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| Carolina Furniture Primer |
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or those furnishing a new or second home, the choice is often what to bring and
what to leave behind. Some folks picking up and moving are changing geography as well as
attitudes. Furniture specialists have begun to refer to this mixing of styles as "casual formality,"
which can mean mixing favorite elegant pieces with upholstered furniture designed to take a
beating by youngsters at play. For those moving to sunnier, more casual climates who can't
part with heirloom furniture, this eclectic decorating trend is happy news.
According to many experts, those who haven't been shopping for furniture recently may be
surprised. Families are often opting to spend money on home theatres and offices,
making the home even more of a safe haven and retreat. Ask questions about the
construction techniques, make sure the leather will last, and check to see that fine
wood will stay strong and beautiful for years.
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entury Furniture has recently introduced a new collection that takes all this into
account and more. Called the Consulate, the design is inspired by the furniture designs
following the French Revolution. Classified as Neoclassical and crafted mostly in walnut,
the furniture features intricate veneering and delicate carved details.
“It’s always dangerous to generalize about a group of people, but
typically, by the time people reach their late 50s, they know who they are and
what they want,” says Ed Tashjian, director of marketing for Century Furniture Co.
“When people move, they often save just a couple of heirloom pieces, then
build a new nest around their changing needs.” Mr. Tashjian believes
that there is a return towards symmetry, simplicity and gracious living. And,
people who are moving are often relatively affluent, with tastes that have
developed over years of consumerism. “These people didn’t get to be
wealthy by being careless, or wasting their money,” he points out, noting
that today’s older buyers are focused on the highest quality they can buy,
for them to enjoy now, and to pass on to the next generation.
“We are able to
make furniture that should look beautiful and last more than 100 years,” he says.
In this day of mega-discounters and serve-yourself retail, the service element, as
well as the product knowledge, is often missing. That's why some top quality
furniture dealers are focusing on a few excellent manufacturers, using materials and
techniques recognized worldwide for their excellence. What's more, they are
providing a level of service that includes working with designers and architects
for optimum functionality and comfort.
Whether you are starting over with all new furniture in a second home, or
relocating to the Carolinas and bringing only a few treasured belongings,
you'll need to visit a fine furnishings store to make the new nest all it can be.
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Staff should begin by asking you plenty of questions. Likewise, you
should make sure any retailer you visit understands what you want
and knows the business from the inside out.
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Knowledgeable shoppers will enjoy a trip to large furniture discounters in North Carolina. Hickory
Furniture Mart is a million-square-foot complex, housing more than 100 factory outlets, stores and
galleries selling in excess of 1,000 quality lines. "We take very seriously our commitment
to the nearly half-million visitors who come to the Mart every year," says John Schenk,
president, noting that professional designers are on staff to help.
“Outdoor furniture has become very important as people seek to expand their
opportunities for using exterior spaces,” says Jackie Hirschhaut, public relations
vice president for the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. "Outdoor
entertaining is something everyone looks forward to," she says, explaining that
the new collections provide consumers with a variety of stylish, yet functional pieces.
(That's especially true in the Carolinas, where outdoor living is enjoyed most of the year.)
Trends for the 21st Century home also include heightened interest in historical reproduction
furnishings, with collections from a variety of famous places, including the Biltmore Estate in
Asheville, North Carolina. Artists in other mediums are turning to furniture design, such
as the venerable Bob Timberlake, whose Arts and Crafts Collection tempers the past
with soft lines, beautiful finishes, extraordinary “leaded” glass, and unique
hardware detailing.
Floor coverings are a very important part of creating a new living environment
that works for a family’s changing needs. “Lots of times, people will have
collections that they want to incorporate into their new home,” says
Abu Khan, owner of Abu’s Oriental Rugs in Jamestown, North Carolina.
According to the native of Scotland who grew up in the rug business,
people who are relocating think carefully about how rugs will enhance
the livability of their new homes. Sometimes, new homeowners will buy
the rugs first, then pick out furniture and accessories around those colors.
“I have had customers who have given everything to the children, and are
starting with brand new plans and a completely new look,” he said.
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Of course, families who are relocating with young children have very different
needs in terms of durability, and wear and tear.
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For them, the choices may be limited to a few choice pieces of
furniture to freshen things up a bit, and here, too, there is no
better place to select furniture in every price range and style
than here in the Carolinas. There is a new web site offered by
AFMA that helps people
identify styles and prices that best fit their needs.
Finally, whether retired or not, many homeowners want to include
a home office in their designs.
The possibilities can be nothing short of mind-boggling to the serious
home furnishings shopper. First, do your homework. There is a wider
range of options than ever before.
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There is no substitute for excellent service, provided by an
expert in the furniture industry.
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These experienced professionals easily answer your questions, and they know the difference in
finishes, environmentally-responsible harvesting of hardwoods and fabrics. Be prepared to invest
time in the process, to make decisions that will prove correct in the long-term.
The huge discounters in places like Hickory and High Point, offer a completely different shopping
experience, one that will provide an overwhelming array of choices, in a setting in which
one-on-one service is much more limited but touch and feel are very much a part of the experience.
We suggest enrolling your decorator in finding a reputable furniture dealer. Then, prepare
to spend the time required to get pieces that will be beautiful and functional many years later.
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What would you do with an extra room in your house?
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One thousand empty nesters answered this survey conducted by AFMA.
The top five answers—
1. Library or Reading Room
2. Hobby Studio
3. Guest Room
4. Home Theater
5. Home Office
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Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and
public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published
more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing
explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business
and management.
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