From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 8/22/11
|
Hi Everyone!
Greetings from Karen in the Design Center!
We are winding down from a very hot and humid summer (weeds, mosquitoes, baby coyotes) and gearing up for a "fantabulous" autumn season.
We have just received the new Paula Deen "Down Home", collection in two great, easy-to-use, live-with finishes. Our new Better Homes & Garden upholstery line has finally hit the floor as well as our spring market Clayton Marcus upholstery which includes fabulous down seating and luxury fabrics at a very competitive price point -- of course still 8-way hand-tied and made in the U.S.A.
To kick off Labor Day Weekend, we will be having another Wendover framed art sale. So looking forward to that!
For those of you who haven't been to the store lately, I would like to take this time to welcome our new designer -- KC Corona -- to our staff. Please stop by and take a look at our new lines. Be sure to stop in the design center and say hello to KC!
Design question of the month.....Color is coming back in a big way. How will you incorporate color into the "Greige" rooms of the past several seasons?
Designingly yours,
Karen |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 5/29/10
|
Hi everyone, it’s been a long time since I wrote on my blog. The year has flown by. I have really exciting news. Mario, Ross and I had a great Highpoint Furniture Spring Market and we are bringing in several new lines of case goods and a fresh new line of upholstery. Ross certainly did his homework.
Our needs have been filled, to provide you, our customer, with a wide range of quality made case goods at a consumer friendly price point. Prior to the trip I spent quite a bit of time going through the various catalogs. I was blown away with the selection, yet inquisitive about the quality. Well needless to say, I was very happy! We will be carrying the Paula Deen collection. This collection is full of personality just like the person who inspired it. Beautifully scaled pieces with a coastal twist. The finishes are very well done in Tobacco, Linen, Spanish Moss & Sea Oat…..all beautifully distressed. Perfect for easy living. The recipe writing desk in Tobacco and Paula’s Bar Hutch in Spanish Moss are two of my favorite pieces.
Better Homes and Gardens Furniture has quite an array of great lines. This spring introduces “Present Tense” a collection of dynamic pieces with a clean line. Love the “Wexler” Shelter bed. The collection has a campaign look to it, but cleaner…..very cool. The scope of BH&G furniture is wide from Classics Today to Modern Outlook; there is something for every one. There are several other lines as well. Each bringing us a great variety of beautifully crafted case pieces. All with dovetailed drawers, wood on wood drawer glides, dust bottoms, stained and sealed drawer sides and designed hardware. All the quality checkpoints that I would want for my own home.
This market will also bring a new line of upholstery...stay tuned for further information. I will be putting together fabrics this week. This will be a great line of American made, 8 way hand tied frames. Super exciting!!!! New lighting and chandeliers have arrived from Curry and Company; the list goes on and on. Please stop in or call me at the design center. |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 1/19/08
|
| It is already January 19th, 2009….where does the time seem to go! It seems as though we have been inundated with snow storms….I can’t wait for spring. This year brings many positive, special events in my personal life…..we have a wedding in the autumn, the birth of a new baby in the spring, a college graduation and my significant other working on his masters….whew! I’m not sure if I can keep up. But I will…my focus is on remaining positive, during uncertain times. I have studied the eastern influence of Feng Shui for many years now. |
I am most certain everyone is familiar with Feng Shui….creating harmonious chi within one’s surroundings by using the five elements and compass point direction for placement of furniture, lighting, mirrors, accents…and wall color. I am in the process of preparing my home for “the wedding” in fall. I’ve started the painting. Choosing color that will coincide with my “bagua” or directional layout of my home.
I am cleaning up clutter as well. I have noticed in the past that when too many “things” such as cardboard boxes and miscellaneous junk seem to collect in the garage, the chi within my household is thrown off balance. My garage is situated within a sector that effects my families well being. I find the influence of Feng Shui very interesting.
I have used some of these principles in the placement of certain items within the design center as well. We have hung mirrors in ways to bring in a lot of light and also reflect back something pleasant, creating positive energy or “Auspicious Chi”. We have placed elaborate crystal chandeliers in many of our vignettes to add sparkle and create light which will bring in that energy, creating a positive balance and flow…while eliminating clutter which will stop the flow of energy or create “Inauspicious Chi”. Positive meandering energy…….that is a great way to start 2009!
Remember to stop by and say hello to Lynn, Patti and myself and let us assist you with your design questions or project assistance…we will be happy to help. We will be running a Hunter Douglas promotion starting February 1st though April 30th, “Stop the Great Energy Giveaway Spring Promotion” stop in for details.
Karen |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 10/16/08
|
| I can hardly believe we are half way into the month of October already – Summer seemed to fly by for me. I will certainly miss my leisurely days off at the beach!!
The design center was rather busy over the past several months. We updated the floor with new up to the minute fabric and leather upholstery, great lighting, including chandeliers and of course, my favorite…..accessories!!!
|
The red leather Bradington-Young ottoman is my current favorite. We recently received an order of NDI floral pieces that are not only gorgeous, but also provide a variety of price points in the mix. When the skids arrived with the Import Collection (one of our many lines of accents), I thought the boxes would never end! Thank you to Lynn, Patti and Rosalie for placing all the table top goodies while I was away.
Autumn is a terrific time to freshen up the home. We are currently running our oriental rug sale….what a fantastic array of carpets. A new area carpet is always a wonderful choice to change things up – a few new pillows, some lamps and artwork and the room is alive…how about a fresh coat of paint! Stop in today and the design staff will be happy to assist in selecting a fresh new look for you!
I will be heading down to the High Point market in about 2 weeks. Cannot wait to see what’s new for ‘09!!
P. S. Please try to come in on October 29th for our event to aid Breast Cancer awareness. There will be quite an assortment of local vendors displaying there products. I saw the list and can’t wait to shop. Of course appetizers and wine will be served!
Decoratively yours,
Karen |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 4/8/08
|
Karen Preli
|
Welcome Spring…As I was putting away the last place setting of china, having enjoyed the pleasure of my family for a lovely Easter Sunday dinner, I was thinking about last week’s arrival of Spring.
The arrival of the vernal equinox has always been a time of excitement and energy for me. It’s a great motivator in preparing my home for the season ahead. Being a true Collector of “things”, aka decorative accessories for the home, I decided to indulge myself to a sampling of fab finds from my design center.
|
Now I must tell you I did this very methodically. Several weeks ago I armed myself with paper, pencil and my camera and did a walk through of the house, knowing I was about to receive delivery on all the great accents purchased at the NYIGF (New York, International Gift Fair). One of the many pleasures as head of design is the opportunity to purchase merchandise for the showroom that I would display in my own home. So it started…I snapped away and took notes organizing a room by room shopping list. A new chandelier, a fabulous marble tray, a great rug (art for the floor), a bright pashmina along with a little bit of glitz and a little bit of that. I incorporated my new finds with my existing treasures to create vignettes full of excitement and energy.
I welcomed my family into my home to celebrate the holiday over a delicious meal, while beautiful surroundings enhanced the day.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Patricia Rood as assistant to the design team. Patty has been a valued employee at UHW for over 14 years and is a tremendous asset to our team. I would also like to welcome a new member to our design staff Lynn McGill. Lynn and I have worked together in the past for several years. She comes to UHW with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the design arena.
Please stop in and get acquainted with the design staff at UHW. We will welcome the opportunity to come out to your home and create vignettes full of excitement and energy, mixing the old with the new, a little bit of glitz and a little bit of that!
Ask us about the “Accessories Home Call"...Happy Spring! |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 1/8/08
|
Karen Preli
|
Happy New Year! Wow, I can’t believe we are into 2008! It seems like yesterday that I started my position as the head designer and design center manager here at United House Wrecking. I would like to say thank you to all of our customers who have supported us by shopping and spreading the word about our ever changing design center. Most importantly, I would like to thank the customers who have allowed me and my staff to help design your rooms. It has been my pleasure, and I hope to continue working together well into 2008 and beyond, creating beautiful, functional rooms together.
|
For those of you who have been in the store, I am sure you will agree that we have brought in some of the most fabulous accessories and lighting that could be found. We just received a new shipment of John-Richard prints; always exquisitely matted and framed…..I have already selected a few new favorites!
For those of you who have not been in lately…please come visit. Our floor has been redone with a new selection of gorgeous Highland House upholstery which I selected back in October at the High Point Market. What a beautiful selection we have! I’m not sure which vignette I love the most…the “Simply Sara” collection is so fresh in today’s “new” blue. I have a fabulous settee done in “new” blue and chocolate toile! The Kensington group is rich and warm in chocolate velvet, men's wear checks and a very spectacular floral. I also love my men’s room, which too is done in a subtle glen plaid reminiscent of a pair of trousers. This grouping is shown very well mixed with some of our John-Richard eglomise pieces and my favorite Theodore Alexander faux antler bench!! I also need to mention the fabulous Fairfield Chair pieces that came in…I am in love with the zebra print tufted Chippendale bench…such a twist on a classic!
This year will also bring the addition of our bedding department. We are expecting our mattress and box springs any day. Along with our Eastern Accents bedding ensembles, our current lines of Hooker, Virginia Sterling, Vaughan-Bassett bedrooms, and Wesley Allen iron beds, there is sure to be a new bedroom for everyone!
There is so much excitement and so much to talk about that I am going to invite everyone to stop in and see what’s new at the design center at United House Wrecking. Happy New Year! |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 11/15/07
|
Karen Preli
|
UNITED HOUSE WRECKING INTRODUCES NEW ART GALLERY
If you have not yet visited the new art gallery in our Design Center, make it a priority.
I have selected a broad assortment of new framed art, ranging from scenic and botanicals to architectural themes which enhance those special places in your home that are not quite accessorized.
|
Used singularly, in pairs of larger subjects or groupings of smaller paintings these will enhance your existing furniture pieces. My favorite way to display art is creating a wall-scape of various sizes--displaying pieces that hang horizontally and vertically.
In your foyer we can help you select a large painting and anchor it with a console table, or use a small seating piece with a floor lamp and several smaller pieces of wall art. In the dining room don't forget that area above your chairs flanking the china closet. You will find the assortment versatile enough to complete most of those unfinished areas in your home.
From John Richards, these classic Audubon hand colored pieces are exquisitely matted and framed in color ways that will be at home in any earth toned or neutral setting.
Call or email me with your accessory questions. |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 7/2/07
|
Karen Preli
|
I've just returned from a very exciting, and successful trip to the Dallas Market. I was out on a mission to bring back to my design center the product I need to create our lighting and accessory gallery......wow! I was blown away - not only are my finds gorgeous, but they will also retail at a great price point. Now who doesn't like that - beauty, function, and value.
|
I'm crazy about orchids,
and these are so authentically done.
|
Oggetti Luce Pendants
This is the Istanbul Collection, absolutely drop dead gorgeous, handmade Murano glass. The hanger that I'm holding in the photo is beaded.
|
Can't you picture the large lantern on your patio or deck illuminating a summer party, then bringing it indoors in the winter with one of the orchids. |
Architectural obelisks are always a great way to add some impact to a coffee table or sideboard, I even purchased the red tin rooster. |
That's my sales rep. Carol, I feel very lucky to have met her, we worked well together - notice the table top - the covered baskets are full of texture.
|
My mother always refers to me as Natasha - Antlers off to Bullwinkle. |
I told you I was orchid crazy
- Here's Carol again.
She is wonderful - we had a great time.
|
More orchids! These are beauties
|
|
These market trips can be tough - I brought back so much wonderful merchandise, that the sensors kept going off.
- Ross couldn't resist this photo - |
|
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
From Design Center Manager Karen Preli
Posted 6/26/07
|
Karen Preli
|
Hello, I'm Karen Preli and this is my introductory editorial column. I'm the new manager of the Design Center here at United House Wrecking. We'll be offering in each newsletter this new column that will include the exciting product we are bringing in as well as introduce any upcoming design trends. We will also take questions from our readers and will offer solutions in future columns for your design dilemmas.
|
Initially I'd like to mention the wonderful array of accessories that we are introducing. We find that our clients are much more sophisticated today and may, in fact, feel comfortable placing larger pieces in their rooms. They may have purchased their sofa and chairs, their tables and area rugs and find that the place just doesn't feel "finished”.
My advice--it isn't finished until it has "you" in it. Let's focus on wall art, lighting, vases, and soft accessories like pillows and woven throw accents--signature subjects that you love, in colors that are personal favorites.
Here at United House Wrecking we recognize the importance of those finishing touches so we are expanding that category enormously.
|
 |
Our new floral introductions from both John-Richard and NDI are really extraordinary. The wild flowers look as if they were just freshly picked from a meadow, and some of the larger arrangements are just breathtaking. Even the individual peony blooms in glass add a brilliant touch. |  |
|
We have added a number of smaller paintings as well. They will be arriving soon and they will be perfect to group or to enrich those smaller wall areas that are too tiny for a big painting or mirror, and just a bit too large to be ignored.
So come in soon to see all of the exciting new accessory arrivals. I'll be expecting you. |
| |
Have a question you would like answered by Karen? Click the link below to email our designer and you will receive a response to your question shortly. We may even choose to feature your question and our answer in our column.
Click Here To Email A Question To Karen |
| |
