Hickory Chair Unveils The Everett by Skip Rumley Furniture Collection

October 19, 2020  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

The new collection celebrates the special culture found in the people working at the Hickory workroom, that has not only made one-of-a-kind furniture to order for the past 109 years, but also where over 90% of the company’s entire product assortment is made. The determination to make furniture in America has honed the skill of the venerable craftsmen and women and has allowed the company to flourish.

The collection is rooted in Rumley’s twenty-year journey through the world of design. “One learns to ‘speak a lot of languages’ as style, fashion and form have evolved,” said Rumley. “Even for me personally, I lived in a modern glass house and recently moved into a 1940’s Cape Cod home. I love the tension that occurs when combining traditional and modern forms. I love references to classic design and the excitement that is created when they are mixed with both soft organic silhouettes and architectural forms. I believe interiors should be both masculine and feminine - when married together it creates a lovely dynamic.”

With additional inspiration from fashion, jewelry and fine art, Rumley has created the collection of bedroom, dining room and living room furniture with a deep understanding of the desires of the Hickory Chair consumer. “It is important to me that each piece has beautiful proportion and scale, a dynamic shape and be made from an interesting array of materials,” said Rumley, “It is essential that our design clientele be able to personalize each piece for their projects. Therefore, designing the collection to be made domestically was of upmost importance. We want our pieces to be a canvas that truly become functional art once our craftsmen build it with the specifications from the designer.”

A mix of materials from American Ash, American Walnut and Mahogany, marble, glass and custom-designed hardware were used in the creation of the wood products. Optional tops, finishes and Customer’s Own Hardware COH as well as a new Made 2 Measure table group provide a palette of new products ready for personalization. The extensive new upholstery collection includes not only signature chairs and sumptuous sofa and sectional groupings, but also a selection of hand-tufted pieces including a new banquette series and ottoman with Made 2 Measure pieces as well as a handsome new sofa and companion lounge chair.

“I am very proud of Skip and our team at Hickory Chair that have worked together to create this important new collection. It is a reflection of our culture of continuous improvement and team collaboration that has driven Hickory Chair forward through its storied history,” said Kevin Bowman, president. “The collection is rooted in Skip’s vision but was made possible by the teamwork of our people that choose to practice their vocation here in our Hickory, North Carolina workroom. Truly this is a celebration of American craftsmanship, our company culture, and our passion for great design.”