Suzanne Kasler Discusses her October Showroom Inspirations at Hickory Chair

During the last October furniture market in High Point, Suzanne Kasler was kind enough to deconstruct her design process and convey her latest inspirations in her Hickory Chair showroom. Suzanne loves to create a feminine neutral space and is renown for her couture dress maker details. Her collaborations with clients have taken her from the preserves of Kenya to Blackberry Farm in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Elegant comfort defines and unites these widely diverse cultural settings. Suzanne's line at Hickory Chair is an entirely custom experience. A broad range of finishes and wood species are available for all the pieces in the collection. The upholstery can be made to measure, with abundant bespoke options. In addition to her furniture line at Hickory Chair, she also has lighting at Visual Comfort, art at Soicher Marin, and fabrics at Lee Jofa. Take a moment and watch Suzanne's design secrets. Dovecote Decor can help you purchase any Hickory Chair furniture piece.

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Getting Ready for Market -- All Eyes on Modern History

As we are getting ready for The High Point Furniture Market, we wanted to share our interview with Michael Beaver, the hands on owner of Modern History.  He is a second generation furniture manufacturer with a trained eye for style, finish and scale. We follow the history of these exquisite pieces as they travel from the flea market in Paris, overseas to their artisanal factories where meticulous detail is executed. Within the vast array of product offerings at market, this line is exemplary on every level. 

Visit The Modern History Showroom

430 N. Wrenn Street

Contact Karen Kepley

336-259-9198

or 

Liz at Dovecote Decor 

for an appointment

336-705-1316

Visit Our Online Store

More Later!!

Alexa Hampton Tutorial at High Point Furniture Market October 2013: A Fresh Take On Traditional Floral Chintzes

Alexa Hampton's showroom at Hickory Chair in October 2013 was a style lesson in how to create fresh young rooms for today's new home owners. Color is rich, finishes are varied and graphic patterns are sophisticated combining to create a completely comfortable individual design statement. With a myriad of custom options Alexa explains how she approaches a project and explains how to mix multiple patterns and colors for a collected layered room with both variety and flow.

Fabric and Wallpaper Links

Cowtan and Tout

Muriel Brandolini

Clarence House

Galbraith and Paul

Quadrille 

If you would like to buy Hickory Chair  Furniture

or fabric from any of these vendors

please contact Dovecote Decor!

visit our online store

liz@dovecotedecor.com

336-705-1316

More Later!! 

Our Wake Forest University Intern Reports From Abroad: Mallorca

By Danielle Adler

Dovecote Decor is fortunate to be a short walk from Wake Forest University and as a result we have had a wonderful group of interns who help us build and manage our online store. Danielle has been a terrific asset on our team, and while we have missed her during her junior semester abroad, we are delighted she has shared some of her travels with our readers. Danielle also has interned for Sue at The Zhush and Madeline Weinrib.

One of the first trips of my semester abroad was to Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain. I was fortunate enough to stay at “Es Cap Blau,” a unique home tucked away in the mountains. There, my two friends and I were able to relax by a serene infinity pool and take in the island’s famously picturesque landscape.

Not only did our refuge provide incredible views, perfect weather, and a much needed sense of tranquility, but we were also treated to delicious meals. On my first day, after snoozing until 10 a.m. I enjoyed a cappuccino while gazing at the “naturaleza” and snacking on poffertjes with an added touch of Grand Marnier! For lunch, we dined on fresh pasta tossed in a parmesan-salmon sauce, and for our evening meal we devoured a savory truffle flatbread pizza. For special occasions, a stone path leads up to a secluded area on the mountain overlooking the sea, creating an idyllic atmosphere for memorable celebrations.

 

The setting and cuisine were enough to have me begging to stay for another month, however, the ultimate element of stylish home decor had me wishing Es Cap Blau was my permanent home! Our host combined gifts from guests, items from world travels, artwork from creative friends, and favorite books to create a comfortable eclectic ambience. Each item in the home had a memory or meaning attached to it, further enhancing the warmth and appeal.

Love this ice bucket!

Not only is Es Cap Blau a hidden gem, but when we ventured down from our oasis, hiking out to Port Vell and taking a dip in the Mediterranean, we found the island to be a magical unforgettable adventure.

“The earth is covered with bands of magnetism; wherever these magnetic lines cross we find places with an exceptional energy. Mallorca is such a place.” - Diandra Douglas

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1,400 beautiful items for your home.

If you can't find it on our website

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Hillbrook Collections Bespoke Garden Houses Delivered to Your Home

Social Media is truly a crossroads for interesting new encounters. No, I am not on Match.com, much to my friends derision, but while scrolling through Instagram I came across this image which immediately piqued my curiosity.

Is this what I think it is? As I scroll down I discover that yes, it actually is an outhouse that seems to be going out for delivery. We work with custom orders all the time, but this is a truly unique project and being the sleuth that I am I needed to know more. 

So, I clicked over to Alison's website, Hillbrook Collections, and was dazzled by her stunning array of garden houses, potting sheds, pool houses, gazebos, playhouses and trelliage. I fired off an e-mail to her and within about an hour we were chatting like old friends on the phone. I mean really old friends. We know people in common, our children have attended the same school, and we like the same artists, designers, galleries etc.. However, I am truly enamored with her beautiful garden houses, so I was treated to a wonderful story. 

Alison was raised on a wonderful old original Penn land grant property with a lovely outbuilding for storing firewood. Lamenting the unattractiveness of contemporary storage and potting sheds on many properties Alison's Mother, Nellie Ahl, studied numerous follies, pavilions and garden houses in Great Britain, Europe and America compiling ideas for their design and decoration then.... fire literally struck. Their barn burned down and the local Amish builders came to replace it, and she says: "Exactly like in the movie Witness." I am imagining a handsome Alexander Godunov in the mix! 

Back to reality! The friendships with the Amish craftsmen created the solution of how to provide quality architectural garden buildings to a wide audience. 

Alison, has recently revived her Mother's artisanal business and is busy creating more unique and beautiful garden houses. The Amish craftsman build these perfectly scaled and pitched buildings on their farms from the custom options worked out between Alison and her client. They are constructed within about a month and delivered on site for the final installation on the client's property. Here is where the magic began:

Amish culture epitomizes the practice of slow-living and informs the quality and detail  of each creation at Hillbrook Collections. The hardware, finials and lanterns are all hand forged in Lancaster County. Clients can specify whether houses need to be fitted for electricity and heat. Sometimes a working team of Belgian horses will come by for a visit! Some of my happiest memories of childhood are in my playhouse. With five brothers, my childhood apotheosis was when my Mother shocked me on a day that was neither Christmas nor my Birthday and said: "I have something for you." Incredulous, I looked up at my very tall and yes, intimidating Mother, and asked: "What?" When she smiled and tucked an old fashioned key into my little hand and told me I could have the playhouse for myself, I died and went to heaven. I had my own personal space! I could kick people out, invite them in, serve tea, clean feverishly, and conduct leisurely conversations. There is power in a playhouse. 

My "bit of earth" had an old fashioned pipe constructed swing set within a twenty foot privet hedge.  It was a Mighty Fortress. I believe garden houses, gazebos, pool houses and follies are little destination shelters from the storm of family life--a touch of punctuation and needed privacy. 

Even when you are 16 going on 17, but really. only.... in proper dinner attire! However, on a utilitarian note, non-basement/garage aesthetic space is good for the soul. Hillbrook Collections has multiple internal fittings for tools and projects. 

Below, a stylish Alison poses in front of the beautifully landscaped hexagonal garden Shed that she has been telling me about all fall. The height of the finial adds a stately exclamation point and the subtle dentile molding at the base of the roofline defines the subtle bespoke finish, like a beautifully hand stitched button hole.  

And here is the completed masterpiece compelling visitors to peek in as the destination for a tidy axis plan garden.  Be sure to visit Hillbrook Collections website, as in addition to the portfolio, Alison has compiled a wonderful image library of inspirations from all over the world. 

Visit our online store

as we are adding new 

products from the October Market 

every day!

The Shellatier - Karen Robertson Collection - High Point Furniture Market

At High Point, we are always looking for truly artisanal designs, and Karen Roberson the force behind The Shellatier Collection is the real deal.  Karen creates the majority of designs and her cottage industry artists execute them in their homes.  Clients are seeking authenticity in their products, and organic forms are morphing into wall decor, lighting and seating in interesting materials such as petrified wood, crystals and shells.  Her new fabric collection manufactured at Altizer and Company is fresh and exciting. Karen's enthusiasm is contagious, and you will love her attention to minute detail in the finshes she applies to her year round floral and plant arrangements.  You can find Karen here:

Karen Robertson Collection

• Building Suites At Market Square
• Showroom G-2044
• Bustop #14 (Red/Green Line)

If you would like to purchase any of the Shellatier products contact us at Dovecote Decor's online store! If you are looking for that special piece to add to your home, e-mail us at liz@dovecotedecor.com and we will send you images and pricing.

More Later!! 

Christmas Decorating 2012: Let the Wild Rumpus Begin!

There is nothing like a good deadline, or should I say party, to get the house decorated for the Holidays.   Our BookMarks Festival of Books is an organization near and dear to my heart and I am their party venue. It is a selfish volunteer job. Once a year, when the 40 or so top authors in the country come to town for our literary festival, they come to my house. We literally have had everybody who is anybody, for an intimate literary salon. This year a highlight was Gillian Flynn author of Gone Girl  while she was #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List!

For anyone who has read Gone Girl,  let's just say Gillian was killer. For all the people that make BookMarks Festival of Books happen, we have a Holiday soiree as a respite from the business of begging for money and authors. This year I have the most beautiful fat 10 foot tree--ever!

I have been collecting Christmas decorations for over 30 years. If you read my last year's Christmas post, my friend Mrs. K. has 3 generations worth and the collection is spectacular. Walking in the front door....

Dovecote can not resist an avian themed mantle.

As usual, everyone brings a little nibble. The food was delicious. When everyone brings their specialties, the food is stellar. 

Like Elizabeth at Pretty Pink Tulips, I opted for Magnolia and Holly in our family room mantle. Do visit her outdoor decorations they are sumptuous.

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright!

Our Clear Star Chandelier is hot hot hot!!

Visit our online store for more Holiday ideas

Dovecote Decor Online Store Launch and Giveaway

Dovecote Decor is excited to announce our online store launch to our blog friends and followers. We have been quietly open for business since October, processing orders, talking to our very first internet clients, and watching Dovecote Decor take on a life of its own.  Partners Viive Ralston, Benji Gaines and I envisioned a hybrid shopping experience that seeks to blend the convenience of online shopping, with the traditional interior design approach. Understanding that currently, most people do not decorate an entire room or house, immediately, we have created an a-la-carte portfolio of our interior design resources, for the client that wants to methodically create a decorating scheme, one beautiful piece at a time. We create access to our gifted, atelier vendors, who uphold the aesthetic of merging quality, sustainable materials with affordable craftsmanship. 

Gustavian Lattice Front Server

Having shopped High Point and regional markets cumulatively for over 30 years, we were enchanted when the smaller manufacturers began incorporating reclaimed wood construction with small batch production, applying painstaking, hand applied finishes. The result has been well priced reproductions, that are often indistinguishable from the original antiques.  The instant gratification of the online retail experience is exchanged for budget expanding, thoughtful planning and selection. 

A stunning example of one of our perfectly executed modern reproductions. 

We strictly adhere to manufacturers online price guidelines. With a more expensive piece like this we encourage shoppers to telephone us for our design client rates.  Beautiful home design emerges slowly, over time, developing patina and character reflecting the owner, embracing family and friends. The art of living is a loving process creating cherished memories, reflecting our souls. Analogous to the slow food  movement, we encourage clients to step back and approach their home decor projects in a "new" old way. 

Our Regatta wing chair with maritime flag panels is featured in the November 2010 House Beautiful and advertised, as carried by ABC Carpet. A client call confirmed today, that ABC has no inventory, a much heftier price and no free shipping. We are currently offering sharp pricing, although in accordance with vendor guidelines, and free shipping, to inaugurate our client dialogue. There are 8 left, so if you love this chair, it is time to pull the trigger. 

Our Mirrored Buffet is a superb, geometric nod to the Hollywood regency period. Our client was having trouble visualizing how this vignette would translate, and as part of our service we performed a little photoshop magic, so she could see just how perfectly the mandrel lamps look with the buffet and Abalone Mirror: "Here's looking at you kid." 

Another client was trying to visualize a grisaille  European dining room, for a "rustic" house in California, balanced with strong architectural bones. Benji translated the mixed metaphor, combining our provincial dining table with these elegant French dining chairs  and chandelier. 

Our antique,  Suffolk Dresser comes from our new partner, The Wind Rose!

We are elated to also announce our new partnership with The Wind Rose, a trade only antique resource for many high profile designers and shops around the United States. I have been stalking their trove for myself and my clients for 25 years. Ned White and Cary Wright have been scouring Europe for 30 years, importing timeless pieces and sensitively restoring them for everyday living. They have shared their encyclopedic knowledge with us for years, and the pieces I have slowly added to my home over time, mean so much more when provenance, age and unique regional characteristics are explained. This versatile Suffolk dresser is identified by its even shelving, heart pine construction and is dated 1850-1860--a fantastic 160 year old timeless heirloom, with simple lines that work with multiple genres. 

The spectacular Wind Rose showroom is an early destination for savvy High Point designers. As we add to our collection on the website, please call us for requests that may not be posted. 

Accessory English boxes are classic and useful stacked on shelves and on tables for storing party invitations and love letters. Mine, holds the television remote control. They make thoughtful and memorable gifts. Old wash tubs have been transformed by Wind Rose artisan journeymen repurposed for elegant new lives.  Ned redesigned the antique chest in the background, with a modern, mid-century modern graphic. 

While this armoire is not posted, we can offer you photographs, dimensions, pricing and shipping on any number of beautifully restored cupboards. The Wind Rose policy of pricing based on their cost versus what the market will bear,  has fueled their reputations as shrewd buyers and fair merchants. I have never found an antique resource with this combination of quality, function and price. Trust me on this, we shop!

Our 1880 English country chest with the original paint is rare, as over the years many simple, functional country pieces were changed or stripped to suit contemporary tastes. At a price of $1,745.00, it is an amazing value. As with all Wind Rose product, the drawers have been "retuned" to stand up to everyday use. When we can find an antique for a better price than a new piece, we recommend the character and finish values old furniture provides.  

Prattware Pitcher

For the flower arranger on your Christmas list, this exquisite Prattware pitcher dating from the late 18th-early 19th century, would make a thoughtful and cherished gift. We have a huge inventory of antique gifts for Christmas, and a fantastic Wind Rose giveaway to celebrate the season and our new beginnings!

Our Blog Launch Giveaway!
The Wind Rose has generously donated this lovely English box with inlay!

Here are the Rules of the Game: 


Become a follower of our blog, if you are not one already, by clicking the link.

Visit Dovecote Decor and describe a desired object, not from this post.

Comment by clicking the faint link at the bottom of the post, which says comments, telling us what you covet on the website.
Let the Wild Rumpus begin!


The winner will be selected on December 20th