Smart Trade Program

February Highlights

2012-01-31T14:47:00.001-05:00

January Highlights

2012-01-23T18:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays Trade Members!

2011-12-05T16:57:00.003-05:00

Smart Trade News: November

2011-11-22T11:58:00.001-05:00

October Smart Trade News

2011-11-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

Smart Trade News: September

2011-08-29T12:54:00.001-04:00

Smart Trade Program: August

2011-07-28T11:33:00.004-04:00

Smart Trade Program: July

2011-07-28T11:33:00.000-04:00

Smart Trade News: May

2011-05-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

April Smart Trade News

2011-04-06T17:13:00.002-04:00

Happy Spring! Here is the latest news for April.

March Sale: Save 15% on Knoll

2011-03-01T18:33:00.003-05:00

February Update

2011-02-01T20:39:00.001-05:00

SmartTrade News: 2011

2011-01-02T17:20:00.004-05:00

Let's give a warm welcome to 2011!

I hope you're feeling relaxed and you enjoyed this fantastic holiday. Hopefully you took a break to enjoy some time with friends and family, as I did. Some of you might have experienced your first white Christmas!

The 1st of January commences the Gus* Keep on Giving! Sale. Through this entire month, Smart Furniture will donate 3 non-perishable food items to the local Food Bank for every Gus* Modern purchase. There is never a better time for helping those in need. If you are interested in any Gus* products, please don't hesitate to contact me. I have had first-hand experience and highly recommend their products. The quality and craftsmanship are superb.

Best wishes for a successful 2011. Stay warm and have a happy new year!

Sincerely,

Karen

December: SmartTrade Top Gift Ideas

2010-12-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

SmartTrade News

2010-10-27T18:14:00.001-04:00

The Knoll Sale Ends Tonight

2010-10-03T13:27:00.001-04:00

The Knoll Annual Sale Begins Now.

2010-09-24T00:50:00.000-04:00

September SmartTrade Newsletter

2010-09-19T23:53:00.000-04:00

Choosing a Dining Table That’s Right For You

2010-09-17T17:19:00.002-04:00

When looking to purchase a dining table for your home, there are a lot of factors to consider. More than likely, you hope at some point to entertain guests, family, or friends around this table. We understand you want a beautiful piece of furniture, that fits seamlessly into your space, and comfortably accommodates your dinner guests. We’ve written this post so you have a handy guide that can walk you through the steps of deciding which table is right for you.

There are several factors to consider before you buy:

Function: First let’s talk about the function of your table. Will this be a table that fits in a larger dining room or a kitchen nook? Do you want your table to expand to fit any number of guests, and do you have the room for that?

Shape: Next, what type of table do you prefer? Round, oval, or rectangular?

Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s dive into the specifics.

A standard 47” round table fits 4 people comfortably. Add just 10” to that, and you can put an additional 2 people around your table. The great thing about dining tables today, is you can have the best of both worlds, given you have the space to accommodate an expanding table with leaves. Take the Skovby Round Expanding Dining Table. This table utilizes 3 leaves that are stored in the tables base. With a twist of a lever, the table separates and expands to fit your needs in moments.

Skovby Round Expanding Dining Table SM 32

If a smaller round table doesn’t fit your needs or preferences, a rectangular dining table is a suitable alternative. A 69”-long table can hold 6 people, and if you choose a table that extends with leaves, you can seat up to 8 people comfortably at a 109”-table.

If the above two options - a round or rectangular table holding between 4 and 8 people - doesn’t suit your needs, there are plenty of alternatives. For example, if you can’t decide between a round or rectangular table, and you’d like the option to seat between 6 and 16 people, there are dining tables for you out there, believe it or not. The Skovby Oval Expanding Dining Table can transform into a rectangular table, and has several leaves that can hold a crowd - giving you the ultimate flexibility when it comes to hosting your guests.

At Smart Furniture, we understand how important it is to have options that fit your individual needs. With the introduction of Skovby chairs, tables, and sideboards, we hope to provide you with the options and flexibility to design exactly what you need for your space.

New Campfire Collection

2010-08-20T09:46:00.000-04:00

Inspired by people's everyday life, Campfire by Turnstone has been designed to take the elements of work at life and make them life at work. Places to escape and focus, to mingle and connect, to meet and make it happen. I am so excited about this sleek new collection!

Save My Living Room: The Ugliest Chair in America Contest

2010-08-02T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hello Trade Members, we have great news!
During the month of August, Smart Furniture is running a big giveaway event, called Save My Living Room: The Ugliest Chair in America Contest.
It’s pretty amazing. All you have to do is take a picture of an ugly living room chair in your house, or even one in a friend or client's house, and send it in with a story about how it got there, why you need a new one, and which Stressless Chair you desire. Whoever receives the most votes wins the grand prize (a.k.a. has the most hideous chair or the best story) of a brand-new free Stressless Chair from Ekornes!
Who wouldn't trade-in the Ugliest Chair in America for the most comfortable, supportive, ergonomic and beautiful recliner we offer? The Stressless brand has been huge ever since the 1970s, when Ekornes began their ascent to international furniture powerhouse.

Here are a few photos of the Stressless Chairs in their natural environment (click image to view larger):

Be sure to send in your pictures and stories; we want to hear them, and we want to give away a Stressless Chair!
Official rules here.

The Kartell Summer Sale is On!

2010-07-03T00:16:00.003-04:00

Trade Members: Happy 4th of July Weekend!
The Kartell Summer Sale has officially begun. Now is the time to save a whopping 20-30% on these fabulous products.

Browse the Sale Now >> http://www.smartfurniture.com/kartell.html

As always, I am available to provide you with quotes, samples, lead times and design assistance. Please contact me by email at kculp@smartfurniture.com or by phone, 1-888-949-9042.

Celebrate the Earth

2010-04-12T11:51:00.003-04:00

April 22 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Join more than one billion people in the commitment to sustainability. Let's build a healthier, prosperous clean energy economy now for our future. You can take action through Education, Recycling, Conservation, Sustainable Development and Green Building. Learn more about LEED Certification – an internationally recognized green building certification system (both residential and commercial) recognizing strategies in energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in these key areas.

You can support the green movement through eco-friendly furniture. Smart Furniture believes in sustainability and we support the efforts of our partners in reducing their carbon footprint – most notably Herman Miller, Steelcase, Emeco, Loll Designs, MASH studios, Gus Modern and Ecotots.

New Catalog, New Products for 2010

2010-03-08T18:43:00.007-05:00

Spring is almost here! What better way to celebrate the new season than with fresh, new products and a sparkly 2010 catalog to display them! Please expect to receive your catalog in April and email me if you need additional copies. A digital version will also be available soon.

In your March newsletter, we announced our new Swatch Program which allows you to share an extensive library of sample swatches to your clientele, quickly and easily. We also give you the ability to purchase online using your Trade Discount! Remember: When going through the checkout process, you must select Standard Checkout instead of Express Checkout. Then, on the Payment page, you will see a "Discount" or "Gift Code" field, where you can enter the special code I shared with you in the newsletter. Keep in mind this discount does not apply to all products. Please email me with questions about your discount, lead times, samples or any other questions related to the SmartTrade Program.

New Products: We are pleased to introduce Emeco! As you may already know, Emeco has a fantastic eco-story. Manufacturer of the iconic Navy Chair, Emeco uses 80 percent recycled aluminum to make its chairs, and the aluminum content in Emeco chairs are 100 percent recyclable. In addition to using environmentally friendly materials in the production process, Emeco uses 100 percent recyclable shipping and packing materials (they even use paper tape). Legend has it that Wilton Dinges, founder of Emeco in 1944, actually tossed a 1006 Navy Chair out the window of a six-story building. The result was just a few minor scratches. Emeco's 77-step patented construction process was invented to satisfy a military need for lightweight, corrosion-resistant equipment. In the late 1990s, the Navy Chair's iconic design began catching the attention of architects and designers, resulting in new era for Emeco.

As always – please contact me if you need anything. Happy Spring!

Old vs New: Look for balance when combining contemporary pieces with antiques

2010-02-06T22:30:00.004-05:00

By: Anne Braly, Times Free Press
Furniture trends change with the generations, so what do you do with your grandparents' treasures when they pass down to you? Antiques are not only valuable; they carry memories. But what if your taste runs more toward modern designs, such as straight lines versus fanciful details.

Incorporating the two can offer rooms a dynamic look, said Karen Liwanpo, creative director at Smart Furniture on the North Shore.

"The two really work well together," she said, provided there's some coordination between the two.

Joy Devlin, manager at Smart Furniture, explained that "modern" furniture appeared in the 1920s with the Art Deco movement. By the 1940s and 1950s, it became mainstream alongside traditional pieces. The designs remain popular and continue to be used by many of today's furniture designers.

And, Ms. Liwanpo added, the modern furnishings from the early and mid-20th century now are considered antiques of great value.

If you prefer furnishings with a modern edge, use your antique pieces as an accent. Or visa versa.

"Balance the two," Ms. Liwanpo said. "Don't just mash them together. It would look like a Bohemian dorm room."

The focus should be on unifying the elements.

"It's a good marriage of fashion and function that allows you to hang on to your roots but give your home a more modern look," Ms. Devlin said.

Here are their tips for fusing the two.

Match colors and textures. Put modern cushions on an old sofa using your accent colors. Or add throw pillows to highlight accents.
Try different arrangements. Move pieces around to create symmetry.
Strive for balance. If you have an older, traditional table, you can add a clear, polypropylene chair that will add no visual weight.
Don't be afraid to experiment. To try out the look, place a contemporary lamp on your heirloom table. Like it? This is a good place to begin outfitting your home or office with a new look.

Loll Outdoor Furniture

2010-01-24T11:53:00.002-05:00

We welcome our newest partner, Loll Designs. Loll is a modern outdoor furniture manufacturer specializing in the use of recycled materials to make affordable long lasting and no maintenance outdoor furniture. Loll strives to improve the relationship between the furniture people use and own and their ability to enjoy it in a healthy environment. Sustainability is at the core of the business. Loll furniture is fabricated in a facility designed to reduce its impact on the local environment. The plastic used in Loll furniture is 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, reclaimed from plastic milk jugs. Please email me with questions, quotes or for samples of this great product line.

New 2010 Products Are Here

2009-12-22T16:07:00.002-05:00

Receive FREE SHIPPING today on these New Items:

Holiday Sale: Free shipping and 15% off Herman Miller

2009-11-30T17:21:00.002-05:00

News from Gus Modern

2009-11-05T10:08:00.001-05:00

Gus Modern has announced that they are now manufacturing all upholstered seating with 100% FSC-certified wood, sourced from responsibly managed forests. Nice work!

Gus Design Group offers sleek pieces that meld industrial influences with elegant finishes. Well proportioned sofas and sectionals inspired by mid-century modernism have been gaining attention across the country and internationally.

Coalesse

2009-10-26T15:10:00.007-04:00

We are proud to introduce Coalesse! Please call 1-888-949-9042 for inquiries, sample swatches or to place an order.

Gone are the harsh lines and glaring surfaces that have long characterized the workplace. Coalesse has replaced them with softened, contoured shapes that represent the new sensibilities of the modern way we work. A new brand of premium furnishings for ideas people. The coming together of Brayton, Metro and Vecta to create an exciting new category of solutions for inspired work. Live/Work is productivity’s new aesthetic. And Coalesse is defining the genre. Bring more life to work.

Good design: Knoll

2009-10-07T16:00:00.006-04:00

Knoll is now available! Please call 1-888-949-9042 for inquiries, sample swatches or to place an order.

Knoll is recognized internationally for creating furnishings that inspire, evolve and endure. Knoll’s commitment to innovation and modern design has yielded a comprehensive portfolio of office systems, seating, files and storage, tables and desks, wood casegoods, textiles and accessories.

A Commitment to Modern Design

Since Knoll’s founding in 1938, design integrity has been our guiding principle as we offer insight into the way business is changing and into what’s possible—now and for the future.

Good design is good business

Knoll’s commitment to modern design has yielded a comprehensive portfolio of furniture products and textiles designed to provide enduring value and help clients shape their spaces with imagination and vision.

Knoll has been recognized as a design leader worldwide. Knoll products are exhibited in major art museums, with more than 40 pieces in the permanent Design Collection of The Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Introducing the Stylish, Affordable Studio Desk

2009-09-29T16:12:00.006-04:00

The Studio Desk: A traditional workspace with a modern twist, the Studio Desk was designed with laptop users in mind. Hidden storage and cable compartments work to minimize unwanted clutter by creating a clean work surface, helping you to reduce distractions and increase productivity. All peripherals and excess cables are hidden just under the sliding desktop surface. The storage compartment is conveniently accessed from above. An elongated slot across the width of the desktop allows the necessary peripheral & power cables to enter/exit at any point, thereby keeping the desktop clear of clutter.

The StudioDesk is in stock and available for quick ship. The desk ships flat in one box. Minimal assembly is required, as only the legs need be attached. The desk is delivered by appointment.

Extremely Affordable at $599.95.

Introducing the Smart Furniture 3-Minute Collection

2009-09-12T11:10:00.004-04:00

Shop from a selection of some of our favorite items, now customizable in 3 minutes or less! With the new Smart Furniture 3-Minute SmartDesigner®, you can quickly and easily customize your very own office chair,desk, table or even a complete office suite.

Back to School

2009-09-04T09:59:00.006-04:00

School Chair by Gus Modern
A modern interpretation of the classic elementary school chair, featuring a bent-ply seat and back which are fastened to the frame with rubber gaskets that provide durability and an industrial aesthetic.Coordinates well with the Plank Dining Table or the Chunk Dining Table by Gus. Totem Pebble upholstery with your choice of natural or wenge legs.

Available at Smart Furniture. Contact Karen Liwanpo for pricing at 1-888-949-9042.

BluDot 20/20 Sale - Receive 20% off

2009-08-20T11:57:00.004-04:00

Introducing Ecotots: Planet-Friendly, Parent-Friendly Kids Furniture

2009-08-20T11:39:00.004-04:00

new Steelcase® cobi is now available!

2009-07-21T11:13:00.002-04:00

10 Ways to Go Green

2009-07-09T11:20:00.001-04:00

From ASID - Sustainable/Green Design

Conserve energy by purchasing major appliances with an Energy Start rating and by adding timers and automated thermostats to control usage. Also, consider switching to fluorescent light bulbs and adding more natural lighting with additional windows or skylights.
Repair leaky fixtures and install low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Use water-based paints, finishes and sealants. Some milk-based paints are available, also.
Look for wall coverings that are made of paper or natural fiber, rather than synthetic materials, and printed with natural inks.
Choose carpeting, rugs, window treatments and other textiles made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, that are untreated and free of toxins, such as pesticides or chemical cleaners.
Ask for flooring products made from rapidly renewable resources, such as bamboo or linoleum.
Select solid woods, when possible, for furniture or cabinetry, rather than pressed woods or composites that may contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that may be toxic.
Reuse materials, such as brick, stone, glass, tile or metal, in new and interesting ways. Old wood also can be safely treated and used for accents.
Consider the “lifecycle” of furnishings and accessories before purchasing: Are they made of materials that can be reused or recycled when the item eventually wears out or is not longer needed?
Recycle packing and shipping materials from any newly purchased items, and safely dispose of paint cans and other containers whose contents could potentially contaminate the ground or water supply.

Follow Smart Trade Program on Twitter!

2009-07-08T10:33:00.006-04:00

Stay up-to-date and receive exclusive promotions! This will include some amazing ONE DAY deals. This is for Trade Program Members only.

Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SmartTradePrgrm

George Nelson on the Marshmallow Sofa

2009-07-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

“I cooked up this model out of a checkers set, and I stuck the checkers disks on a metal frame, and it looked good to me. So I drew it up, brought it in, and that was the birth of it.”
—Irving Harper on the genesis of the Marshmallow sofa, from an oral history of George Nelson’s office, in the June issue of Metropolis (photo courtesy of Herman Miller)

Kartell 60th Anniversary Sale

2009-06-22T13:28:00.003-04:00

Shop the Kartell 60th Anniversary Sale from June 13 to July 5th and save 15% on all Kartell furniture.

A leader in design, Kartell furniture appeals to an international audience with a truly unique seating, table, lighting, and accessory line that combines technological innovation, durable materials, and a true sense of character.

"Bling" event June 19

2009-06-10T09:47:00.007-04:00

Local Smart Trade Program Members: Please mark your calendars for a free luncheon at Smart Furniture Studio on Thursday, June 18th, 2009 - 11am–1pm.

Five local, high-quality manufacturers will be presenting their product offerings in our stunning space:
Louisville Tile Distributors, J&J Invision, Koroseal, 3-Form, and Tennessee Water Jet

Please RSVP by June 11th, 2009 by contacting Bethe Deakin or Kristina Crisp

Smart Furniture Studio: 313 Manufacturers Road, Suite 107 / Chattanooga, TN 37405

First furnishings certified under BIFMA sustainability standard

2009-06-09T11:34:00.013-04:00

by Mark Sanchez | Business Review Western Michigan

A program to certify compliance with a new industry standard moves office furniture makers further into the world of sustainability.

Steelcase Inc. and Herman Miller Inc. are among the first seven manufacturers to earn third-party certification for products that comply with an industry sustainability standard adopted last year by BIFMA International.

While the standard is voluntary, office furniture makers face increasing market demands to show and verify the sustainable attributes of their products and generally welcome a common measure that they and clients can use.

"We have some customers who are now using this criteria as a level of entry," Steelcase Director of Marketing Jody Hanson said of clients' interest in sustainability.

That's where having an independent certification can help in the bidding and sales process, she said.

"It's one thing for the company to report our environmental performance. It's another thing to have a third party validate that," Hanson said.

Among the products Steelcase certified was its Think office chair, which received a Level 3 certification -- the highest available. Steelcase also earned certification for its Leap, Move, Amia and Siento seating, Answer office system and Universal storage products.

Herman Miller earned certification for its seating lines -- including the Aeron, Mirra, Celle, Embody and Caper chairs -- and a number of office systems and storage units.

The Grand Rapids-based BIFMA recently launched its Level certification program, which gauges whether a product meets the sustainability standard.

BIFMA uses Ann Arbor-based NSF International and Scientific Certification Systems in California as third-party certifiers, and Executive Director Tom Reardon hopes to soon sign more, including a Grand Rapids company.

Given the growing sustainability movement, Reardon hopes the number of companies with certified products will double within a year.

"Seven companies is a great start. It's not enough to meet market demand," Reardon said. "It's just the beginning."

Reardon expects more companies to gear products toward meeting the standard, though it may prove more difficult for some than others.

Trendway Corp. President Bill Bundy said he likes having a common measure for products, calling it "a good thing." But he considers the BIFMA standard "overwhelming" for small manufacturers like his, saying it "raises the price to play.

"It makes ISO look relatively straight forward," Bundy said. "It's going to be a lot of work."

USGBC’s 2009 Federal Summit Convened

2009-05-26T13:08:00.005-04:00

Originally published in Buildings
May 2009

The U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual Federal Summit convened on May 14 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., to exchange ideas on how to best meet the goals of increased sustainability in existing buildings and communities to significantly impact the environment and the economy. Topics of interest at the Summit included global climate change, leveraging the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to achieve environmental goals, implementing technical solutions to meet the energy efficiency goals set out in the Energy Independence and Security Act, and updates on the launch of LEED^® Version 3, and other USGBC activities.

“Green building and retrofitting is at the top of the legislative agenda, and now is the time to work together toward the common goals of advancing green building and improving our nation’s economy,” says Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer, and founding chair at USGBC. “The Federal Summit provides a unique opportunity to discuss critical issues and the leadership role of the federal government in mitigating climate change.”

Included in the role of the federal government in nationwide environmental initiatives is serving as an example in green building; the government currently owns 139 certified and 1,560 registered green building projects, totaling over 263 million square feet. Additionally, 12 federal agencies use the LEED Rating System in benchmarking sustainability practices in their facilities.

The economy also played a crucial role in the 2009 Federal Summit, as a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs. Additionally, U.S. buildings are responsible for 39 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, 40 percent of energy consumption, 13 percent of water consumption, and 15 percent of GDP per year, making green building a significant source of both environmental and economic opportunity.

This year’s Federal Summit also served as the launch of USGBC’s new Federal Green Building Leadership Award program.

For more information about the Federal Summit, please visit www.usgbc.org/federalsummit.

20% off all Steelcase Products for One Week Only

2009-05-19T16:48:00.004-04:00

Receive 20% off all Steelcase Products. Shipping is free, too, so you save even more. One great discount. One week only. Visit SmartFurniture.com/Steelcase today.

* To order: Please contact me at kliwanpo@smartfurniture.com or call 1-888-949-9042.

Customizing SmartShelves

2009-05-19T10:30:00.004-04:00

I recently had the privilege of helping a client custom design shelving around a fireplace, using our signature SmartShelves. We selected the espresso finish and created a tiered look with the tallest shelves standing at 9' and reinforced with brackets. My client loved the versatility of our product - from selecting various depths to being able to creating an elongated, elegant look such as this one. We also chose an entertainment console to match as well as a 4' bookshelf.

Member Named 2009 Chattanooga Woman of Distinction

2009-05-18T19:06:00.002-04:00

Peggy Laney, ASID (and one of our Smart Furniture Trade Program Members), recently received the 2009 Chattanooga Woman of Distinction honor from the American Lung Association for her community service efforts. Laney is a past president of the ASID Tennessee Chapter and has received several ASID awards.

Congratulations Peggy!

ISRI Honors Herman Miller with Design For Recycling® Award

2009-05-18T19:03:00.000-04:00

April 30, 2009

ISRI today honored the furniture manufacturer Herman Miller with its 2009 Design for Recycling® Award, at ceremonies held during ISRI's 2009 Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nev. Accepting the award on behalf of Herman Miller was Paul Murray.

"Herman Miller is an exemplary company that personifies the Design for Recycling® concept," stated ISRI Chair George Adams, Jr., president of SA Recycling LLC of Anaheim, Calif. "This is a company that has embraced the concept of environmental stewardship for more than 85 years…with the company's principals promoting recycling as a design point since the early 1970's. Throughout the past forty years, Herman Miller has made it a mission to improve recyclability and reduce waste in the design and manufacture of its products. And it is one of the few manufacturing companies that recognize the value of recycling over cost as they do not allow a potential cost to recycle to weigh into their environmental decision-making process."

A detailed profile of the company Herman Miller is available on the ISRI Web site at www.isri.org/dfr/hermanmiller.

For more than two decades, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. has promoted Design for Recycling®, a voluntary program that encourages manufacturers to fully consider end-of-life recyclability in the earliest stages of product design. ISRI established the Design for Recycling® award, to honor a program, company or individual whose product or program design has incorporated one or more of the following:

A reduction in the number of different recyclable materials
A reduction or elimination of hazardous constituents
An increased yield of the product's recyclables
An improvement in the safety of recycling
A design that allows for easy disassembly for recycling

This is the third Design for Recycling® award given by ISRI. The Environmental Protection Agency was honored in 2006 for its overall leadership in creating innovative design partnerships, and its dedication to empower businesses and industry sectors to incorporate environmental considerations, along with performance and cost considerations, into decision-making processes. Computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard was honored in 2005 for its documented efforts to reduce the use of hazardous substances, to simplify component design, and to build computers and printing products for easy disassembly and recycling. More information on ISRI's Design for Recycling® is available at www.isri.org/dfr.

Free Shipping on LAX Series

2009-05-17T14:50:00.010-04:00

Purchase any LAX Series product and receive Free Shipping, in addition to your Trade Discount. Email me at or call 1-888-949-9042 to receive a quote today.

View all LAX Series Products here >>

Creative Suite Custom Office Package featuring Steelcase

2009-05-06T12:02:00.004-04:00

Creative Suite Custom Office Package

With a multitude of options and selections to choose from, you can easily customize any space with home office furniture by Steelcase. With stylish curves and workspace galore, this custom home office package flows with creativity and comfort. Designed and customized using some of my favorite items, this custom home office package includes:

Uno Chair, designed by Charles Perry
Become one with this great chair, featuring hammock-style support for your entire body. Other amenities include swivel mechanism, pneumatic height and standard carpet casters.
Groupwork Desk with Screen Slatwall, by Turnstone from Steelcase
Tour Pile File, by Turnstone from Steelcase
Can't decide on piling up or filing in? Then the Tour Pile File is perfect for your changing needs.

Choose the colors and finishes that work best with your space, or contact me for a free custom home office design that's right for you!

HM Select Program Reminder

2009-05-06T10:46:00.001-04:00

There are still chairs available from the inaugural edition of the Herman Miller Select program! This year's selection is the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair with walnut veneer and upholstered with refined cowhide. It is a limited edition of 500, so remind your customers that no orders will be accepted beyond the 500th chair. This early interpretation by the Eameses is a bold and stylish statement of mid-century modern design.

Calligaris - Coming soon to Smart Furniture

2009-05-02T15:36:00.004-04:00

Mission
Quality at a convenient price. This is the image which Calligaris conveys worldwide. By honouring tradition, respecting ethics and working with dedication, Calligaris can truly be said to be a people’s company.

The story
Antonio Calligaris' shop started its production in 1923 manufacturing its first 'Marocca' chair. A company meant to grow. By the conception and the adoption of the first manufacturing machine for straw seats, in the sixties, the company started its journey towards innovation. Today Calligaris is a market leader in the chairs, tables and furniture. With experience that grows over time, it has the strength of a company that retains traditions while working towards the future.

Think™ About Our Future. Make a Difference.

2009-04-04T00:10:00.003-04:00

Order a Think™ Chair from Smart Furniture during the month of April and Steelcase will plant a tree for Earth Day. Think™ contains up to 37% recycled content, is 98% recyclable by weight and only takes five minutes to disassemble.

Earth Day...Plant a Tree

2009-03-31T18:44:00.001-04:00

Think™ about the difference you’ll make.
Plant a tree for Earth Day without even leaving your chair. Just order any new Think chair during the month of April, and Steelcase will plant a tree to help reforest areas devastated by the recent wildfires in southern California.

Think is comfortable—It tracks the body’s natural movement and responds intuitively. And very sustainable—Think contains up to 37% recycled content, is 98% recyclable by weight, and only takes five minutes to disassemble.

Think™ – Innovative, Comfortable, Responsible.

Alessi: Fun Design for Everyone. Now available at Smart Furniture

2009-03-23T15:03:00.013-04:00

Alessi “combine functional design with extraordinary aesthetics, often making people smile in the process”, according to Business Week magazine. Alessi has produced some of the most iconic products in the field of houseware design. Alberto Alessi, the managing director of his family's company, represents the third generation of the family to run the company. One of his first projects when he joined in 1970 was to overhaul the company's corporate identity. He has since been instrumental in collaborating with key figures in the design world including Richard Sapper, Ettore Sottsass, Aldo Rossi and Michael Graves.

Alessi products will be available for purchase at Smart Furniture soon.

Steelcase: cobi and i2i

2009-03-22T16:23:00.003-04:00

By Otto

A video on the inspiration behind Steelcase’s newest innovative seating options, cobi and i2i. The focus of the two projects - cobi, designed by Luke Pearson of PearsonLloyd, and i2i, designed by Thomas Overthun of IDEO - was to encourage collaboration through seating in the workplace.

cobi and i2i are available for purchase July 2009

Aeron Chair ® Receives MBDC Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification

2009-03-19T12:46:00.003-04:00

The Cradle to Cradle certification means that the Herman Miller® Aeron® Chair was evaluated on its environmentally-intelligent design. Aeron® is constructed of environmentally safe and healthy materials, designed for material reutilization - such as recycling, and is assembled with 100% renewable energy.

Aeron is made up of 64% recycled content and is 94% recyclable. More information about MBDC's Cradle to Cradle certification is available on the MBDC website.

Aeron joins other MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified seating products: Mirra®, Celle®, Embody™ and Caper®. The certificate is now available on HermanMiller.com.

Customer Photos

2009-03-12T21:48:00.008-04:00

Smart Furniture Products: Eames Aluminum Group Lounge, Gus Modern Jane Bi-Sectional Sofa, Noguchi Table in Natural Cherry, Gus Modern Pawn Stool, Kartell Prince AHA Stool.

Steelcase Products Catalog - click to view

2009-03-10T23:09:00.002-04:00

Smart Furniture's New Interactive Catalog

2009-03-04T11:01:00.006-05:00

The new Smart Furniture 2009 Catalog is now available for viewing. From residential to commercial furnishings, browse through over 60 pages of world-class furniture selections from Herman Miller, Blu Dot, Kartell, Steelcase and Gautier.

Please feel free to contact me at kliwanpo@smartfurniture.com and let me know if you have any questions or comments. We are interested in helping you with the furnishings you want, the ones you like and the products you need.

Also, more news: All Kartell products now ship free.
I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
Karen

Embody is here

2009-03-02T12:31:00.006-05:00

Embody Chair by Herman Miller
designed by Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber

The Embody Office Chair sets a new standard in the field of ergonomic seating and redefines what a chair can actually do for the person sitting in it. That's because Embody is good not just for the body, but for the mind as well. With a revolutionary design resulting from years of research and development, Embody actually increases blood circulation in the sitter, which can actually lead to increased cognitive functions over long periods of time.

Embody's design encourages the user to move naturally. It molds to your back and eliminates the need to sit in strained postures. Embody was engineered specifically for those who frequently sit at a computer for long hours. And in a world where more and more people apply themselves at their desks rather than on their feet, Embody couldn't have arrived at a better time.

Design your own "3 Minute Embody" at Smart Furniture today

Materials:
Frame and casters are made from steel, plastic, and aluminum. 4-mesh seat is made from foam, textile, and other materials. Embody is 95 percent recyclable at the end of its useful life.

Dimensions:
Height: 39"-43.5"
Width: 29.5"
Seat width: 21.25"
Seat height: 16"-20.5"

Coming soon...

2009-02-25T15:25:00.003-05:00

E = (health & harmony) + (form & function). Feed your curiosity.

Lifework Portfolio: Perfect for the Home Office

2009-02-10T17:42:00.013-05:00

Herman Miller introduces The Lifework™ Portfolio for home environments. Composed of five innovative desks, companion storage pieces, select seating and accessories, these distinctive residential lifework solutions embody performance and style through our lyrical design legacy.

They're ideal instruments for the tempo of life.

Smart Furniture is among the select set of companies chosen to sell this exciting new product line. Shop the Lifework Portfolio >>

Requesting Catalogs

2009-02-04T15:15:00.015-05:00

Need extra copies of the Preview 09 Catalog?

Please email kliwanpo@smartfurniture.com and feel free to share with your clients and colleagues. I can send catalogs that include pricing or with prices omitted, so please let me know which ones you want and specify the quantity.

As always, please don't hesitate to call me at 1-888-949-9042 with questions about our products, quotes or delivery times.

Best regards,

Karen

NEW Smart Furniture Preview 09 Catalog

2009-02-02T12:13:00.006-05:00

The Smart Furniture Preview 09 Catalog is on its way!

Inside, please find a sampling of new Smart Furniture products ranging from seating, tables, entertainment, bedroom and storage solutions. Shop well known brands such as Herman Miller, Steelcase, Kartell, Blu Dot, BDI and many more. See What's New at www.SmartFurniture.com.

Download a PDF version of the Preview 09 Catalog here.

Take advantage today using your 15% Trade Program Discount. Learn more about our Trade Program.

Free Shipping for a limited time

2009-01-29T09:42:00.005-05:00

Now thru February 3, 2009 - receive free shipping on all Smart Furniture products. See What's New at SmartFurniture.com. In addition to this, as a member of our Trade Program, receive an additional 15% off of your purchase! Happy Shopping!

Now In Stock: Select Edition Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair

2009-01-21T18:28:00.011-05:00

Herman Miller Select by Charles and Ray Eames

Limited edition: 500 chairs. Hide and chic. Dubbed the Best Design of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair was born out of Charles and Ray Eames' World War II commission from the United States Navy.

Their ingenious process of molding wood veneer into shapes and contours to fit the human form advanced from splints and stretchers to one of the most profound pieces of American postwar design. Originally released in 1946, the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair is a study in comfort and simplicity. Its signature silhouette lives on in the most discriminating homes and institutions today - including the New York Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.

With the assistance from the Eames Office, Herman Miller presents 500 limited issue Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chairs. This select edition draws on the materials and finishes of early editions - finished in a walnut veneer with a refined cowhide covered seat and back. Each chair is numbered for authenticity and is accompanied by a corresponding signed and numbered print by photographer Nick Merrick of the famed Hedrich Blessing photographic studio.

26.5" h x 22" w x 24.25" d
Color and pattern will vary in each chair hide
Walnut veneer with natural cowhide covered seat and back
Pre-order date: October 2008
Release date: December 2008
Limited edition: only 500 chairs available for order on a first-come, first-served basis

When the 500th chair order is acknowledged, all other orders from that point will be declined, and no additional orders will be accepted. Please call Smart Furniture at 888-949-9042 for availability.

Steelcase Offers Next Day Shipping

2008-11-30T19:51:00.011-05:00

Pre-selected configurations of Steelcase's best-selling chairs - ship within 1 business day. You can now order 10 different seating products (Leap, Think, Amia, Uno, etc.) and receive a 2-day manufacturing date instead of the standard 3-6 week lead time. Some of the products that are included in this 2-day manufacturing program are listed below.

Free Fabric Samples
Contact kliwanpo@smartfurniture.com to request a sample.

Festival of Fame: Honoring Ray Eames

2008-11-12T01:14:00.004-05:00

Ray Eames will be honored by the ADC when it inducts her into the group's Hall of Fame at a Gala Event on November 6. A noted designer in her own right and, with her husband Charles, a major influence on modern design, Ray joins six other inductees who have made significant contributions to art direction and visual communications. Their lifetime achievements represent the highest standards of creative excellence. Herman Miller is proud to sponsor the Gala Event on November 6 and a talk by Eames Demetrios on November 12. An exhibit of Ray's work will be at the ADC from November 6 through 21. Eames Demetrios will be sharing his Grandmother's vision, work and life.

More details at The Art Directors Club

Smart Furniture Introduces Kartell

2008-11-03T23:43:00.013-05:00

Creativity and technology, glamour and functionality, quality and innovation: a combination of extraordinary factors together with a strategic vision of distribution has contributed to the lasting success of Kartell. A leader in design, Kartell addresses an international clientele with a collection unique in originality, variety, size and range. The products are multifunctional and cross-sectional, easy-to-use and with undeniable visual appeal. Colors, irony, a feast for the senses, transparency effects and unique shapes for unique items: Kartell items are immediately recognized throughout the world for their emotional character, durable functionality and undisputed quality. Continual evolution in the use of materials and experimentation with new technology aimed at discovering their hidden qualities are fundamental for the development of Kartell products, both in terms of research and functional performance as well as for new aesthetic qualities. Thanks to such continued research it has been possible to introduce satin finishing, transparency effects, flexibility, weather resistance, softness and texture.

Herman Miller, Inc., Unveils Select Program

2008-11-03T10:05:00.011-05:00

From HermanMiller.com:

Herman Miller is providing its customers with an exclusive program intended to enrich their connection to the world's most renowned product designs. Called Herman Miller Select, the program offers an opportunity to own a limited edition product released once a year with a distinct characteristic for collector appeal.

The company's first Select product release will include the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair, fashioned with a luscious walnut veneer and refined leather hairhide upholstered seat and back.

Gregg Vander Kooi, manager of Herman Miller's Classics, notes that the Select program was born out of the increasing demand from collectors for classic products with unique enhancements. "Charles and Ray Eames often experimented with different finishes and materials for their designs. This version of the chair was offered in the 50's and 60's and we thought this would be a great way to allow our customers to own a similar share of design history."

Only 500 chairs will be available for this inaugural year from the company's global network of dealerships and retailers. Each piece sold will be numbered for authenticity and packaged with a signed and numbered print of the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair by Nick Merrick of the famed Hedrich Blessing studio.

"The Herman Miller Select experience enables us to make the purchase of our products even more special for our customers," says Marg Mojzak, director of Herman Miller for the Home. "The introduction of this particular chair also demonstrates how our design heritage continues to inspire us."

Originally introduced in 1946, the Molded Plywood Lounge Chair is an outcome of the Eameses' clever plywood molding process used to create splints and stretchers for the United States Navy during World War II. Studies of the body's shape and contour led them to design one of the world's most recognizable chairs, which now resides in museum collections around the world and was lauded by TIME magazine as the Design of the Century.

The Select Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair has a list price of $2,121. For additional information, visit www.hermanmiller.com/select. To purchase, visit SmartFurniture.com.

Trade Program Updates

2008-10-21T18:46:00.010-04:00

A selection of new products have been added to the Smart Furniture portfolio recently:

We were selected among a few national retailers to distribute Herman Miller's Lifework Portfolio, a new line of products that combine beautiful design with function - a home workspace in harmony with who you are and how you express yourself
Floating wall shelves, a light and modern look to help minimize clutter
Introducing Steelcase, a wonderful resource for creating comfortable, attractive and more effective work environments, both for commercial and home offices
Elegant Media and Entertainment Centers

As a valued member of our program, you have the advantage of receiving 15% off any of our products as well as free shipping on your first order. Please contact me today to discuss your needs! I'm here to help.

Welcome to Smart Furniture's Trade Program

2008-10-21T17:28:00.008-04:00

We have created a special program exclusively for interior design professionals and architects. Qualifying professionals will receive special pricing and services. It connects you with the furniture industry’s most sought-after furnishings. We combine great products with incomparable customer service from beginning to end.

Between our products, complimentary 3D rendering assistance, and our Design on Demand® services, you will receive the kind of products, presentation, & package to minimize your hassle and maximize your profits.

Just imagine a smart program through which we coordinate all order entry, order monitoring, paperwork, inspections, warehousing and delivery for you, freeing up your time to do what you do best...

Benefits Include:

Special pricing on all orders placed
15% discount on all products
Free shipping on your first purchase*
Free 3D rendering support of designs
Special offers and new product previews
Free shipping on qualifying purchases

For more information, visit SmartFurniture.com/trade