This guest post is by Amanda Shell, who works with us at Moxley Carmichael. She attended this wonderful event last night at G&G Interiors, an elegant new client of ours. Thanks, Amanda! – Cynthia Moxley
Simplicity is the ultimate in sophistication. That’s internationally-renowned Belgian-American furniture designer Tom Verellen’s motto, and it’s clearly reflected in each one of his fabulous designs. Last night at G&G Interiors, I learned a little more about his design philosophy.
Verellen is an internationally-renowned designer with work that has been featured in publications like the New York Times, Southern Living, House Beautiful and Country Living. When Verellen spoke, it was clear he was passionate about his work emphasizing comfort, simplicity and sophistication in all of his designs. Verellen has an interesting background. He began his work in textiles overseas, but he bored of making fabrics quickly. He wanted to take it a step further and create something beautiful with the fabric.
In 1999, he began traveling across the globe dealing in antiques, but his work was exhausting and took him away from his family. He designed his first two sofa frames in 2002, had them made and shipped from Belgium. Verellen now makes all of his designs here in the United States at his studio and factory based out of High Point, N.C, and in the last decade, the business has taken off.
Verellen gave a few basic principles of his studio’s philosophy:
- Don’t try to be everything to everybody. Verellen is designed for a select group of people. The studio has no advertising representative and a limited website. Verellen furniture is only displayed in 75-100 specially chosen stores. Of G&G Interiors, he said “I don’t know whether they courted us or we courted them,” said Verellen. “Merri Lee and her crew bend over backwards to make people happy. And that’s what we try to do too.”
- Combine elements from different industries. He thinks outside the box and can find inspiration anywhere. Verellen said he gets inspiration for his line from anything from handbags to clothes.
- Make it comfortable. According to Verellen, it’s easy to make something aesthetically pleasing. The challenge comes in making it comfortable as well.
- Go green. All Verellen products are eco-friendly and sustainable. The designs are all made with down feather with organic hand webbing.
- Verellen a la carte. Verellen said customer service is important above all else. “Get your bells and frills your way,” he said. The studio is all about longevity, honesty and building lasting relationships with customers. Verellen said customer service is a trait they share with G&G Interiors, and from the great experience we had last night, I can attest to that!
As a parting gift, Verellen passed out hand-stitched designer leather bags, a retail value of $300, for free to all guests of the event! He makes the bags from the remnants of the material from the sofas and chairs, and they come in a wide variety of colors and materials.
After the program, guests continued to mingle and take in the ambiance of the G&G Interiors store. The layout of the store is constantly changing and there are always new designs to see.
And now for a little preview of what’s to come during this week’s Romance of Art and Design series:
This morning, I attended a tea party with Tea at the Gallery. G&G Interiors showed off their stunning Potomak porcelain china. The French pastries and Pumpkin Chai tea were to die for!
On Thursday night at 6 p.m., G&G Interiors is hosting a Luxury Him & Her event in partnership with Harper FIAT. The event will feature a champagne tasting from Admiral Wine & Spirits and Chez Liberty hors d’oeuvres. Artist Harold Kraus will exhibit at the event. Here’s an example of his work:
On Saturday at noon, G&G Interiors will host a French-themed children’s event with fall treats and face painting. The décor will be based on the popular children’s book series Madeline.
All the events are free with a reservation to G&G Interiors at 865-212-5639.
Thanks, Amanda! Great job on guest post! I hated to miss the beautiful, elegant event, but had a speaking engagement, as you know. Everybody: I think tonight’s champagne tasting with hors d’oeuvres from Chez Liberty will be to die for! I’ve seen the art, too, and think it’s great!