High Point Market: Center for Antiques? You betcha

Ruth's Blog/Antiques by Zaar

…and more ,on the Changing Face of High Point. For over 100 years High Point has been considered the Furniture Capital of the World and since 1909, yes, 1909, it has been host to the infamous High Point Furniture Market.  The square footage of the Market alone is bar none to making it the largest trade show in the United States and the reputation of the show continues to stand strong as THE place to spot trends. Holding strong to it’s core values/offerings to the community of sellers/buyers that twice a year block out their calendars for  “Market”, it has however had to change with the times….and it is with making these  changes that High Point Market  remains a vital resource it is for so many…..but perhaps with a twist if you will. You know “the same but different.” It is my contention that a shift is occurring before…

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For the Love of Chinese Porcelain Garden Stools

You can hardly flip through the pages of any of your favorite shelter magazines, or as shown here, accenting the C.R. Laine showcase  Interhall showroom at Fall 2011  Market…see additional pix here…without seeing someone using either a vintage style, or modern version of, the Chinese Garden Stool, as they work themselves so well into any styled setting… it almost seems to be a “must have” to complete at least one room in one’s home.

….eons ago we had a great source for a steady supply of vintage style garden stools, which was great as we sold ALOT of them,  but last couple of years we’ve been unable to locate a reliable source for this ever popular item….until now.

Yes, happy to advise that I have recently secured a new supplier, and thus can once again offer these hot items. ….not only the vintage style but also fresh, modern colors….as shown here in classic cool white, in the Design on a Dime Tilton Fenwick showroom of a blogger’s office…which yes, also happens to sport an antiques by zaar etager….read about abyzaar/tilton fenwick here.

If you have photos to share of how you’ve placed one of these lovelies, would be thrilled to share it…or, if you have need of something similar for you, or, to you designers,  your client’s homes, do let me know if I can help. Small selection can be seen here, on my website…more to come soon!

What a wonderful way to bring a touch of Asia to your home!

Ruth

P.S. Can be seen @ the ZAAR Design Center in High Point. Open the 2nd Wednesday of each month 9:00-5:00, or otherwise by appointment….or, of course, 24/7 online!

 

Fall 2011 High Point Market: An exhibitor’s perspective….

“It’s ALL good!”

Yes, that is how I would, succinctly, capsulize this most recent “6 days that mattered” which  to those in the home industry know  such is referring to the Fall 2011 High Point Furniture Market.

For 8 years I have participated as an exhibitor in the High Point Market, and there is no doubt that I, like all, have seen, and likewise experienced, a lot of changes over the years. And although there is a general contention that “traffic” is down, I feel safe to say that the general contention also is that the people that are coming to High Point, are a purposeful buyer and that the tone out and about is upbeat and positive.

My take? Well, anyone that is at Market is still in business, and as such we have great cause to celebrate. We have sustained our businesses through an economic upheaval, which probably shouldn’t be put in past tense quite yet, that has taken a huge toll on the home furnishings industry and all associated with it. The casualty list is one that is not to be ignored and any of us could just as easily be on said list….BUT, we’re not.

Everyone at Market is actively in business, each  doing our part to keep it all going…and TOGETHER we continue to contribute to the well being of our economic climate by refusing to participate in the recession….this downturn which has served as a great equalizer, among many other things. But fact of the matter is that our businesses mattered, and all of us have done the things we needed to do sustain and grow… tighten the belts, skim on some of the “extras”, be creative/resourceful,collaborate, work more for less,etc etc …. to fuel ourselves on. So, bravo for us!

And in keeping with the celebratory feeling I have whilst amongst all at  Market, I would like to add how appreciative I am of MY ever evolving community in High Point….one in which a sense of collaboration is prevalent… to the point of humbling me as I take personal benefit from doors that continue to open ….relationships that continue to be fostered/introduced and enrich my life and ultimately my business. I aspire simply to honor the support and collaborations that continue to become part of ZAAR’s presence in High Point.

Yes, Market Fall 2011 was all I had hoped for….

A nice contingent of customers found their way to our new, easy to locate,  warehouse/showroom, also known as ZAAR Design Center, on the corner of West and Green. see photos here.

As a trade partner of C.R. Laine I was beyond thrilled to hang my hat in their Interhall showroom for a good part of the week…giving me a platform to be in front of a steady ebb and flow of people , many of which I knew and which was great to re acquaint with, and many which I was able to make an initial introduction, that were drawn into their show stopper showroom. See pix here.

As a member of WITHIT I reveled in the opportunity to further entrench myself in this organization, by attending the events they sponsored, namely their educational breakfast which featured Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, founder of Apartment Therapy, and the Competitive Intelligence/Trends Forecast event.

As a friend of many fellow exhibitors, I enjoyed supporting their events and “wins”…speaking in particular here of Red Egg‘s win as Showroom of the Year award…see additional  photos here.

And after all is said and done I know that between now and the next Market I have continued opportunities to promote, not only my business, but those that have joined me at ZAAR Design Center, as we remain open for High Point Design Centers Designer Wednesdays, and plan on active participation in the annual Unity in Design Event, held in Feb.

So, yes…it is all good.

Thank you to all that participated at every level to make Market a relevant experience to all. And onward!

…and should you like to add a perspective to what your thoughts were on Fall 2011 Market, I’d love to hear them. Designers, Marketers, Buyers, Exhibitors…please bend my ear!

Ruth

 

Antiques by Zaar with C.R. Laine…

….for the 2011 Fall Market in IHFC, Interhall IH 404!

So excited about the invitation by C.R. Laine for Antiques by Zaar to serve as one of their “trade partners” . Look forward to seeing/feeling the merging of beautiful product lines, the synergy of impassioned sales people presenting their respective lines, the embracing of past customers/friends  and the thrill of making new connections.

Sharing some photos….

BEFORE the “magic” is done, this is some of what is being worked with… and yes, you can count on seeing how it all comes together to present next week…for “the next 6 days that matter“.

 

Shane’s Collection Showcases Chinese Antiques….

….from none other than Antiques by Zaar!

So thrilled for the collaboration with Shane Phillips, in his retail store so aptly named “Shane’s Collection”, which is just that…. a great collection of  furniture and accessories  as selected and displayed so eloquently by Shane himself. Truly, the man is passionate about what he does and you can feel it from the way he creates his window displays, which simply draw you in….such as the black and white themed vignette he did for his grand opening earlier this summer…and which I just have to share here.

Conveniently located on the corner of Main and Kivett in High Point, NC,  he is open 6 days a week, servicing both retail and designer customers.

Yes,  he would specifically would like the Designer community to know that he is there to welcome you each and every Designer Wednesday, and will also be open throughout the duration of Market, welcoming your business.

NOTE: Antiques by Zaar Showroom at 1500 West Green Drive will unfortunately NOT be open for Designer Appreciation Day, Wed Sept 14th….

Please visit our retail venue @ the corner of Main and Kivett, at Shane’s Collection…..where you will be sure to find  something to suit your tasteful palette and your pocket book….and enjoy meeting Shane while you’re at it. He’s not only a talented designer with a discerning eye, he is just a really nice guy!

The store truly is a must see, and I hope these couple of photos serve as a teaser to have you stop by, for I promise you, you will be delighted.

For more information on Shane’s Collection, contact the man himself at 336 991 0867.

Ruth

 

Total Design Source/Old Saybrooke CT: July 4th Blow Out Sale…

…in honor of the store’s 3 year anniversary.

180 Main St, Old Saybrooke, CT.

 Be sure to check out all the offerings at Total Design Source (TDS)…so much more than a retail outlet that has an incredible array of carefully selected/deliciously presented lines…some of which you can see listed here. 

TDS also supports local artisans, and this weekend you can purchase select Judy Perry art at discounted prices….

…and, Chantal Lawrence, the heart and soul of Total Design Source, has been doing business under that name for more than a decade…the 3 year anniversary is for the opening of the retail branch of her business on Main St in Old Saybrooke, is also a talented interior and architechtual designer….check her impressive  portfolio on her website, she truly can be your “Total Design Source”.

Click here to have a little pictorial visit to the store…hope it entices you in, should you be in the Old Saybrooke area…NOTE: My friend and I do share a love for Asian antiques and artifacts…surprised?

NOTE: This weekend only….. Somerset Bay floor models on sale, at 50% off….lamps discounted 25%, as well as metal wall sculptures… 

P.S. Had the absolute delight of attending the grand opening party for TDS, summer of 2009..a few photos here to share.

 

Kat Burki @ ZAAR Design Center: High Point NC

Isn't it simply scrumpteous?

Look what showed up at ZAAR Design Center today.  Getting excited….

Come and check it out in person during the High Point Furniture Market, starting on Saturday, although we at ZAAR will be open and ready ready by Thursday!

Ruth

 

“Sip and See” 8/11/10

Kris and Kathy Coupland, of Vanderveer Imports, and Trade Partners with Antiques by Zaar, are graciously hosting a “Sip and See” for the High Point Design Center Designer Wedensday.

Thrilled for them to be hosting this and am equally thrilled that I will be able to be there to meet and greet as well.

So, for Designers in the area, be sure to drop in at 400 Mandustry St, to view the latest and greatest from Vanderveer and Antiques by Zaar.

 Drop by between 1:30 and 3:30 and see our wonderful pieces as well as Antique by Zaar’s furniture, and treat yourself to a refreshing wine spritzer, while perusing the extensive collection of Chinese Antiques and porcelain, as presented by Antiques by Zaar and Vanderveer respectively.

We so look forward to seeing you.

Feel free to give a call for questions or clarification.  As I’ll be on the road, best to reach me on my cell at 207 838 2675, or by email at ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com . Yes, JUST got connected with my biz email on my iphone. Love it, love it, love it!

Ruth

P.S.  For preview of Antiques by Zaar offerings visit www.antiquesbyzaar.com

 

Directions:

From Main/English St.: down English 3 miles.

Left onto South Road & go 1/2 mile.

Left onto Lambeth and continue 1/4 to warehouse/showroom

 

 

Chinese Kang Chests come “Art Deco” Desks

 

Designer Kat Burki is in the company of many in her profession that like to use these colorful consoles in a variety of settings. Yours truly poised in front of a pair in South Hampton showhouse, where a non matching pair served as dressing tables.

For years we have offered a wide array of colors (but not excluding traditional natural wood tone as well) of what we have coined as “art deco desks”. They are moderately priced (975.00), easy to ship and fit quite nicely into a variety of niches and working with an array of decorating styles. Yes, a versatile piece that adds a flavor of China to your home.

As the colors offered are not classic Chinese…shades of blue, yellow, green  and bone, it is obvious that we have added a modern touch to a traditional piece. But what most people don’t know is that these chic little consoles have evolved from being what the Chinese call a kang chest.

For those of you familiar with Chinese antiques, you would think of a Kang chest as what we have termed as low sideboards or vaults, as catagorized on our website.  The Kang chests which our innovative friends are transforming (thanks to the directives/influence of the French) into what we have coined as art deco desks, are of a rather specific size that has been popular with those in Northern China (in particular) for generations, and thus, the stock of such pieces for us to continually have at our hands to transform, is plentiful.

Your basic Kang chest, to which legs are added, cupboards adjusted and finished, per our specifications, and voila...

As our own stock of such has recently all but depleted I’m thrilled to advise that we have prepared more than 20 kang chests come art deco desks, to add to our offerings. You can see them (and the rest of the inventory on this container) by clicking here…. all which has just left China this week and is due to arrive in our NC warehouse early August.

Our colorful collection of art deco desks have served as a great draw in our High Point showrooms, here in Market Square, 2006.

Should you want to secure one of these treasures (or anything else for that matter) I am happy to do so with a 30% deposit…balance due once container lands and we’re ready to ship to you. With that the item would be taken out of circualtion and noted as SOLD.

NOTE: Kat Burki’s South Hampton showhouse dressing room (where per chance were a pair of Antiques by Zaar art deco desks) caught the attention of Traditional Home and thus featured in the April 2010 issue.

up close and personal, as seen in April 2010 Traditional Home

 

 

Raymond Waites Couture

Raymond Waites reputation as a “mover and shaker” in the Home Furnishings and Design industry reaches way beyond the scope of High Point, North Carolina and covers the scope of decades.  But High Point is the place he calls Home and where his generosity of Spirit effects those that have the privilege of being part of the wide circle of those he calls his friends.

And so it is with extreme pleasure that last year I was introduced to Raymond (after “hearing” about him for years) last year as we both exhibited pieces of our respective collections with Aribesque.

And so it is with even greater pleasure that I am here to announce that

Antiques by Zaar showcased in showroom window.

Raymond Waites Couture and Antiques by Zaar will be showing together this Market in the 200 N Hamilton Building, in showroom 100, in the South Court. The mix of traditonal and modern,  of using a myriad of mediums for expressive art, and the obvious artistic Spirit, will be available for all to experience at this most strategically placed showroom.

Yes, the folks at 200 N Hamilton are graciously hosting the following events in the courtyard, where the windows of the Waites/Zaar showroom serve as decorative backdrop/conversation starters (if such should be needed) during said events.

Raymond Waite in all his grandness, greets you...

Complimentary champagne breakfasts:  Saturday, Sunday AND  Monday mornings from 8:30-10:00

“Sunday Uptown”  Sunday 4:00-7:0o…so many treats here including wine, hor d’oeuveres, music and a painting demonstration by Raymond himself.

Similarly, you may want to head over to Market Square on Friday evening (yes, before official opening day of Market) to participate in the IFDA/House Beautiful sponsored event where the inauguaral Raymond Waite scholarship of 5,000 will be presented to the winning candidate.

And just as one more little FYI… Raymond Waites and Antiques by Zaar will also have their collections represented  in respective showrooms in the Michael Thomas Building at 1690 English Rd….a mere 1.5 miles from the Antiques by Zaar warehouse @ 400 Mandustry St,  where we also will be open throughout Market, and by appointment year round.

Do give me a shout or drop a line if you have any questions or have a specific time/location where you’d like to meet me…for I will be otherwise “floating” between all locations, which will be fully manned!

Ruth

www.antiquesbyzaar.com

ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com