Happy 2020! It’s hard to believe that 2019 came and went so quickly, but I am so excited to see what this new decade has to bring for Design Avenue!
Starting off a new year always reminds me to reflect on the foundation of my business. January always proves to be a busy month as we prepare for new opportunities, but it’s important that we begin by evaluating our wonderful vendors, reviewing which pieces were most popular in 2019 and what’s anticipated to be trending in the new year.
Year to year, however, Made-in-the-USA vendors are unwavering in their popularity amongst our customers. Ordering from these established companies provide numerous benefits, such as lesser tariffs and shorter lead-times, while adding a timeless style to your space.
Check-out some of our favorite American-made companies that we are proud to carry in-store:
An American-made custom upholstery company out of Berne, Indiana, Smith Brothers Furniture pours every ounce of heart and soul into creating the perfect upholstered piece to fit your space. The company sparked from just a handful of hard-working people and family-ties, and now employs over 500 individuals and continues to be a leading force in furniture manufacturing. Specializing in custom assembly and upholstery, Smith Brothers Furniture continues to provide a wide-range of home furnishing pieces that can suit any design type.
Leathercraft is a family-owned furniture company out of Conover, North Carolina, that specializes in creating one-of-a-kind leather products and has remained a reliable and inspirational manufacturer since establishing in 1967. With over 300 selections of durable and beautiful leather, Leathercraft blends leather and fabric in such a way that reflects the fashion side of their product lines. Combined with a large-range of style and finish options, these American-made furnishing pieces are sure to provide the perfect blend of comfort and style.
Located just an hour away, North-Carolina based King Hickory thrives in producing American-built furniture pieces. Their quality craftsmanship ensures that every chair, sofa, sleeper, or ottoman is made for optimal use. Another family-owned company, King Hickory has built its reputation based on the following three principles: Solid frames, master craftsmen, and 8-way hand-tied springs. Each of these principles work together seamlessly to assemble high-quality and comfortable products.
Rounding out our list of Made-in-the-USA vendors with another North Carolina neighbor, Charleston Forge. Based in Boone, Charleston Forge truly masters the art of hand-crafting steel-framed furniture. Drawing on age-old blacksmithing and metalworking techniques, the team of skilled craftsmen creates every built-to-order piece by hand on-site.The company takes great pride in enriching every hot metal frame or solid wood tabletop with character and quality.
As the new year begins, I am thrilled to see what new collections and products are released in 2020 from these American-made furnishing manufacturers – the latest and greatest from each truly never disappoint! Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Lunch & Learn event sponsored by Leathercraft inside the store on Friday, February 21 from 11 AM – 2 PM!