The Art of Furniture

The 2012 Charleston Forge Annual Sale!

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:14:00 GMT

The Charleston Forge Annual Sale runs from Friday, June 1st from 9am-5pm, until Saturday, June 2nd from 9am-4pm at our Boone, NC factory location. Items available will include Charleston Forge classics, along with new items and market samples. Other local vendors offerring items such as mattresses, sofas & recliners, leather sectionals and oriental rugs will have product on location and available to the public. Be sure to stop by early for the largest selection!

Charleston Forge Featured in the High Point Market Style Report

Fri, 11 May 2012 19:18:00 GMT

Due to it's hand crafted appeal, Charleston Forges Pacific Drink Table, designed by John Kolkka, and featuring a beautiful exposed metal look paired with crisp cast glass, made it to page five of the 2012 Spring/Summer issue of the Market Style Report.

Click here to download and view the full report listed under "Spring 2012 Market Style Report."

... and to see more of what we've got in the works, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Charleston Forge: The Newbies High Point Experience

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:50:00 GMT

While I know there are plenty of blogs out there that share their experience with the High Point Furniture Market, veterans or fashion experts are usually the authors. Name brand companies have teams whose sole goal is to paint their company in the light of success based on another "in house" team’s market research. People who follow the trends and know the furniture industry inside and out, knowing just what to say in order to trigger a sale or interest.

I am not one of those people. I am new to the furniture industry and I tend to tell it how it is because I believe people want the truth… want to see a company as a person, not as a big corporation with CEO’s that could care less about their employees. I graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with a photography degree in December of 2011. I’d never been to market, in fact, I hardly knew what it was. I had four months to learn everything about the company; who they are, what they stand for, what the mission is and how they have changed since the furniture industry went over seas; all of that goes in to communicating who they are photographically. Four months to develop and perfect my eye and lighting and editing when shooting furniture (my graduating portfolio revolved around portraiture - and the two are hardly related.) Four months to grasp the vast meaning of the High Point Furniture Market – the biggest furniture market in the world.

In all honesty, the marketing team here (which really consists of a marketing director… and me, a photographer, retoucher and social media fan) really began preparation for this years April market five weeks prior to its opening. We sat down, looked at a calendar and began talking about what needed to be accomplished between then and April 21st. My head began spinning; furniture wasn’t built (the order hadn’t even been finalized,) the new catalog hadn’t been in process for long, take-aways had to be thought about, press packets hadn’t been discussed, ideas for design and color schemes for the showroom hadn’t been approached, and every part of this process had to be photographed, designed or edited in one way or another. Five weeks. Five.

The idea for our newly improved image was upscale, geared towards women. Clean. We’d been headed that direction for a long time, but were having a hard time communicating it. Our look had to match that this time around, communicate that. It’s who we are now, yet all people seemed to think of us for was our Bakers Racks... the foundation to the Charleston Forge expansion all those years ago.

I was continually told that market was glamorous, busy, buzzy and nothing less than exciting. Five weeks and I was having a hard time seeing it. I am surrounded by a factory; men covered in metal dust, loud noises and flying sparks, and a vast space that could serve as a horror film backdrop at night - jagged metal, sparsely lit. The only clean white space is my studio here at the factory, and even that is in need of new paint after the frenzy that is market prep. At that point, I could only guess where we were truly headed, and all I had to work with was lighting. The head spinning continued as I frantically photographed and edited and designed and edited… and edited.

Then the CEO, Art Barber, and I went to High Point, to the Charleston Forge Showroom. I fell in love with the Market Square building. The old brick, the large windows streaming light in, the open spaces… and while no one had even begun to set up for the upcoming Market, there were plenty of showrooms still set up from the October 2011 Market. I felt that I was back in New York City, visiting Martha Stewarts studios. I suddenly saw the vision of what had been discussed back at our factory. I saw our product beautifully lit against an upscale backdrop and on the level of New York. Instead of old school bakers racks, I saw beautiful clean finishes and accent pieces paired with amazingly designed beds and consoles. I came back to Boone with a much clearer and cleaner vision of our goal for this years Market.

We got it done. With only a few weeks left, and with a very limited staff, we finished everything we’d set out to do to portray Charleston Forge in the light that it deservs.

While I did not get to see market in full swing, the Thursday before market opened was enlightening. The showroom was fully set up, the press packets were delivered and our reps were set to meet with us. I was impressed with what our team had accomplished in such a short period of time, especially when the showrooms of names much bigger and well staffed than ours were still full of boxes that had only earlier that day been delivered… and there wasn’t a person in sight unpacking or directing the flow of what needed to happen in order to be fully prepared for market to open.

We accomplished our goals, and the success of the April High Point Market, and the reaction of visitors to our showroom, reflected all of the hard work and dedication we put in to it.

Tara Jackson

Charleston Forges 2012 April High Point Showroom

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:34:00 GMT

If you didn't have the chance to make it by our showroom at this Aprils High Point Furniture Market, here is what you missed! A lot of new items, twists on our classic pieces, new looks and partnerships with quality artists. Charleston Forge is reinventing itself, while remaining loyal to the quality that you've always known.

Above: The entrance to our showroom, envisioned and pulled together by designer Diane Davant

Above: The New Carson Platform Bed, complete with upholstered headboard

Above: The Charleston Forge classic - Parsons Mirror, Console (with a Don Wright wood top) and Bench

Above: The Parsons Table paired with the Studio Side Chairs

Above: Many of Charleston Forges new drink table designes.

The Custom King Size Bed: Recon

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:19:00 GMT

A few weeks ago, we had a customer contact Charleston Forge about creating a custom bed. They had a design complete with sketches, but they needed some details and some metal working talent to accomplish it. Our team worked together on this king size behemoth named "Recon" to the customers specifications.

While its difficult to show through a photograph how beautifully massive this piece is, it is just that... beautifully massive! There are really very few other ways to describe this work of art. After it was put together, waiting for its new paint, every person here at our Boone, NC location went out to the factory to see it, and the response was across the board: WOW.

(I am 6'0" tall, and felt dwarfed by this beautiful creation)

Just a note: The second photo in the series is of a member of our customs team working the metal that was to become one of the feet of this bed. The weight and size on their own was impressive, and provides a very sturdy base to this design.

Beauty, Function and Value

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:40:00 GMT

Passion and Hard Work

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:24:00 GMT

We are preparing for the April High Point Furniture Market and have LOTS to show! So many new and exciting things... make sure you take some time to come by and see what we've been working on! Our showroom is being spruced up, and our product has been overhauled.

Be there.

April 21-26, 2012

Charleston Forge and the Idea...

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:28:00 GMT

Charleston Forge I 251 Industrial Park Drive, Boone, NC 28607 I 828.264.0100

Sleek and Sophisticated furniture, made in the Mountains of North Carolina

Charleston Forge and the October 2011 High Point Showroom

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:53:00 GMT

With the 2012 High Point Spring Furniture Market just around the corner, Charleston Forge has been focused on preparing for what is sure to be an exciting and upbeat six days. We have new product, new ideas and a new outlook to share.

That being said, after spending some time in our showroom last week, preparing for Pre-Market this week, we realized that we never had the chance to share some of the items or the atmosphere we had in our showroom last October. Those items included some beautiful mirrors, framed by some very striking handmade wooden frames that we would love to show off. So here are a few bits and pieces of our showroom before we change it up for this Springs High Point Furniture Market.

If you happen to be at Pre-Market this week, be sure to stop by our showroom at Market Square Space 110A to say hello! We'd love to see you.

...and, if you have a facebook page, take a moment to come and "like" us on our FAN page

Charleston Forge and the Augusta National Golf Club

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:26:00 GMT

Being one of the few American made metal furniture manufacturers, Charleston Forge has opportunities to be involved in some pretty cool projects. One of our more recent projects was in conjunction with the Augusta National Golf Course (thats right, where the Masters are held.) We welded and built some tables that were to be paired with copper tops.

Charleston Forge and the Humane Society

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:51:00 GMT

Charleston Forge and local photographer, TaraMichelle Photography, will be teaming up later this spring to benefit the local Humane Society.

Charleston Forge will host TaraMichelle Photography with mini-photo sessions for a discounted price to local pet owners, with all proceeds going to the Watauga Humane Society. Space will be limited and details, dates and times will be posted to the blog at a later date, so be sure to check back to sign up for your mini-session with your favorite pet(s).

We would love to hear back from our readers. Feel free to post a comment or feedback below

...and, if you have a facebook page, take a moment to come and "like" us on our FAN page

Charleston Forge: The Roundabout Collection

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:59:00 GMT

We are announcing our "Roundabout" collection. A very clean design that compliments any interior and available as a cocktail table, side table and console (not shown above.) Shown here in Oil Rubbed Bronze, this beauty has captured a wide range of audiences after initial release to our dealers and designers, and orders have soared within the last few weeks (even before we had the first piece made) and we are focused on getting them out of the factory as quickly as they are made!

Want one? Want the whole collection? Be sure to contact your interior designer and ask for Charleston Forge specifically, or head on over to our "where to buy" page and find a local Charleston Forge Dealer. If they dont have one of these beauties in stock yet, be sure to ask for it!

We would love to hear back from our readers. Feel free to post a comment or feedback below

...and, if you have a facebook page, take a moment to come and "like" us on our FAN page

Getting to know designer Holly Carter: Holly Carter Design

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:15:00 GMT

1) Did you always want to be a designer?

No, I wanted to be a professional horsewoman but lacked the talent (even though I still have the desire.) Design runs deep in my genes. My family on both sides is filled with artists, inventors, engineers, and the like. My parents, as a hobby (that was really an obsession,) bought and restored old stone farmhouses in historic Bucks County, Pa. The very essence of architectural integrity was a daily experience as they did project after project bringing these magnificent homes back to their original splendor. They would then go to antique auctions in the surrounding areas and furnish these houses.

I can remember my mother on her hands and knees using Johnsons Paste Wax to polish the old pegged floors. When she was done, she would always ask me to hop on her electric buffer and get a “ride” while she buffed the floors up to a shiny patina. She said she needed the extra weight for a good shine.

2) What’s your design philosophy?

As a tag line: Creating environments that nurture the soul! My Design philosophy is really simple; there is nothing new under the sun… just another viewpoint on the already well-known wheel so to speak. So it has to be beautiful, it has to have a purpose and it has to be justifiable. I use as many organic materials as I can. And if the project dictates...I have to have the inside of the home transitioning with the outside, or I go mad!

It's not about me...its about my clients. I want it to look like their home and feel like it’s them. if it’s a commercial project, I aim to give it a shot of soul.

3) From where do you draw your inspiration?

My Inspiration comes from God. The master creator… look outside yourself and your questions will be answered.

Then of course my family and all of my memories and experiences [bring inspiration]. I think a lot of personal life experiences play into developing your taste and style. I had a Grandmother that painted and gardened daily. Her home was always a great inspiration to me. She had this greenhouse that opened into the foyer in this redone carriage house in Yardley, Pa. It smelled like turpentine and hot dirt. It was quirky, but cool. Then she had a studio in the back of the house where the light was best with a hallway that connected the two areas; so when you would enter you got that whiff of turpentine and dirt. It sounds weird, but it’s comforting to me. She always had fresh flowers and lots of light streaming in everywhere. Her husband, my grandfather was an inventor, very much a southern gentleman; birds would sit on his hands and take seed when he fed them. He was very gentle... He impressed me a lot.

My inspiration also comes from being an equestrian, along with many trips abroad foxhunting in Europe and seeing the world.

4) Is there a specific design feature you like to use or feel fits in almost any situation?

Oh yes, I would say a signature piece for me for an interior would be something antique ... every room should have one; even if it’s a book. An exterior signature piece could be a serpentine wall of some organic composition such as brick, stone or a fence line. It just undulates with the lay of the terrain.

5) Tell us a little bit about your first solo design job, was it smooth sailing, or a nightmare? What did you learn?

My first project was a dream project. My clients had just purchased a home and it needed a lot of cosmetic renovations along with an addition, and then total furnishing. The wife wanted to keep the wallpaper and save money. The husband didn’t give an opinion but eventually asked me what I thought. I was afraid to give my honest opinion. I was sweating the idea of having to tell them what I thought because I simply wanted the job. I finally advised them to do it right the first time and to get rid of the hideous wallpaper. He said, “Good, the jobs yours!”

To be honest, clients are paying me for my opinion, and if a designer is afraid to give an honest opinion than they aren’t being true to themselves as a creative individual or to their clients. If that happens, then the integrity of the project can become compromised.

6) What other profession do you think you would love or be good at?

There are quite a few: Set design, the old fashioned way (they never told us about that at career day in school.) Loving history as I do, I wanted to be an archeologist at one point. Honestly, if I could go back in time, I’d love to be an architect; one who draws by hand not in a cad program, which I feel takes the design evolution away from the process.

7) What’s your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement would be still having a business after the horrible recession we have all been through. I’m still young enough, energetic enough and passionate enough to get out of bed each day and enjoy my work and the many wonderful friends I have met in this business (whom I am so grateful for and to!)

Having your own business is a challenge. When I would complain about the trials of having your own business, my good friend Randall Tysinger would say to me “H, if it was easy, everybody would have their own businesses.” I am grateful to be self-employed. I never ever would have believed it if anyone had told me that one day I would have my own firm.

Holly Carter is a designer located in Aiken, South Carolina. She offers complete interior design services...as well as the finest American and English furniture, European antiques, luxury gifts, and accessories.

www.hollycaterdesign.com phone: 803-226-0025 facebook fan page

Charleston Forge and the Custom Color

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:44:00 GMT

One thing about our style here at Charleston Forge is that we create very classic, beautiful, "will-work-in-most-any-setting" furniture. Our furniture has been loved by designers and customers alike for a long time for that reason... along with the fact that it is built to last and wont fall apart after 2-3 years of use. It's sturdy, and it's made in America at our Boone, NC plant (a huge positive selling point right now!)

However, since we do so much custom designed furniture to fit the needs of our clients, we will, on occasion, get a not so run of the mill request. A table base painted in a bright teal or a barstool cushion lined in a vibrant red zebra stripe. We create these pieces on an individual bases for our customers, or for a designer who has a color scheme in mind and just can't find anything else to fit their vision. Recently, the flash sales site Rue La La has, for a three-day period, featured a fairly non-traditional color palate and asked contributors such as Charleston Forge to provide pieces around that color scheme. With spring on the way, with all its bright colors and vibrant hues, Rue La La has requested purple. We obliged.

Today is the last day of their purple sale. Be sure to go by and take a look to satiate your purple craving.

Charleston Forge and the Red Hot Valentines

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:32:00 GMT

Charleston Forge would like to wish all of our customers, fans, dealers and employees a very Happy Valentines Day!

Although today is the day we typically celebrate love, don't forget to find some sort of passion in your life everyday; whether that's with a loved one, a favorite hobby, a job, or simply the beauty of a quiet winters snowfall.

It will make life all that much more enjoyable.