Congress recognizes U.S. hardwoods as sustainable and preferable

The Hardwood Council has announced that Congress has given its stamp of approval to the U.S. hardwood industry and U.S. hardwood products with the passage of Senate Resolution 411 and House resolution 81. The resolutions recognize hardwood trees grown in the U.S. as an abundant, sustainable and legal resource. Dept. of Agriculture data show that U.S. hardwood inventory has more than doubled over the past 50 years. Also, U.S. hardwood growth exceeds hardwood removals by a margin of 1.9 to 1. Net annual growth has exceeded removals continuously since 1952.

Bridging the natural, the constructed

Forrest Dickey’s inspiration for his furniture comes from historical hardwood barns of his youth in rural Wisconsin and New York's steel skyscrapers.
After reclaiming a large portion of red oak timber from a barn on family property, he began making furniture that brought together the warmth and history of the wood with urban architectural designs. Reclaimed wooden beams and timbers create the primary visual component of Varian Designs.
Dickey’s new furniture line Broen, which means bridge in Danish includes architectural tables and seating that blends natural and man-made materials.
“These designs combine the simplicity and beauty of natural materials with the contrasting complexity of architectural steel,” says Dickey. “It is a departure from past designs, but still maintains our trademark rustic‐modern feel and commitment to unique design and high-quality craftsmanship.”
The line is hewn from sustainably harvested walnut, white oak salvaged from whiskey casks, and recycled lasercut steel.

Old school millwork rocks theWit

Following the philosophy of ‘more experience than hotel,’ theWit’s millwork sets the stage for a dramatic 27-story sensory experience {see New Chicago boutique hotel features $2.4M in millwork }.
For almost a year, DeLeers Millwork, Green Bay, Wis. crafted a large assortment of furnishings that included drapery valances and bathroom vanities for 270 guest rooms, kitchenettes for 90 condominiums, gift shop display cases, closet shelving, and the lobby registration desk. All of theWit furnishings feature a modern, flawless high-end look to properly represent the personality of theWit.
On the assortment of furnishings, DeLeers used premium-grade wood finishes, rift sliced white oak veneer, custom-made chrome footings for bathroom vanities, high-gloss lacquer finishes, and used blueprint-match paneling and doors in several public spaces.
The project used a variety of the materials, which were hand sanded by DeLeers team members. The company also used a Global Finishing Solutions dryer, which created a harder, more protective finish, and reduced the cure time by 75 percent.
The project garnered DeLeers The Architectural Woodwork Institute’s ‘Quality Certification Program’ (QCP) certification, which includes comprehensive testing and inspection.
TheWit, a Double Tree hotel is located on Chicago’s historic State Street.

Pimp my outdoor space: Green edition

Vacations are so last year.
According to a recent survey, almost one-third of consumers are staying home during vacation time and 59 percent are cutting back on vacations. Enter the staycation, a fancy term for hanging out in your backyard. Many retailers are hoping staycations will translate into increased outdoor furniture sales.
To help cut through wooden outdoor furniture greenwashing claims, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has released its third annual Garden Furniture Scorecard. The Scorecard catalogs 16 retailers selling Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified garden furniture at various price points.
Retailers such as Cost Plus World Market, Crate & Barrel, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Pottery Barn all scored 4 stars or better, which means that more than 70 percent of their tropical wood garden furniture is from responsible sources. This is the largest group of retailers to attain a score of 4 stars or better.

According to the NWF, The U.S. is the world’s largest single importer of wooden furniture from tropical timber-producing countries, with garden furniture representing about one-fifth of the wooden furniture market. U.S. imports of all tropical wood products have increased four-fold over the past decade. As a result, the once biologically rich forests of countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil are being depleted at an unprecedented rate.
NWF plans to continue its annual surveys of major outdoor furniture retailers to track the progress of making FSC-certified products available to consumers.

A royal “garage sale” of sorts

Rich people are just like us. They like to get rid of stuff, but instead of having a garbage sale (typo stays), they opt to sell their unwanted treasures at auction.
According to an article in the Telegraph, four items (fine furniture and accessories) purchased after Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 are up for grabs. The items include a pair of giltwood chairs, green silk screen, table and a pair of cabinets. All the furniture is from the Victorian period.
The standout piece is a gilded center table made from amboyna wood and was specially made for Queen Victoria. The table is stamped with the Queen’s crown, the initials VR 1866 and Windsor Castle – Room 243.
The auction will be held May 29 at Moore Allen & Innocent in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

New Chicago boutique hotel features $2.4 M in millwork

Millwork sexes up a room.
I love mouldings, wainscot, coffered ceilings, and built-ins— anything ornate and pretty. This is the main reason why I prefer older hotels versus gleaming modern behemoths. Millwork is everywhere not just the bar, lobby and some ballrooms.
TheWit Hotel, a boutique hotel opening June 4, 2009 in Chicago, features $2.4 million in millwork. The project includes sleek bathroom vanities, 'barn door' valances for all rooms, and chic kitchenette cabinets for all five floors of the downtown Chicago condominiums.
I will post more millwork shots and info as soon as I get it.