"SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE..."

http://www.margecarson.com/

www.margecarson.com


Sleep is necessary and dreams are only ushered into our lives through this doorway. The bedroom is a very important, personal, romantic and unique place. It should be our own private sanctuary. As a result, it should feel as such. We spend more time on this furniture than on even our office desk chairs. These dreamy offerings are presented to you by Marge Carson Furniture. http://www.margecarson.com/ (Just a few examples of what you can create as the gateway into your castle in the air.) Explore the world within your visions of rest and relaxation. I encourage you to be daring in the bedroom: Not in the way that you are thinking, but in the way that you are decorating. Your place of refuge should reflect the fantasies of what inspires you yet leaves you recharged. Like a "New Moon on Monday," once you are well rested, you can embark on the journey that life has laid out ahead of you. So, dream a little dream and create! "SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE..."

"VINTAGE-EMOTION"

Fashion: the one form of art that seems to drive the bus in the entire industry of aesthetics. On top of that you add the wonders of vintage and you can surmise quickly the influence it has on what we see today. Designers these days are searching through the archives of history to find patterns, fabrics, products and materials that can be reinterpreted and modernized. As a result we are beginning to see new forms of old. Color studies that were ahead of their time way back when are regularly seen on the new products of upholstered goods we have grown to love in our homes of late. Look at how many clothing designers, namely Ralph Lauren, who now have their own furniture collections. It doesn't take long to do the math and see that this equation equals success.

Fashion sets the tone within the music industry. Consider the iconic ensembles adorned by the likes of Elvis, Madonna, Frank Sinatra and even Michael Jackson. Then pay attention to what shows up on the runways, and eventually ends up on your very own sofa. The most wonderful thing, in my opinion, about vintage is the principle of timelessness that it instills. Almost all of art is cyclical. Classics endure. But sometimes, the extraordinary (even the flamboyant) shine out from the crowd and turn your head. Styles evoke emotions. Styles are born from emotions. Emotions are like the wind as they come and go, sometimes barely noticed and other times forces to be reckoned with and subdued by in our lives. Vintage is that "Peaceful Easy Feeling" that we can all hum along with and end up smiling. And as I have covered previously, when used properly it is extremely responsible. So, look in your closet and see just what treasures may be hidden once you look at that garment with "Betty Davis Eyes."

Pictures from the Sanctuary Vintage Fashion Show

"OLD'S COOL"

So sorry for the delay as I have been working on a large commercial project. I truly cannot say enough about this company, Habersham Plantation Corporation. www.habershamdesigns.com The most glorious finishes on the planet coupled with the highest level of craftsmanship and design are the qualities that set this company apart. Often copied but never duplicated, Habersham creates all you would ever need for the complete home. They actually have a program called Habersham Home, which allows you to be the maestro and compose a home that is truly a masterpiece. From kitchen cabinetry to upholstery, from finishing trim to architectural elements, even to the dining chairs you retire into as you feast; this line will dazzle and delight most anyone. This is the company I spoke of in my introduction "What is Design", when I referred to actually seeing a client brought to tears in this showroom due to the overwhelming sense of grace and beauty of their products.

Timeless style and exuberant expression are the trademarks of this company. And best of all, they are an absolute joy to work with on any level. I have had several projects where they have customized whatever I might need or dream up for my client. It appears a bit "Old School", however I am left with the sense that "Old's Cool". If you have a specific finish request, no problem. Since 1972 and still going strong in Tecoa, Georgia Habersham continues to shine. We are cooperating on the development of a custom line of furnishings for MossCreek homes currently. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, turn on some Louie Armstrong, preferably "What a Wonderful World."

THIS IS PERSONAL- SNEAK "PEAK"

Above is a first look at a personal design I have had produced locally as a prototype for my line. It is made exclusively out of reclaimed American hardwoods. I worked with an artisan by the name of Andrew Heneise, originally from Alaska, to bring this beauty from concept to reality. The woods are Wormy White Oak and Black Walnut. The joinery is real and the top of the legs are wrapped with acid etched copper bands. What you see is what you get with this one. It has a story to tell, and if you listen closely you may catch a tune from days gone by coursing through its veins.

Reclaiming materials, or salvaging, is my approach to design for all of my personal pieces. This is another aspect of the name "ART-ECO." If you look at my logo, the "SWICK" one, you may notice a little twist. If you turn the logo upside-down, you shall discover a new way to read the initials that further describes what I do. It becomes "KCIMS". This stands for "Knoxville's Couture Industry of Materials Salvaged." Who knew?

"FUN AT WORK"

Sorry, Stickley, I couldn't resist! This is me at work having a bit of fun a couple of years ago. I call this the "Bow Arm Electric Chair". I love my work...it is so much fun.

FASHION FORWARD - SNEAK "PEAKS"

"Old Glory" has never looked better. Patriotism and fashion salute one another as the "Star Spangled Banner" is represented on this glorious leather sofa by Old Hickory Tannery.

I saw several flag-themed pieces of upholstery at this past market. From the Union Jack of Great Britain to the Drapeau Tricolore of France, from the Bandiera of Italy to the Stars and Stripes of the U.S.A., the forging of streamers onto items of everyday use was evident. Patriots can fly their colors inside their personal forts as well as outside on the standard flagpole.

I could see one of these in the Oval Office: You think? Perhaps President Obama should give me a call so we could set up an appointment. I could help him out, no question. I'm just sayin'...

Here is a behind the scenes look at a fashion forward design by Old Hickory Tannery Furniture. http://www.ohtfurniture.com/ This ravishing banquette can and should be used in a multitude of applications. It is shown here in this extravagant white patent leather with zebra hide toss pillows. When I saw this piece I had to take a seat. Again, we have another interpretation of the classic Chesterfield style that I have been fixated on as of late.

FORMAL ELEGANCE - "SNEAK PEAKS"

Take a look at this metal sculpture. "Yours Truly in the Hand of Design"

From casual to formal. "From Swick to Swank." Here is another interpretation of the classic Chesterfield style sofa brought to you by Hancock & Moore Furniture. http://www.hancockandmoore.com/ They truly have a passion for leather and skillfully produce some of the most glorious creations using such. This is another factory that I have had the privilege of visiting with the folks from MossCreek. http://www.mosscreek.net/ Nestled in the "Furniture Capital", Hickory, NC, at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains sits the most intriguing of furniture factories. In it are numerous master craftsman, carpenters, leather workers, upholsterers and visionaries. Out of it come some of the finest leather pieces crafted in the entire world. No matter what the style, no matter what the combination of materials, and no matter what you can imagine, they can deliver the goods.

This particular setting reminds me of the first time I ever attended a symphony. The metallic treatment of the leather is your horns section, the mohair on the seat is like that I sat upon in the auditorium, and the marble on the table top is like that on the auditorium's grand staircase. What a beautiful experience. I have never been the same since. Speaking of metallic treatments, this is a huge movement as well in the design industry. From leather, to paint finishes, to the reintroduction of reclaimed metals and the post-modern usage of steel and aluminum, metal is hot: Cool too! There is so much more to share however, for now, I must go! Stay tuned and thank you!