Universal To The Trade Product Highlights Magazine

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FIRST EDITION: WINTER

In the Spotlight INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Gold & Silver

reflections

UPHOLSTERY

FEATURING Performance Fabrics

and Moore & Giles Leather

Exclusive NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS


Gold & Silver

reflections

Flock of Seagulls D7400-007 | 78w x 18d x 35h

G E R M A N S I LV E R

is a bold and sophisticated way to brighten up any room

in your client’s home. With the distinct, insightful nature of a silver hue, German Silver is both a beautiful and promising design touch.

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Universal To The Trade offers an assortment of reflective pieces. The Flock of Seagulls Credenza and Radiance Console are both perfectly suited as a statement piece for a dining or living area. And, the Odyssey Armoire can bring a graceful elegance to a master bedroom or home office.

Odyssey Armoire D7400-004 | 44w x 20d x 88h

Radiance Console D7600-005 | 50w x 19d x 37h


IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Laura Thurman Thurman Design Studio, Nashville, TN How did you first discover Universal? Coming from a design

background, I was already familiar with Universal. But, when I opened my own interior design firm it became especially important to have a furniture resource that ships quickly and is set at a reasonable price point, so these Universal features really caught my attention. Plus, with so many different styles to choose from, I know the pieces can appeal to a wide variety of my clients.

What makes Universal one of your go-to resources? Universal is a

great fit, and I can use their products for various projects. I especially love the Universal To The Trade website because it is easy to navigate, and

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it allows you to order on the spot. Because I do so many of my client presentations in digital format, it’s great to have such amazing imagery at my fingertips.

Which To The Trade program feature does your business benefit from the most? With an

average ship window of about 2 weeks or less, I never have to worry about if a delivery is going to hold my project up; I know that shopping Universal will always help to propel the timeline of my projects forward. I also love how I can be working into the wee hours of the night and the website is always accessible to me. I can order everything I need right then and there. To me, that’s invaluable.

Tell us about your latest design project. I actually just completed a design project where I sourced about 80% of its pieces from Universal. This project was inspired by my client’s love of color as well as some major core updates that needed to be done, including the kitchen. My client was willing to go bold, which I love. She really likes some of the more cleaned up, modern lines of furniture, but also appreciates a really ornate lamp or a funky bookcase. So, I knew Universal would be the best resource for me as I designed this space, since I know I will find quality pieces in a variety of motifs.


“A global aesthetic filtered through a modern lens.” What was your design philosophy for this project and others? My design philosophy for this project and in general is definitely inspired by my travels, with Cambodia being my favorite destination so far. It is so interesting to see how color is used differently throughout the world. I really believe that traveling can be one of the best ways for any designer to learn and grow. I also make a point to try to include items in my designs that have some kind of story, which always adds an element of interest.

ms in my designs “I always include ite of story.” that have some kind

Martel Etagere D6860-002 | 38w x 16d x 90h

Wells Accent Chair Blade Leather 786505-796 | 27w x 25d x 31h

What were your highlights from fall market? Hands down, the amazing green Wells Accent chair with Moore & Giles leather in the new Soliloquy collection! I have already ordered those. They were so cool! But overall, I was really impressed by the subtle introduction of

What was your favorite Universal piece to include? My client was really adamant about wanting to have a large, statement bookcase that she could style with photos and other cute trinkets. Once I found the Martel Etagere, we both agreed that it was the clear winner. This was the one piece of furniture that really set the tone for the rest of the space. It was important for me to find a piece that added height and drama to create a more elevated, fascinating design.

color into the showroom. That is just what I’m drawn to. I also noticed that the styling of the showroom was really fun and quirky in general, from neat pillows to other unique accents. Those smaller touches really helped to create an overall positive energy.

See more of Laura’s work at thurmandesignstudio.com or on Instagram @thurmandesign


TO THE TRADE

Exclusively for Interior Designers

Sutton Dining Table D6350-005 | 80w x 44d x 30h 1-20" leaf extends to 100" (Chairs not available) Preston Credenza D6400-002 | 78w x 20d x 34h

Woodford Bar Cart D6850-001 | 40w x 20d x 37h

Denton Credenza D6400-004 | 60w x 21d x 35h

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Ashbury Display Cabinet D6400-001 | 39w x 17d x 85h

Hana Chair Side Table D6720-002 | 12w x 12d x 24h Origami Chair Side Table D6720-003 | 14w x 14d x 24h


IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Lindsay Paoli COO for Design Manager

What is Design Manager?

Design Manager is a premium software that runs your design business all in one place. It has the ability to not only streamline your business, but it also saves you lots of valuable time. Plus, we have been around for about 33 years now, so our team really knows and understands this industry. Our main goal is to specifically service the needs of designers in an efficient, easily managed way.

What are Design Manager’s key benefits?

Features are everything in software, and we know what to include. Design Manager features functionality that applies default mark-up by each vendor depending on their terms — no other software does that. And, with our extensive report technology, designers can save time since they don’t have to retype or recreate documents in other programs. Also, other daily features like status codes will always keep their business on track. Designers can easily look up the status of any item, whether it has been ordered, invoiced, or anywhere in between. Our program is truly a beginning-to-end solution.

How does Design Manager compare to other software options?

I would say first and foremost that Design Manager has been around for a very long time. We have really listened to designers. We have built our product with all of the necessary features. We also have worked to address all of the major designer pain points so their time won’t be wasted trying to correct problems. Our reputation and industry knowledge really set us apart from our competitors.

What is the biggest business challenge you hear from designers?

Time! Not only do designers have to provide clients with their creative services, but they also have to make sure that their business is sound, all while continuing to strive for brand growth and awareness. With all of this on their plate, why would they want to waste time recreating documents or manually entering information? Design Manager takes care of all of that for them. We can even track designers’ actual work time with information imported by a smart phone app or the Google calendar.

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What should designers be looking for when selecting software?

I would say something that definitely hits their pain points. What are they struggling with on a daily basis? Too many documents? Not being able to turn a proposal into a purchase order easily? Designers need a tool that is easy to use, something that can be easily learned and makes sense, which is all true for Design Manager.

“Design Manager has really listened to designers. We have built our product with all of the necessary features.” What is the best way to get a better understanding of Design Manager and its functions?

I would recommend first visiting our website (www.designmanager.com) and specifically our features page for a better understanding. But for even more detailed information, we have a YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/designmanagerinc) that has hundreds of videos showing the software in action. We also host live webinars every other week and will break down specific topics, like billing, for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about the software.

Design Manager Site: designmanager.com Instagram: @designmanager


Odyssey Armoire D7400-004 | 44w x 20d x 88h

Radiance Console D7600-005 | 50w x 19d x 37h

Oden Bed Bench D6250-001 | 54w x 18d x 20h

Eton Etagere D6860-001 | 32w x 16d x 76h


Martel Rectangular Cocktail Table D6700-006 | 38w x 28d x 19h

Wavelength Credenza D7400-005 | 72w x 20d x 35h

Luna Rectangular Cocktail Table D6700-002 | 38w x 28d x 19h

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A NEW FOCUS

Why designers are adding Universal Furniture to their High Point Market itinerary

Envisioning an environment that was more than a product showcase, Universal fashioned its 118,000-square-foot space as a special designer retreat—an inviting space to relax, catch up on emails, have a coffee (or two) and recharge. Natalie Reddell, a Virginia-based interior designer, discovered Universal last year, when she was invited to the Steelyard Designer’s Lounge, which is based in the furniture company’s showroom during High Point Market. “Part of the reason I love going to Market is because I love to see something I haven’t seen,” she says. “I was definitely struck. They really have some cool combinations of materials, some fun finishes, and they also styled their showroom beautifully.” The showroom is divided between trade-exclusive furniture and the brand’s other offerings; so, despite the usual Market chaos, Reddell was able to discover new pieces and find exactly what she wanted. “It was very good for me to be able to walk through that whole To The Trade showroom and know this is going to ship quickly, it’s a good price point, and it’s all part of the program,” she adds. Universal’s mix of contemporary and traditional options makes it seamless for designers to source a range of product, from a complete dining room set for a client or a bedroom set for themselves, which is what Utah-based designer Sita Montgomery experienced. She discovered Universal while browsing online for one of her client’s projects. “They have a really reasonable price point. The quality is quite good, and style-wise, it really runs the gamut from more traditional to more contemporary, which fits for me, because I design in all styles,” says Montgomery. “Universal keeps its product up-to-date with what is happening in the design market and the design world and makes sure that it fits the trend.” The company is also responsive to clients’ needs. Among the benefits offered to designers is the ability to place orders online, which is a significant time-saver for both Reddell and Montgomery. “I love that we can get on the website and check stock and pricing, place orders and get an order confirmation, and also go back on to see when it shipped,” says Montgomery. Reddell also appreciates that Universal looks for feedback from designers, always trying to make their lives easier. “As a company, they really try to be relevant by hosting events at Market,” she says. “They are always asking questions: ‘What else can we do for designers? What other service can we provide? How else can we be involved?’” As seen in

universaltothetrade.com | 101 S. Hamilton St, High Point, NC | @universaltothetrade


New Universal

CURATED items

Digby Leg Table 751752A | 84w x 40d x 30h Belmont Chair 751733 | 22w x 21d x 34h

A collection of thought wrapped in

comfortable chaos. Visit universalfurniture.com to browse the full collection.

Darcy Entertainment Cabinet 751966EC | 113w x 20d x 87h

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Niles Dining Table 751757A | 48w x 48d x 30h

Roland Sideboard 751778 | 64w x 18d x 34h

Niles Dining Table Top Detail

Aldrich Side Chair 751738-RTA | 22w x 29d x 40h

Lennox Credenza 751779 | 64w x 18d x 32h


maggiegriffindesign

The Dogwood Bed 599290B | 82w x 93d x 90h

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Maggie Griffin fresh + inspired

Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design recently

finished a complete design overhaul of the master bedroom for one of her clients. Her challenges were to make it comfortable and soft, but also very modern. A true daydream!

Tell us about your project. Where did you find inspiration? This project was a pure pleasure to work on! The client and I just “click.” She is definitive on her goals, but lets me be creative too—we are a great fit! She chose this gorgeous Dogwood Bed and nightstands, and we used the always classic Churchill Chair as a reading spot in the corner. We wanted to keep the room soft and ethereal, as this is the master bedroom. The touches of gold are a fun modern pop, and the all-white bedding is super inviting!

Bedside Chest 597B360 | 40w x 20d x 34h

Why did you choose Universal for this project? I love the classic pieces that Universal has to offer. There are fun pieces for my clients to incorporate into their homes whether they’re traditional, modern, or a mix of both.

What is your favorite part of the project? I love the scale of this room! The height allowed for a fabulous chandelier, and the large windows are flanked with a gorgeous crewel fabric. The artwork plays up the verticality of the space well.

Continued on next page.

Churchill Chair 427503-100 / 38w x 39d x 35h


MORE WITH MAGGIE How do you stay up to date with current trends, technology and codes? Design magazines, shelter blogs, and interiors books keep me invigorated and inspired! As does Instagram and Pinterest!

Favorite designer or architect? My favorite designer is Mark Sikes. His style is comfortable with a touch of formality. And I may be partial, but I love everything James Farmer does.

What do you see as design trends in the marketplace for projects you’re working on in the next 12 months? I see clean lines and fresh takes on classic fabric patterns making their way into my projects. I love using a classic pattern with a new color way!

What is your interior design philosophy, and how does it apply to successfully meeting your clients’ design needs? My style is very much a mix, nothing too fussy, or too “new.” Nothing makes me happier than an antique chest with a piece of modern art over it and a pair of great lamps! My clients know how much I love mixing patterns and using classics like blue and white in traditional spaces.

See more of Maggie’s work at maggiegriffindesign.com or on Instagram @maggiegriffindesign

“clean lines and fresh takes on classic fabric patterns” 16 UNIVERSALTOTHETRADE.COM | 877-804-5535


SNE AK PEEKS AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT @UniversalToTheTrade

@UniversalFurn

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TO SHARE

Show us how you style Universal Furniture.


UNIVERSAL

Upholstery

Palmer Sectional Complete 5 Piece Sectional 681551-610 | 120w x 120d x 38h

Corbin Accent Chair Brompton Brown Leather 687515-650 | 28w x 34d x 34h

Jensen Accent Chair Burnham Black Leather 687535-653 | 34w x 36d x 34h

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Berkeley Sofa New Navy 417501-623 | 98w x 41d x 31h

Travers Cocktail Ottoman Brompton Brown Leather 687514-650 | 58w x 35d x 20h

Berkeley Chair New Navy 417503-623 | 54w x 41d x 31h

Shannon Chair Burnham Black Leather 687551-653 | 29w x 31d x 33h


101 South Hamilton St, High Point, NC 27260

Partnering with Universal To The Trade offers amazing benefits:

☑ ☑ ☑ ☑

Online ordering Exclusive products sold only to interior designers No order minimum Products ship in an average of 14 days

To activate your account, email ToTheTrade@UniversalFurniture.com, call The Design Line™ at 877-804-5535 or visit us online.

A S SEEN I N

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC PERMIT #338


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