Show your Dad some Love

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 20th. Show Pop some appreciation with a cool gift from Smart Furniture Studio. The following are three gift ideas for the greatest father in the world:



The High Power Z-Bar Desk Lamp by Koncept, $169

This is the next generation of the award-winning Z-Bar Desk Lamp, a super sleek lamp about as wide as your finger, longer than your arm, and ultra-adjustable. This new version retains the design of the original Z-Bar but consumes less electricity and gives the user a range of brightness to choose from with a 4-setting dimming feature. How long is the lifespan? 40,000 hours!

The Sanctuary Charging Station by Bluelounge, $129.95

The Sanctuary is a beautiful, simple solution to a real everyday problem: where to put the multitude of personal items we all carry around so they are easily located again when later needed and, always fully charged.

The simple and compact design conceals a universal charger compatible with over 1500 electronic devices from most major brands and a USB port allowing hundreds more electronic devices to be charged using just The Sanctuary. Users can from now on charge their cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, iPod, MP3 player, and bluetooth headset simultaneously in one location.

The Gents Business Card Holder by Blomus, $15.00

The Blomus Gents Flip Business Card Case protects business cards from damage while adding a smart, contemporary note to business networking events. The Gents Flip Business Card Case features stainless steel construction and classic style. Don't let you Dad carry around a bent business card again!

Stop in and see our one of a kind gift ideas. We're open Friday and Saturday 10a-8p and Sunday 12p-6p. Call us anytime, 423-643-0025 or email sales@smartfurniture.com.

Two Sisters, One Art Show

Smart Furniture Studio hosts the smART.show June 24^th from 5p-8p, featuring Tilda Ross and Erika Gerber Halter.

Erika Gerber Halter is a native of Cape Town, South Africa and has lived in the United States for much of her adult life. She comes from a very artistic family. Professionally trained in the United States, Erika’s work is epitomized by unique renderings of African animals and multi-cultural faces. Her work is characterized by a blend of bright colors from her South African heritage combined with contemporary American influences. Much of the inspiration for her work comes from her extensive travels throughout the continent of Africa and her passion for her homeland.


Erika writes, " I enjoy the personalities of animals and the depths of the human mind. The aspect of painting that I find irresistible is when the character of the animal or person appears without warning on the canvas as if the painting truly seems to be painting itself. I enjoy experimenting with colors and shapes to accentuate the personality traits of beings."


Tilda Ross was also born in South Africa, where she married and had 3 children. In 1992 she and her family moved to Chattanooga. Later in her life, Tilda was faced with the "empty-nest syndrome" and decided to go back to school, complete her third degree, and purchase her first canvas.


Tilda writes, "I look at a clean canvas and enjoy the freedom to express myself in any way I please. I am inspired by earthy colors and tactile experiences. I don't plan, but always have materials like fabric, twine, seeds, and tools (some from my kitchen) handy! I take pleasure in the viewer finding in my art what he/she sees or feels (I love when my work is touched), and am inspired by their interpretations."

Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Please call the Studio (423) 643-0025 or email sales@smartfurniture.com for more info. See you there!

Herman Miller Sale, June 4th-14th

The Semi Annual Herman Miller Sale starts today! Are you excited? Have you been putting off purchasing the Aeron Chair or the Eames Lounge Chair? Now is the time to act, June 4th-14th all Herman Miller products are 15% off! We at Smart Furniture love Herman Miller and you will too. We're so sure that we offer a 365 day satisfaction guarantee. What other furniture store offers satisfaction guarantee on special order products? Stop in the Studio today to test out the Molded Plywood Eames Lounge Chair or the Mirra Chair. Maybe you need to see a chair or table in your space to see if it fits, no problem. Customers of the Studio can "test" out a chair for 24 hours before they make their decision. Come "test" out your favorite Herman Miller chair today.

Smart Furniture Studio is open Monday-Saturday 10a-8p and Sunday 12p-6p.

Happy Customer Pictures and Designs

Here are some more customer photos! We wanted to show you how the Complimentary Design Assistance works. It's like this, you send us a floor plan, or we come over and measure. Next, Smart Furniture Rendering Specialists will magically create your space in 3d. They use a program called Google Sketchup, it's basically a user friendly CAD program. Smart Furniture has dozens of products available to download at the Google 3d Warehouse.


This customer had a beautiful space on Signal Mountain. The home was designed by a well-known Architect and City Planner here in Chattanooga. The problem was a large white wall in the living room which over powered the space. We decided to use glass floating shelves in a somewhat asymmetrical pattern. This would take up much of the wall space and allow the owner to display her accessories. We also went with BDI Stream Coffee Table and End Table which tied in with the glass shelves.




This small purchase motivated the owners to paint and refinish the floor. It's amazing how something small like a floating shelve can do wonders for a space!

Send us your pics, become a fan of our Facebook Page, or follow @SmartFurniture on Twitter

Smart Furniture in 3d

Ever heard of Smart Furniture's Complimentary Design Assistance? It's easy, send us dimensions and a brief description of your space and we'll take care of the rest. Everything is to scale and the rendering helps you visualize the potential of your space. We design condos, retail stores, lofts, homes, offices, restaurants, etc, etc..


This couple wanted to see their new loft in 3d. It was an open floor plan and they needed to know how everything would fit (and look). We think it looks great! Of course, the Eames Lounge Chair and Noguchi Coffee Table always help. Some pieces in this design include: LAX Entertainment Stand, Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair, Platner Side Table by Knoll, Timber Table and Jane Sofa by Gus* Designs.

Send us your floor plans and a picture and we'll create your space in 3d!

We Love Photos

It's always great to see Smart Furniture in it's natural environment: our customer's home! We love pictures from happy customers and these come from Smart Furniture Studio's coolest couple. They live downtown in their first home and are creating a style of their own (with our help of course). They discuss, ponder, and purchase one piece at a time. We love the lemongrass in the Gus* Fruit Trough and the Boxer wearing a shirt.





Here's the rundown: Big Animal Sofa by Blu Dot, Madison Media Table by Euro, Custom Shelving Design by Smartshelves, Eames Lounge Chair by Herman Miller, Metal Fruit Trough by Gus*. Send us your photos of your space, show Smart Furniture some love.

And the Winner is...

And the winner is, drum roll please, . . . Pete C! Congratulations to Pete C. of Atlanta who won last months drawing. He will be sitting pretty (and comfortable) in his Loll Adirondack Chair.

Loll Designs manufactures recycled outdoor furniture for the modern lollygagger. For more cool, outdoor furniture options follow this link.

Become a Fan on Facebook, Follow us @SmartFurniture on Twitter, and stop by the Studio to stay in the know with current events and giveaways.

Introducing Try A Chair for Chattanooga Businesses

Try a Chair is an innovative program that will provide local business professionals with the opportunity to experience the best of ergonomic seating in their own work space. For one week, participants will enjoy the rewards of ergonomic seating. Statistics show these rewards include a decrease in work related injuries, increased productivity, and dramatically enhanced comfort. As an additional benefit, each participating organization will be featured on various media outlets (blogs, social media, etc.) as part of Smart Furniture’s Try a Chair program.

Smart Furniture Studio’s trained professionals will deliver an assortment of ergonomic chairs, provide personalized on-site adjustments, and educate participants about the relationship between ergonomic seating and a productive working environment. Exclusive seating options featured through Try a Chair include the Herman Miller Embody Chair and Aeron Chair, the Steelcase Leap and Amia Chair, the Humanscale Freedom Chair, the Knoll Generation Chair.

Smart Furniture Studio offers a complete portfolio of small business solutions, including ergonomic seating, desks, and office accessories. We focus on great design and superior quality. The Try a Chair program offers community members the opportunity to experience the benefits of our focus.

Please call 423-643-0025 or email tryachair@smartfurniture.com if you would like to participate.

Welcome to Chattanooga Vitra...

Chattanooga now has a Vitra retailer! It's Smart Furniture of course. Vitra has manufactured furniture designs by Charles & Ray Eames and George Nelson since 1957. Building on this institution over the years, the company has developed a wide range of furnishings for the home, for the office and for public spaces in a partnership with progressive designers.

Along with adding Vitra we will be adding NEW designs to the showroom floor! Here's a little sneak peek...




Panton Chair
The Panton Chair is timeless classic. Verner Panton created it back in 1960, and with the assistance of Vitra developed a version ready for series production in 1967. It was the very first fully plastic chair made from a single section. The Panton Chair has won various design prizes world wide and graces the collections of numerous renowned museums. Its expressive shape makes it a true 20th-century design icon.




Vegetal Chair
Its plant-like structure made of polyamide dyed plastic, goes to the limits of the technically feasible. This wonderful chair is available in five different colors, emphasizing its link to nature. Vegetal is stackable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use.


Ball Clock
George Nelson's Ball Clock is an iconic example of mid-century modern design.

First shipment to arrive May 7th.

From Herman Miller's Blog Post "The Gifted Eye"

We think of Charles Eames as a great designer but the exhibition that opened February 4th showed us another side to this talented man - that of photographer. Hosted by Smart Furniture in our Chattanooga, TN studio a show of 100 photographs by Charles ran until March 4.



It was a rather cold evening on February 4th but over 200 design enthusiasts showed up to hear Eames Demetrios talk about Charles and Ray’s design philosophy and enjoy the images. Many of the shots covered Charles’ work and his travels and life with Ray. We were very excited to present the collection to the world because it was the first time Charles Eames’ photography had been truly celebrated on its own. These rarely seen photos feature the many facets of Charles and Ray’s life, work and travels.

Night Out on the Northshore

April 22, 5p-8p

Smart Furniture Studio will join the North Shore Merchants Collective for a special evening to benefit the Northside Neighborhood House. On Thursday, April 22nd, shops on the Northshore will stay open late and offer food, special promotions, wine, and much more. Join us for a great cause! 10% of all sales between 5-8pm will be donated to The NorthSide Neighborhood House.

Here at the Studio, all accessories will be 10% off and you can enter to win a Loll Adirondack Chair, a $500 value! We will also be serving wine and hors d'oeuvres.

It's a great time to enjoy the warm weather, refresh your space and support the North Shore!

Smart Furniture Studio mixes Old and New

By: Anne Braly, Times Free Press

Furniture trends change with the generations, so what do you do with your grandparents' treasures when they pass down to you? Antiques are not only valuable; they carry memories. But what if your taste runs more toward modern designs, such as straight lines versus fanciful details.

Incorporating the two can offer rooms a dynamic look, said Karen Liwanpo, creative director at Smart Furniture on the North Shore.

"The two really work well together," she said, provided there's some coordination between the two.

Joy Devlin, manager at Smart Furniture, explained that "modern" furniture appeared in the 1920s with the Art Deco movement. By the 1940s and 1950s, it became mainstream alongside traditional pieces. The designs remain popular and continue to be used by many of today's furniture designers.

And, Ms. Liwanpo added, the modern furnishings from the early and mid-20th century now are considered antiques of great value.

If you prefer furnishings with a modern edge, use your antique pieces as an accent. Or visa versa.

"Balance the two," Ms. Liwanpo said. "Don't just mash them together. It would look like a Bohemian dorm room."

The focus should be on unifying the elements.

"It's a good marriage of fashion and function that allows you to hang on to your roots but give your home a more modern look," Ms. Devlin said.

Here are their tips for fusing the two.

* Match colors and textures. Put modern cushions on an old sofa using your accent colors. Or add throw pillows to highlight accents.

* Try different arrangements. Move pieces around to create symmetry.

* Strive for balance. If you have an older, traditional table, you can add a clear, polypropylene chair that will add no visual weight.

* Don't be afraid to experiment. To try out the look, place a contemporary lamp on your heirloom table. Like it? This is a good place to begin outfitting your home or office with a new look.

Announcing the Winners of Smart Furniture Studio's "The Gifted Eye of Charles Eames" Drawing

"The Gifted Eye of Charles Eames" - A Portfolio of 100 Images - Opening Reception Feb. 4, 2010, brought to you by Smart Furniture at our Studio on Chattanooga's North Shore. A BIG thanks to Eames Demetrios, Charles Eames' gifted eye, Smart Furniture Studio, Greenlife Grocery for the wonderful hors d'oeuvres, and for all our guests who came to the event. We had a great time!

Smart Furniture Studio is proud to announce the winners of "The Gifted Eye of Charles Eames" Grand Prize Drawing:

Jesse Watlington, a manager at Greenlife Chattanooga, grand prize winner of the Eames Hang It All from Smart Furniture Studio. Congratulations, Jesse!

Local student of Interior Design, Evonne Connally, grand prize winner of the Herman Miller Walnut Spinning Tops from Smart Furniture Studio. Congratulations, Evonne!

Good Design Rain or Shine

An appropriate title given the recent weather! This month, as we move closer to Autumn, is the perfect time to experience Pure Design. We have two new and exclusive lines that exemplify Smart Design, Bluelounge (previous blog post) and Blomus (pictured). Blomus is a innovative German company who creates designs for the Pure Life--Accessories that combine simplicity of function with the beauty of Stainless Steel. Blomus accessories are the perfect gift for the hard to please friend or family member, unique with a great price. Their design philosophy is simple, "to soften the cold and sterile material stainless steel and combine it with other materials without losing sight of our overall aim."

I personally invite you to our Studio this month for a preview of Blomus and Bluelounge accessories. Don't forget, Thursday the 22nd from 6pm-8pm, the Studio will host an Art Show featuring one of Chattanooga's most talented and versatile artists: Linda Kerlin. We call it smART.show. I cannot think of a better way to spend my Thursday evening, sipping wine, discussing abstract art and good design. Did I mention its free?

Bluelounge designs at Smart Furniture Studio

Stop by the Studio in October and check out the functional designs by Bluelounge. Bluelounge was founded by designers Dominic Symons and Melissa Sunjaya as a multidisciplinary design studio. The partnership creates a true synergy of product, graphic, and interactive design, as well as original illustration. Winner of 11 design awards in 2008, Smart Furniture is proud to team up with Bluelounge and offer their innovative products. Products such as the Studio Desk, a traditional workspace with a modern twist. “Made from a mix of solid mahogany and laminate, its minimal design is sure to look good in any space.” --Uncrate
Whether your hooking up your iPhone to the sweet charging docks or controlling your nest of wires behind your laptop, Bluelounge accessories are simple, functional, and just plain cool. Stop by the Studio, Chattanooga's exclusive source for Bluelounge designs.

Keel’s Simple Diary

Philipp Keel, artist and writer brings a new twist on the diary. Guided by the notion that life rushes us by and we are not able to find time to reflect on the days as they pass, Keel came up with a quirky, imaginative and sometimes very humorous way to journal your day to day life. Keel’s diary is more of a multiple choice test than endless blank pages…except unlike a test you are left feeling uplifted and renewed. This Journal is a perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Its incites are endless….Just a small example…

Did I mention they come in great colors. Orange. Brown. Red. Green.

Come browse Smart Furniture Studio’s full selection of Taschen books. Taschen books are always a unique addition to any book collection…not to mention they make for great bed side accessories. Grab one for inspiration or stack 10-15 to make readable side tables. The company is known for their ability to capture the world of art, architecture and design. How could you go wrong with titles like Architecture Now! Green, Classic Cars of the 1950’s, and 1000 Chairs.

Downtown Chattanooga Gallery Hop

It's that time of year again, when art lovers from around the region flock to downtown Chattanooga, exploring our cities wealth of art galleries. Join Smart Furniture Studio, along with 19 other galleries and 10 artists studios, for Chattanooga's annual Gallery Hop. This festive event takes place Saturday, September 12th, 2pm-9pm. Smart Furniture Studio features modern to contemporary works of local and regional artists, sculptors, and craftsmen. We will be serving wine and food throughout the day. We currently have 4 artists on display: Brent Sanders, Sandra Washburn, Linda Kerlin, and Denice Bizot. We also have two hand crafted furniture pieces on display, a beautiful Foyer Table built by Aaron Cabeen and a contemporary Entertainment Stand by Steven Sloan from GT Industrial Design School. We at Smart Furniture are proud to be a part of Chattanooga's thriving art scene. You rock Chattanooga!

Meet Cobi

Next time you drive by the Studio, take a look in the window and "Meet Cobi." Cobi is the fabulous new desk chair from Steelcase. Beautiful, comfortable, and affordable. This chair is available in a variety of fun colors that will liven up any work space. Stop in the Studio and try one out. Also, checkout Smart Furniture's "3-Minute Cobi" and design your own.

Better yet, Smart Furniture is giving away 5 Cobi Chairs. The 5 most compelling stories submitted will win. We're also giving away an ipod Shuffle with every Cobi Chair purchase. We even have a blog about this chair! Can you tell we like this chair?

Introducing smART.show at the Studio

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Smart Furniture Studio

Join us Thursday Aug 27th from 6pm-8pm for Smart Furniture Studio’s inaugural smART.show. Keeping with Chattanooga's vibrant and creative community, Smart Furniture Studio regularly presents speaking series, displays local art, and now hosts a monthly art show . We are pleased to exhibit the best in modern and contemporary art by local artists. “Chattanooga is a vibrant and creative community, and the Smart Furniture Studio will honor that tradition.” Stop by the Studio every 4^th Thursday for Wine, hors d'oeuvres, good friends, and great art.

This month’s Studio Spotlight features local artist Sandra Payne Washburn. Sandra has studied under several nationally noted painters and sculptors in a variety of media. Her works are represented in private and public collections nationally and internationally. She has earned signature memberships in the National Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society and Tennessee Watercolor Society. Furthermore, Sandra is an authority on watermedia and mixed media techniques. Smart Furniture Studio is proud to host its inaugural smART.show

Culture in the Courtyard. Live music every Saturday at 2 North Shore

We are proud to announce a weekly concert series in the courtyard here at 2 North Shore. Every week will feature a new musician. Performances start around 12 and last for a couple of hours. We encourage people to bring their own comfort (chairs, lunch). Although, Smart Furniture will provide some cool outdoor seating. Bring your friends, kids, and pets and make your own atmosphere. This is entertainment for all ages. Stop by the Studio for more information or look for "Culture in the Courtyard" on Facebook.

Last week Smart Furniture's own Joy Devlin performed a beautiful and upbeat set of Jazz standards for spectators. We are proud of our multi talented employees here at Smart Furniture.