clear crystal.
 


Aerial
Horizon Series
- 2011 ADEX Silver Winner -

7921-TL

$238.00

More Info
Tear Sheet

 
Sahara
Candice Olson
- 2011 ADEX Silver Winner -

8020-2WC

$278.00

More Info
Tear Sheet



The aerial view of Americas farmlands as seen from an airplane window provides a unique interpretation in the aerial lamp, whose base of mixed metallic finishes celebrates the textures, colors & symmetry that is the beauty of this lamp.
A Candice Olson original. This Sahara lamp is made of quality yellow Abalone Shell and ant brass. Due to hand-crafting no two are like.



11 South Collection by Lexington Home Brands

Lexington Home Brands rocked the High Point Market this spring with their hip yet accessible new collection called 11 South.  Combining flowing forms with architectural lines, 11 South is a study in contrasts in both design and materials.  The juxtaposition of the softer wood tones with other naturalistic components makes for a design balance that is timeless. There are so many unique aspects to this collection, starting with the finishes.  Umbrian is a Chestnut brown finish with gray undertones and Studio is used on metal table bases in a soft graphite finish with faux slate tops

The materials themselves are tactile and intriguing, such as quartered Walnut veneers and select hardwoods, combined with other composite materials.   The hardware is custom designed, with twisted bar pulls in a soft graphite finish.  As usual, Lexington adheres to the highest quality construction principles, such as English dovetails, wood runner and guides, drawer stops and more.

Design Highlights of 11 South
The hardware is a substantial bar pull with a twist like rod iron, which is solid and finished in a soft graphite. This highlights the grain of the quartered walnut and carries the contemporary design of straight lines. In addition, the grain and drawer edges catch the gray undertones of the chestnut brown finish and the burnishing on the edges creates additional framing and depth.   There are some truly notable pieces in the 11 South Collection, from dining to occasional to bedroom:


The 456-877 Pinnacle Dining Table is 82-inches but extends to 126 inches with (2) 22-inch leaves. The architectural elements are everywhere on this wonderful entertaining table, including the metal support that extends from the center of the leg base to the middle of the table. Not only is this functional for a large crowd but also visually appealing.

The 456-872C Marquee Dining Table converts from a 48” square to a rectangle with (1) 22-inch leaf. The base is the same triangular design of the case pieces but with additional interest with angled supports.   You can use chairs from any collection, but we like the 456-880 Innova Side Chair and 456-881 Innova Arm Chair, which are available in standard fabric Essence.

The 456-919 Synergy Hutch and the 456-909 Synergy Base can be stacked on top of one another or multiple times upon themselves to create interesting storage and address great rooms with style. Be sure to use the mending plates which ship with the units.

The 457-957 Proximity Nesting Tables are designed as a pair but also work independently as an extra tray table with the sofa...actually sliding over the seat cushion for easy access of refreshments, laptops, or pads.  The Studio finish is used on the metal componenets, and the top is an engineered slate top (faux slate). This provides the desired characteristics of the slate without the typical chipping of real stone.

The 7505-33-01 Fillmore Leather Sofa is covered in a sleek gunmetal grey with the new 3/8-inch smoke nailhead trim on the recessed track arm panels. The ultra down seat cushions and blend down back
cushions along with the supple hand of the leather will make this the favorite seat in the room. The Fillmore seating is also available in custom fabric as a sofa, chair, and ottoman.

Another great occasional piece is the 456-943 Tribeca Nesting Cocktail Table, which includes 3 tables: (1) 42” and (2) 30-inch diameter with metal bases and wood tops. They can be used as a set for the large cocktail or used separately as end tables and cocktail table.   Also consider the 456-947 Cascade Cocktail Table, which features casters and a pull-out shelf (allowing it to extend from 54 to 69 inches).  A smaller item in the 11 South Collection is the 457-956 Sculpture Accent Table, which sports a metal “spider web” base with an inset faux slate top.

The 456-134C Donovan Upholstered Bed King is available only in Lacava leater, which is a supple nubuck leather  in a soft taupe/gray coloration. The horizontal and vertical lines of the tufted panel with the gentle padding behind reinforces the updated contemporary styling. The 3/8” nailhead trim in smoke gray just inside the leather welt adds a level of detail displayed throughout the collection. The footboard and  side rails are quartered walnut.   We think the Donovan Bed looks particularly enticing with the 456-622 Encore Nightstand, which has one drawer box which can be reversed to use on the left or the right side of the bed. There is a shelf next to the drawer in either position.

Another incredibly striking bedroom piece is the Urbana Bed, which manifests the fusion between contemporary and unique, to create a conversation centerpiece.  It is noteworthy that the contemporary wave on the Urbana Bed requires a mattress only,  as the slat support system replaces the need for a box spring.  It is a true platform bed.

These bedroom pieces can be accompanied by accessories such as the 456-201 Radius Mirror, which is wood and metal with the center section raised by metal stretchers creating added dimension and interest.


Largie at Large Podcast Series


I met Becky Largie, Founder and Chief Progenitor of ELargie Marketing, at a recent NEMOA conference in Boston.   She is a dynamic and enthusiastic veteran on catalog and online marketing.  She recently interviewed a few of us who are on the front lines of ecommerce,  and our very relaxed conversation is now online here.

"The owner of Carolina Rustica, talks about his global pilgrimage while at a crossroads in his career that eventually leads to a successful e-tailing furniture business and shares his Rule of Life".  ....Click here to listen

The BDI Sequel Home Office System



From our friends at BDI, one of the fastest-growing names in contemporary home entertainment and home office furniture.  We love selling BDI because they always exceed customer expectations!   These are from their blog:


The Sequel System: Follow up the the Sequel Desk:
The new Sequel System components add a whole new element to the growing Sequel Office Collection, which is now 17 pieces strong. With the addition of the Corner Desk, Left and Right facing Peninsulas and the Bridge – all of which must be attached to and supported by one or two of the four Sequel Storage Cabinets – the options for creating unique and dynamic office arrangements has increased dramatically.

Since these Sequel System pieces actually bolt together, they require a higher degree of planning and forethought before they are attached. Once attached, Sequel System components cannot be moved, but must be disassembled to be relocated, even small distances. Due to this fact, the location of all wall outlets for phones, computers and electricity must be noted and extension cords plugged in and pulled to the proper location before their outlets are blocked. Window sills, door swing and other obstacles in the room must be taken into consideration as well.

Our detailed instruction sheets, diagrams and corner desk placement templates will assist in this process, yet all delivery personnel and consumers must think through these installations – whether for floor samples, in a consumer’s home, or for commercial offices – before assembly begins. 


The Cascadia Collection by BDI, Now Shipping in May 2011
The CASCADIA  collection has begun shipping and will be shipping in full by the end of May...this is BDI's first collection to span three categories - home theater, occasional tables and office. All models beautifully combine the natural warmth of hardwood veneers with satin-nickel finished steel legs. 


A great solution anywhere that space is limited, Cascadia is terrific for a home office. The collection includes a Desk, a Mobile File Cabinet and a versatile Console/Laptop Desk. A clean, linear design with beautifully finished surfaces, the two-drawer Desk can be assembled for left or right-handed users. The neoprene-lined multifunction drawer keeps a keyboard, mouse and other rechargeable items organized and the convenient side drawer is ideal for keeping supplies close at hand. Partner with the Cascadia Mobile File Cabinet for a complete small office. See also the coordinating CascadiaTable and Home Theater collections




Robert Abbey Lighting at Carolina Rustica

There are just a few lighting lines that are able to cross style categories with the same degree of innovation and panache.  In our opinion, Robert Abbey Lighting is one of them….a longtime lighting supplier to Carolina Rustica for almost 10 years!   This company a fellow North Carolina organization that  has been designing and manufacturing fine lighting products since 1946.  Their design studio, factory and general offices are located in Hickory, just over an hour away from Carolina Rustica.  Through the years of our partnership with this fashion-forward lighting company, we have seen their ability to evolve, surprise, and delight with a huge variety of styles, always maintaining the same quality standards.

Robert Abbey is equally known for both their portable lighting groups (table and floor lamps) as their lighting fixtures (chandeliers, pendants, and sconces).   They carry over styles from each lighting category as well, such as their Doughnut series.  An exercise in the impact of simple geometric design, the Donut Collection translates into contemporary or transitional design with equal ease, by use of parallelism and bold scale.  This has been such a great selling group that the company has deliberately kept retail prices as low as possible, despite raw material price increases over the last few years.

Designers
One of the greatest strengths of Robert Abbey Lighting is their commitment to continuous, evolving design.  To that end, they have a stable of worldwide-recognized designers that continue to create innovative groups for the company.  For example, Jonathan Adler is an internationally recognized lifestyle and home furnishings brand known for a design aesthetic which pairs modernist forms with bold colors and groovy graphics.  Rico Espinet is another designer working for Robert Abbey, and his designs aspire to to create affirming interiors which provide comfort and beauty through clean lines and simple form.  Another design star on their team is Mary McDonald, whose style combines old-fashioned elegance with a modern sensibility resulting in a fearless, joyful exuberance.  Her ability to combine the bold patterns of Asian and Indian influences with contemporary lines and an impeccable sense of color has established her signature style, and she is going to really do great things at Robert Abbey

Chandeliers
Walking into the Robert Abbey showroom, your eyes immediately move upward and lock onto the fabulous assortment of chandeliers, from the classy, shaded  Ventana chandelier to the geometric Uppark Chandelier…and then onto a series of traditional brass chandeliers re-interpreted with funky shades and design twists that bring them firmly into today’s trends of simple elegant quality.   Brass chandeliers, once thought extinct, have made a comeback through Robert Abbey….even the Uppark is now available in a brass finish.  Of course, Robert Abbey Chandeliers can also go into the extremely funky, such as the Meurice Chandelier, with its double-bulbed construction that is an homage to the classic contemporary designers of the past, like George Kovacs.

We know you will love Robert Abbey Lighting as much as we do.  Please call us at 800-205-7819 or visit our website to find all available lighting by this great Carolina Rustica Partner!