Introducing Handley Drive Furniture! New On The Scene in Codarus Showroom

Good Morning Readers!  I have a treat for you today!  I recently discovered a new furniture line called Handley Drive.  As a designer, I am always thrilled to find a new resource and Handley Drive really delivers on the goods.  This new line is being represented by Codarus showroom so if you are in Las Vegas at Market make sure you mosey on over and check them out.  While you are there give Cody the owner of Codarus a kiss for me!  

Handley Drive is the brainchild of industry moguls Rick Janecek and Sheila Butler who have a combined home industry experience of over 50 years.  Separately they have helped created some of the most celebrated home furnishing brands in the home decor industry.  Handley Drive is sure to be a success as it fulfills the need of designers to add a little jewelry to the home.

Click Here to continue reading and see this new collection ...

Ave Home - New Furniture Resource

Ave Home is a new company that I am thrilled to share with my readers! When I was in Atlanta, Georgia in March for Design Blogger's Conference, I was introduced to this great new resource.  I met the owner, Lisa Rickert, who is a little blonde ball of fire. Lisa's enthusiasm and passion about her new company sparked an interest for me to learn more about this new line.   I had the opportunity to see more of Ave Home's offerings in April at High Point Market, where Ave Home was exhibiting for the first time in Interhall.  High Point Market gave me a greater insight into the offerings of the new company, but it wasn't until my visit to New Orleans last week, that I discovered the depth of this company and the interesting story of how it came into inception.  

Unfolded and Ave Home Headquarters in New Orleans, La

Ave Home is actually the second company for Lisa Rickert.  Her first company was Unfolded, Exclusive Distributor for Annie Sloan Products in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.  Based in New Orleans, Lisa is responsible for bringing Annie Sloan paints to the United States and the other countries listed.  Her story is quite remarkable.  Lisa was rebuilding her home in New Orleans after Katrina and happened upon Annie Sloan paints and ordered paints for use in her own home.  She liked the products so much she contacted Annie Sloan about becoming the distributor in the United States and the rest is history.  Today, Unfolded provides Annie Sloan Stockists with distribution, marketing support as well as product education and training in the Annie Sloan Method.  I had the opportunity to visit Lisa, as well as the Ave Home and Unfolded headquarters on my recent visit to New Orleans where Ave Home was a sponsor of the Southern Style Now showhouse and events. 

For those of you who are not familiar with Annie Sloan paints or those that want to know more about them, please visit Annie Sloan paints here.

Ave Home seemed the natural progression for Lisa to develop after growing the Annie Sloan line.  I mean why wouldn't you want a furniture line to offer quality reproductions which could be used for the paints instead of using old furniture with drawers that don't work, or are non-functional?   Lisa created a raw or unfinished line for this purpose.   The "raw" line is not only well priced but offers the option of custom painting a quality piece of furniture without having to strip layers of old paint.  I find the raw pieces beautiful without paint but imagine how stunning these pieces could be if custom painted for client projects.  Take a look at the raw desk Parker Kennedy Living used in their Southern Style Now living room below:

The Collette Desk is available to the consumer directly from Ave Home 

here for only $652.50!  If you want the desk a custom color it is ready for paint!  If you use Annie Sloan paint, it doesn't even have to be primed! 

If you want to use it raw, it can be waxed to protect the wood finish.

  Check out the rest of the raw collection here!

Ave Home offers four prefinished collections for those who wish to have room ready furnishings as well.  The four collections are Anders, Aria, Carlyle and Regent.  Here are some of my favorite pieces from those collections:

Anders Collection:

Inspired by the Mid-Century design of the safari chair, the Anders Lounge Chair is a simple yet classic piece for any living room, library, or den. With a Mahogany finished frame and comfortably draped black leather seat, the lounge chair is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Pairs perfectly next to the Anders End Table or in front of the Anders Coffee Table.

Leaning towards the sleeker designs of the Mid-Century Modern era, the Anders Coffee Table features a two-tiered Antique Brass frame with Carrara marble tiers and two Espresso finished drawers beneath the coffee table top. This is a sexy table.

Aria Collection:

Aria Side Chair

The Aria Side Chair is rooted in the klismos style chair of the 18th century with a hand carved frame, sabre legs, and white linen upholstery. The side chair features a hand applied whitewash finish and delicate hand carving.

 

The Aria Buffet is an elegant, sophisticated piece that is perfect for any dining room. The hand carved detail and soft finish of ochre, antique white, and pale blues pairs seamlessly with all dining pieces of the Aria Collection. 

Carlyle Collection: 

Carlyle Dining Chair

A 1950's Hollywood Regency style dining chair featuring an Ebony finish, a curved back, and upholstered in an ivory velvet. Creates a complete look with the Carlyle Dining Table and Carlyle Armed Dining Chair.

Carlyle Dining Table

The Carlyle Dining Table pulls from the glamorous style of the Hollywood Regency era. It features an Ebony finish with tapered legs and brass detail. It is a stunning yet functional dining table that includes two leaves and can seat six to ten. The Carlyle Dining Chairs are the perfect compliment. 

Carlyle Desk

The Carlyle Desk features an Italian 1950's modern design with an Ebony finish wood top and Polished Brass frame. The desk has one center drawer as well as two pull out panels. The Carlyle Side Chair pairs perfectly with this desk.

Regent Collection:

The Regent End Table in the style of Louis XV is characterized by its layered white finish and gilded edging. Small enough to sit next to a seating piece but large enough to stand alone, the Regent End Table is perfect for an entryway or living room. 

As you can see Ava Home offers something for everyone!  I hope you find this new resource as exciting as I do.  Make sure you visit their website and see the entire collection of beautiful furniture!  

For more information on "To the Trade" click here! 
 For more information for the consumer
click here to shop direct or find a stocking dealer near you!!

Visit Ave Home on their social channels:

Facebook

instagram

twitter

Or visit their website here!

Interested in Annie Sloan paints?  Click here to learn who carries

 the products in your area or if you would like to be a stockist click here!

Lance Jackson and David Ecton of Parker Kennedy Living, Lisa Rickert of Ave Home and AJ Cosgrove of Barbara Cosgrove Lamps in New Orleans for Southern Style Now!

Girl Crush: Interview with Rivers Spencer for Tritter Feefer Home Collection

Located at 3909 Magazine Street in the heart of the design district of New Orleans is Rivers Spencer Interiors.  Home to Rivers Spencer Interiors is a double shotgun style house  skillfully converted into a premier designer showroom that touts well-known brands such as Verellen, Hickory Chair, Visual Comforts and now includes Rivers own
Furniture Collection with Tritter Feefer Home Collection.   

Recently celebrating her 30th birthday, this young designer has already accomplished more in the design world than designers twice her age.  River's proudly claims her southern upbringing as the foundation for her classic, timeless design where charm and elegance serve as keynotes.  One visit to this design maven's website will reveal a designer with talent, ambition and love for history and fine art.

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John Richard Collection - High Point Market October 2015

One of the most exciting places I visited during High Point Market was the showroom of the John Richard Collection.  I have bought John Richard for clients for many years, and I must say the showroom has never looked better. 

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Huntington House at High Point Market

High Point Market is over, but the beautiful showrooms I visited are still dancing in my head.  One of my favorite new showrooms was Huntington House Furniture.  This showroom isn't on the main avenue, so I had to walk a bit to get there, but once I arrived, I was thrilled with what I found. 

Huntington House is a North Carolina-based company whose is passionate about producing quality furniture that is also comfortable while offering designs that are updated and luxurious.  Everything is made in North Carolina!  What can be better than made in the USA?

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Top 10 Showrooms To Check Out At Las Vegas Market 2015

It's Las Vegas Market Week!  It's also Las Vegas Market's 10th Year Anniversary! I'm so sad I can't be there to take part in all the fun, but work here prevented me from attending!  I have been checking out the instagram feeds of my favorite showrooms and have curated a list of the top places I would hit if I were attending market this week.

If you are at Las Vegas Market, make sure you visit these showrooms to see these fabulous new products and more! Please tell them I sent you!

 Julia Buckingham for Global Views

Julia Buckingham for Global Views

 Julia Buckingham for Global Views

Williamsburg Brand for Global Views

 Williamsburg Brand for Global Views

Williamsburg Brand for Global Views

1. Global Views newly expanded showroom is stunning from what I am hearing!  Located in A1 Central West Lobby of the Las Vegas Design Center. Encompassing more than 100 products, the new Julia Buckingham for Global Views Collection celebrates the journey of design and encourages people to not just decorate, but to curate their spaces in a personal and meaningful way. The collection includes a selection of furniture, lighting, rugs, tabletop and home accessories by the Chicago-based designer. 

A special “Meet and Greet.” 

with Julia Buckingham

 is scheduled for 

Monday, August 3 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

in the Global Views showroom. 

I'm also loving the new introductions by the Williamsburg Brand for Global Views.  The "Richmond" marbelized pillows, pots and platters are amazing!

(click here to find out who the other 9 showroom fav's are....)

Kenian Home- Favorite Furniture on Friday!

In the summers, I transition to my beach house at Topsail Beach on the North Carolina Coast.  I grew up coming to this beach with my family from age six when my grandfather built a big family house.  Visits to the summer house meant several family sharing the beach house which meant many cousins to play with from dawn til dusk.  I have such fond memories of those summers shared with family.  When we had our children, I wanted them to experience the same lovely summers I had spent on the coast with family.  We have had a house here for 17 years now.  My children think of this beach as their second home.  It is important for me to spend time here with them.  We know our neighbors and have family all around us.  As a result, I work here just as I do when in Charlotte.  I love my work here because I get to use different products and colors than I use in Charlotte projects.  I enjoy creating relaxing retreats for families.  One of the companies I always look to for great rattan and bamboo furniture is Kenian Home.  Kenian Home is based out of Virginia Beach, Va but ship their products from Lexington, NC so it is very convenient to North Carolina Coastal properties.  The owner, Clell Smith, is such a nice guy.  When I visit him at market he always offers everyone who visits an espresso.  

"Kenian’s mission continues to be to provide uniquely styled, trend forward quality merchandise at a great value. "  They strive to provide exceptional customer service that will exceed your expectations, to listen to the needs of their customers and to give back to their community."

Kenian Home was chosen as a "Beach House" Must have by Costal Living Magazine in their May 2015 issue, but this company offers furniture for many other applications, not just beach houses.  If you are furnishing a lake house, children's room, office, sunroom, rooms with a coastal vibe both contemporary or traditional, Kenian Home has many options.  

Their timeless designs can mix and match into any home décor!

Click here to see more.....

A Five Star Favorite - Woodard Outdoor Furniture

  It's the first official weekend of summer, so it's time to get our patios, decks, pools, etc. ready for weekend relaxing.   I've tossing out old, tired items and making a list of what needs to be replaced or repainted for our beach house porches.  So here is what I need to furnish...

This deck is huge!  I think we can have a table and chairs, seating area, possibly a second table and chairs beyond the seating area on this side alone.

This is the other side of the house.  This is a smaller area which could have a couple of chairs and a table or a love seat or a couple of chaise lounges.  It gets so hot on this deck during the day.  The only way you could survive would be under an umbrella but later in the evening when the sun goes down, it's a great place to hang out.

  The interior of our beach house isn't large so expanding the seating and dining to our deck will make an enormous difference for entertaining.  I'm excited about the possibilities.  Up until now the only furniture we have had out there has been Adirondack chairs and side tables.  I'm ready to get serious about making these decks functional.  Our kids have gotten to the age they want somewhere to hang out with friends, this could be the perfect solution to our space issue.

At High Point Market in April, I discovered Woodard Furniture.  This industry veteran has been making quality outdoor furniture for over 140 years.  Woodard offers a large variety of quality wrought iron, aluminum, and outdoor wicker furniture in traditional and contemporary style.  Woodard's quality construction is unparalleled in the industry.  Finding the right outdoor furniture for coastal properties can be difficult because it needs to be attractive, comfortable and be made to withstand the salt air. 

It's easy find outdoor furniture that looks good, but the difference comes in the construction.  Who wants to replace furniture every year?  It's important to find furniture that will withstand the elements and last for awhile?  Shipping is expensive so if you are paying to replace furniture each year your investment becomes paying for shipping, not owning quality furniture.  I was so excited to find a line that offers both great styles and quality construction, now comes the hard part.  What do I choose?  Here are some of my favorite collections from Woodard Furniture.

I would love to have one of Woodard's Gelati Whimsical bistro tables and chairs in orange.  How cute is this?

I also love the Parisienne Bistro table and chairs.  This set reminds me of an old fashion ice cream shop.  The romantic heart details are sure to win you over.

Sculptura offers iconic mid-century design in woven wire available in a multitude of colors.  This collection is built to last. 

I fell in love with the Spright Kid's set and asked them to "pretty please" make it in adult sizes.  I have it from a good source that we can expect the adult version of Spright to appear at a future market.

The Baja Strap chair might be my favorite of all for the beach.  These low-maintenance chairs deliver high style in a stacking chair which offers the option for convenient storage.  This uber chic chair is equally as useful as a sand chair or on the deck or by the pool. 

I love the chaise lounge in this collection too.  It is also stackable and in stock.  

 If I had a couple of these umbrellas, I could create the perfect oasis on my deck.  It is one of my favorite colors.  

I sometimes prefer a chaise with arms, the Dominica is an excellent option if you do as well.

Woodard offers so many options such as table and chairs for dining.  I love the details on the back of these chairs from the 

Wouldn't this collection look fab at a mountain house?

Another classic dining option is the Ramsgate, which offers numerous finishes and fabrics with a broad range of pieces that can be customized for your home.

Woodard also offers stylish and comfortable seating collections.

Their collections consist of loveseats, sofas, swivels, chaise lounge chairs, and ottomans.

 Dining collections include tables, chairs, bar stools, and umbrella tables in many styles and finish options.

I love this 36" x 36" square table for its versatile use.  It's great to get a couple of these for your patio.  If you have, a large group over you can push them together to create a larger table to gather around. 

I think I'm leaning towards the Baja strap collection with aqua umbrellas?  Now to figure out which dining and seating collection to add to my wish list.  What's your favorite?

To see the entire Woodard Collection visit their website here.

Check out Woodard on social channels here:

Woodard Furniture on Facebook here

Woodard Furniture on twitter here

Woodard Furniture on Pinterest here

See something you want pricing on?  Contact me at Lisa@lisamende.com