Southern Hospitality
What did Tuesday bring? Much adventure. Cassandra & I had the pleasure of attending - and graduating from, I might add - Hickory University today. She and I were among a throng of interior designers invited to the event in picturesque Hickory, North Carolina.
In one day we toured the entire factory, seeing how these amazing pieces are formed, sanded, finished, customized, refined, upholstered, hammered, nailed, tufted and welted to your exact specifications. This is as close to bespoke as you're likely to get in the American furniture market. Nearly every piece of furniture we observed today was accompanied by a custom order ticket. I can barely get my head around the processes they must have in place to keep so many orders and options straight. Watching them work is like seeing an orchestra perform. There's so much synchronicity and fluidity to their motions and such a sense of calm in what seems like such chaos.
And amazingly, every one involved is happy to accommodate even the most intricate detail of personalization. It's late and I have so very much to share, but I'll need to post the juicy details once I'm back at home. Let's just say hotel wireless is not the best friend of the photo-rich blogger.
Tomorrow it's off to High Point for the showroom tours. In the meantime, enjoy these quick snapshots from the day. And before I go let me just assure you, that southern hospitality you've heard so much about is anything but myth. The entire Hickory Chair team has been so welcoming and gracious that I'm almost convinced we could stay all week and be greeted with welcome arms. In just two days I feel like we're family.
I love your perspective and fresh post today! Your ideas and information are much appreciated. We will have another great day tomorrow!
Posted by: Laura Holland | May 12, 2009 at 09:08 PM
This is so great! I wish I were there with you girls! The furniture looks amazing. Bes ure to check out the Visual Comfort Showroom at High Point!
Posted by: Paloma{LaDolceVita} | May 12, 2009 at 10:56 PM
hi dear ,,,, love you blog always , even I'm not commenting , I'm here .
Amalfi ... the best place on earth !
Posted by: zelda | May 13, 2009 at 02:53 AM
sounds like fun!
Posted by: joanne | May 13, 2009 at 03:59 AM
We are so excited to see the reaction of our visitors as they witness our Craftspeople creating the exceptional pieces people have requested to be "Made" for their homes . 87% of our styles are produced at our Hickory Workroom.
Thanks for visiting and fueling our energy through your insights and appreciation for their efforts.
Posted by: Jay Reardon | May 13, 2009 at 10:41 AM
So neat! I'm from High Point - currently living in Greensboro. Just found you via Coco+Kelley. I hope you enjoy NC - the weather is nice today!
Posted by: pleasesir | May 13, 2009 at 01:46 PM
oh my goodness - where can I buy those You & Me pillows?
Posted by: Carrie | May 13, 2009 at 02:47 PM
oh how fun. i like the u and me pillows.
Posted by: savvymode sg | May 13, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Oh than you all for the great feedback. Carrie... the pillows were in the showroom at the factory....I'll see if I can find out the resource for those. They also had pillows that said "yes" and "no" - very cute!
paloma, as it turns out, all of the lighting in the showroom was provided by the very company you mentioned! Seems fitting that great design is surrounded by great design.
Zelda, I love your visits!
Jay, I can't possibly thank you enough for your generosity. This was a perspective changing trip. I can assure you my home will slowly begin to fill with Hickory Chair pieces. They - and your entire organization - are truly remarkable.
Posted by: franki durbin | May 14, 2009 at 07:59 PM
The You and Me pillows are available through your Hickory Chair dealer. We make monogrammed pillows and furniture to order.
Posted by: Laura | May 15, 2009 at 10:41 AM