Coastal Living Outdoor
Introducing Saratoga
This Adirondack-inspired addition to the Coastal Living
Outdoor collection features outdoor seating, lounging, and dining furniture characterized by its angled seat backs and classic wide planking.
Sun-Kissed Sophistication
Inspired by the nostalgic ambiance of sunny days and shoreside conversations, Saratoga combines timeless design with durable materials to create inviting outdoor spaces.
White Glove Shipping
Universal is proud to now offer White Glove shipping. This premium delivery service will ensure items are handled with special care and attention, including unpacking, assembly, and placement of the items in the desired location.
White Glove shipping is not available via the B2B Storefront. Please call The Design Line at 877-804-5535 for assistance.
Designed by Mister + Mrs Sharp.
Designer Made.
WITH ASHLEY ROSS
We recently had the chance to sit down with Ashley Ross of Muse Noire Interiors to discuss the inner workings of her latest collaboration with Universal Furniture.
Tell us about your design firm. How long have you been in business?
We turn five in October, and I can hardly believe it. Muse Noire journeys clients to the intersection of culture and interior wellness. I intentionally make space for people of color to experience the luxury of design with a firm built for them. Through our shared experiences we reintroduce a sense of connection through the community of our heritage. Through our design process we find ways to curate and steward lasting elements of wellness. Think of Muse Noire as Magnolia for the Culture. My aim is to place a revolutionary emphasis on ensuring people of color feel safe and seen in their homes.
Tell us a little bit about this project. This is a guest room at my private residence. Our home is so special to me for a myriad of reasons, but this space specifically may have been the most fun to design. I knew I could really let my imagination run wild, so I did. Throughout our home I think you’ll find design moments that evoke subtle waves of emotions. For each room I thought, ‘what does the person entering this space need the most when they cross the threshold?’ So, the biggest challenge for this guest room was finding common ground between how we use the space as a family and how our guests would. In addressing that challenge, I decided to go with the idea of developing something nostalgic, something culturally whimsical that could speak to both children and adults or the inner child of an adult. Because who wouldn’t want to share joy with a guest in your home? The concept is a historically Black sleep away camp!
This room certainly brings the drama. Is that a hallmark of your work?
I think drama has too many negative connotations for me to hang my hat there. Perhaps it is our contemporary global aesthetic that makes this visually delighting in the best ways. My work is always a heavy tactile experience grounded in culture, and I love to find the restraint within every concept. The finished product isn’t really where you start, but rather where you choose to stop [adding things].
Reimagining The Surf City Headboard
Why did you choose Universal Furniture as your partner for this project?
Two things drew me to Universal. The first is the way quality and design always meet the moment. As a designer I see tons of beautiful things, but is it made well? I had an opportunity to visit the plant in Conover, N.C., and to say the least I was thoroughly impressed with the craftsmanship and attention to detail. That made me an instant lover of all things Universal because the tour gave me more than enough information to sell product into client projects beyond the idea of having just another pretty thing in their home. So for us, having this historic home celebrating its 104th year standing, I wanted equally well made furniture, and that’s 100% Universal. The second thing was absolutely the Surf City Headboards! I love a challenge and when I saw them in the Coastal Living section of the showroom, I instantly wanted to place them in a design concept that could not be further away from beach vibes. Hopefully I nailed it and people can reimagine these in other aesthetics.
What makes Universal different, or stand out among other furnishing partners?
There are loads of cool things coming out of the Universal brand, but I most appreciate the attention to business development on all fronts. Universal is the only brand that I know who can host the advancement of your business education during the world’s largest furniture market, host new and innovative products alongside the technology to visualize and source the sale, and produce a B2B publication; always keeping their design partners forward-facing.
Do you have some favorite pieces or collections from Universal? Why do they get your vote?
My favorite Universal piece right now is the Kira Stool. I am a tactile-driven designer so that juxtaposition between the texture of the base and the texture on the seat is a home run.
Items featured: Weekender Surf City Twin Headboard, Modern Farmhouse Collins Chest, Curated Kinetic Stool.
Showhome Spotlight
SOUTHEASTERN SHOWHOUSE:
Angela Means and Danielle Carney of Means + Carney Interiors
Tell us a little bit about this project. How did you create outdoor rooms without walls, where grass was your only flooring?
Danielle: Creating spaces outdoors without walls is all about defining your own spaces. To do this, we defined areas based on how a family would be utilizing the space. With the mindset to create usable areas for everyday, we designated areas for dining, casual conversation, a reading nook, and space by the pool.
Is this the first time you’ve used Universal’s Outdoor collection? What were your initial impressions?
Angela: Yes. We were initially impressed with the quality. We have especially loved the Outdoor swivel chairs. They can be difficult to find, especially ones that are high quality. We have also been very impressed by the Outdoor vinyl fabric. It holds up very well in clients’ spaces overtime. Our main takeaway from Universal’s Outdoor collection is that they offer organic shapes and lines. This is very important to us when designing outdoor spaces, because we want to make sure that the furniture we’re selecting is homogenous with nature.
Do you have some favorite pieces or collections from Universal? Why do they get your vote?
Angela: One of our favorite collections from Universal is the Miranda Kerr collection. We love it for the simple sophistication and the neutral color palette. It works in so many different spaces and with so many different styles. Another collection that we love is the Coastal Living collection. We love the texture and warmth that it brings to spaces while still having clean lines.
SERENEBE SHOWHOUSE: Buffy Ferguson of Elizabeth Ferguson Design
Tell us a little bit about this project.
Our project is in the incredible community of Serenbe nestled outside of Atlanta in Chattahoochee Hills. We were tasked with staging a European-influenced townhouse in the Mado Hamlet. The quaint two bedroom townhouse is roughly 1700 square feet with an open layout on the first floor, encompassing the kitchen, dining area and living room. We wanted it to feel as inviting and spacious as possible to show potential buyers the ability to create a nice flow with plenty of space to host family and friends.
Why did you choose Universal Furniture as your partner for this project?
We had a great experience partnering with Universal on a previous model home so they were our first choice to work with when this opportunity came our way.
Serenbe homes are known for being serene. You used a lot of neutrals in this home, yet it oozes character. How did you make that happen?
I always incorporate warm tones in my projects and in this house you can see that in the furniture and accessories. These warmer tones have a grounding effect that draws you in. We wanted everything to have a collected feel.
Do you have some favorite pieces or collections from Universal?
Yes, definitely! The first that comes to mind is the Irving Arm Chair. We’ve brought this into several other homes—our clients love it. We often pull from the Long Key and Escape products under the Coastal Living Home collection. I love creating a comfortable, casual environment that brings warmth and texture.
We love these inviting spaces by our interior design partners. Follow and tag us @UniversalFurn for the chance to be featured.
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Explore our High Point showroom year round! Please call The Design Line at 877-804-5535 to make an appointment.
