Thayer and Milo Make Magic

Thayer Coggin has carved out a unique identity in the furniture market.  I have long admired Thayer Coggin's designs.  It was a thrill to go behind the scenes in their High Point, North Carolina showroom/workroom.  It is a family owned and operated business celebrating 60 years.

Thayer Coggin's commitment to mid-century modern, classic design has a lot to do with his lead designer, Milo Baughman (1923-2003).  Milo joined forces with Thayer in the 1950's.  The magic of his unwavering commitment to classic design, uncompromising restraint, and simplicity were the benchmarks of an enduring style.  The collaboration of these two men on designs, engineering and building techniques defined the mid century modern era and beyond.  They created some of the most classic, iconic furniture that has stood the test of time.   Milo was inducted into the furniture designer hall of fame in 1987

The Reynold's lounge chair at this market is a reintroduction of the Art Deco chair by Milo.
He was known for his love of lounge chairs in particular.

"Make it the best it can be made" is the motto they live by at Thayer Coggin.  Each piece is completely custom built, by master craftsmen, many whom have been with the company for decades.  There does seem to be a certain mystique, or maybe it's love, that goes into each piece.

I loved that some aspects of the workroom floor were untouched by time.

or maybe it is as if time has stood still

There is a lifelong licensing agreement in place, so as long as there is the company Thayer Coggin, the designs of Milo Baughman will live on!  You can't mess with perfection.  Many a company has reproduced the look because, after all, imitation is the best form of flattery.

via:LA DIff

Fav Finds @ High Point Market -part 1

Aiden Acrylic Bed by Bernhardt ~ I NEED THIS

High Point Market, after all the parties and parades, concerts and cocktails, is at the heart BIG business.  Companies want to show you their new introductions for the following season.  Come as I show you what our sponsors were up to ~

Bernhardt brought everything I love together in their Domaine Blanc collection.  It is equal parts edgy, organic, classic, modern, adventurous, and chic.  With a nod to the 18th century as well as  geometry, it took a fresh approach, and there is something for everyone!  It was described as if "Thomas Sheraton and Alexander Wang had a baby."  Hmmm, interesting; Domaine Blanc checks every box!

Bianca Console

Eichholtz ~ This Dutch company radiates enough glitz and glamour to have made Liberace proud! Their innovative ideas and dynamic goals set them apart.  Jewelry for the home is how I would describe them with their designs rooted in the past.

Sofa La Perla

SHO Modern speaks to a fashion forward, modern clientele that wants to be "wowed".  Susan Hornbeak created a collection that has irresistible visual appeal.  Her pieces speak to those of us that like a little sparkle in our lives.

Stacked Coffee Table

The Raven Cabinet

Durable with its 180,000 sq. ft factory, now makes furniture that is as versatile and visually exciting as their fabric line that we in the industry have come to know and love.

Memphis Side Chair

Lee Industries is a go to resource for me.  For over 44 years, this family owned company has taken pride in their products, their people, and their community.  "Be honest, be respectful, be fair, and be accountable" are words they stand by.  Who can't get behind that?  Lee has a vast, eclectic assortment in each category displayed in their enormous showroom.  I zeroed in on these beauties, among many other things.

Horn Chandeliers

Crypton was on hand to demonstrate the remarkable difference their stain resistant technology has on the ability of fabrics to resist the wear and tear of everyday use.  With 20 plus years of experience and a commitment to environmentally responsible technology, their home fabric line has a feel you'd want for your home with the ability to "release and repel" stains for heavy duty use.  To prove it, we spilled soda all over a sleeper sofa and the spill just beaded and was blotted away.  That's why Crypton is considered the preeminent leader in the world of performance fabrics and is also why it is incorporated into many of the manufacturers textile lines that we saw as we toured market.
And in the name of research we ate candy and made a mess!

Castelle Luxury, an outdoor furniture lifestyle brand's motto is, "Create a space that inspires you." Outdoor as become equally as important as indoor when you think about designing a functional living, dining, entertaining space.  We want all the bells and whistles outside too.  Castelle helps us get there elegantly with their custom made to order pieces.  The 2017 collection marries sleek lines with contemporary design for today's modern lifestyle.

Fire and Ice Collection

Helios Collection

Ameriwood is a reasonably priced, ready to assemble furniture manufacturer than spans many categories.  Found mainly in big box stores, they make sure they keep their finger on the pulse of what's trending.  Creating and displaying extensive mood boards for inspiration helps inform their consumer base.  Their adjustable standing desk was a stand out, something to think about when your Apple watch tells you to stand throughout the day.

The Salon section of the trade show is where the hip and hot reside!  Temporary premiere showroom space is given to "rising" vendors in the furnishings, decor, or gift categories.  A colorful, happy corner was occupied by Joanie Design.  With a certain joie de vivre and an obsession for details, Joanie's furniture (and custom wallpaper) collection is not a secret only her clients are aware of; now it's accessible to everyone.

Katy Skelton's dream is to have her own factory one day, but in the meantime Brooklyn is home. Katy believes in transparency and employs a socially responsible work environment.  Her designs are beautiful, purposeful, functional, and slightly nostalgic. The description of her company, modern + nostalgic, fits perfectly.  The collection is quite beautiful, with each piece strong enough to be incorporated into a wide variety of spaces.  I fell hard for this steel bench!

Camp Bench 

Linear Lights and Wyeth Cabinet

My friend, the uber talented Michelle Workman collaborated with Pyar & Co to create a trim line worthy of the French court.  Feminine, flirty and extravagant, I can't wait to see what else they will dream up together.

Thayer Coggin rounds out the day, but look for an upcoming blog post on this family business with a rich history.

Whew, that's day 1, stay tuned for day 2!

Headed to Market

I am so excited to be heading to High Point Market.   Twice a year more than 75,000 people head to the biggest furnishing trade show.  With more than 11.5 million square feet of show space and 180 buildings, I am more than a little overwhelmed!

I am looking forward to new discoveries, meeting up with colleges and blogger friends.  Follow along as I tweet some favorite finds or check back as I will most certainly share what's new, what's next, great finds in design and maybe a party shot or two.  Insider secret ~ Designers work hard and play hard.   Follow friends as they share their market inspiration or check in with me  @cleskowitz on twitter or carrieleskowitz on instagram.

See with you on the other side.