Maitland-Smith

Caring And Sharing

Most of the Maitland-Smith artisan-crafted home furnishings are made in our own facility in Cebu, Philippines.  As you know, the Philippines recently suffered tremendous devastation from the Typhoon Yolanda.  Thankfully, the Typhoon did not cause much damage to the plant and the city of Cebu, so the people and the plant are, for the most part, safe and secure.  Sadly, there are thousands who have lost loved ones, homes have been destroyed, and there is no food or clean water.

Although there may be others, we know of one of our Maitland-Smith employees in Cebu who worked with a local group to distribute water and food to those affected in other parts of the island. 

Here is what she had to say:

Last Sunday, we were able to distribute food and water in Bogo, Cebu and Medellin, Cebu, concentrating on the remote barangays which are kilometers away from the highway.

Our group was able to distribute food and water to 1,150 households. At the same time, we also held a feeding program for the children.

We actually took a look at Dayhagon. It is wonderful to see the people there receiving relief goods already from other private groups. They’re much easier to reach being nearer the highway, so we just moved on.

 Here are photos taken as they arrived and handed out supplies: 

These smiling children greeted them.

 
 

 
 

 
 
A makeshift home.
 

It is amazing that so often tragedies bring out the best in people, who join hands to reach out to those affected. That has been the case in the Philippines. 

Tremendous thanks go out to all those who are helping to meet the needs, and who encourage the people in the aftermath of this terrible storm. 

Our parent company, Furniture Brands, will be donating funds to help in the Philippines, as well as our licensee, Celerie Kemble, who will donate royalties from sales of her products for Henredon and Maitland-Smith.  The human spirit is indomitable.  It is wonderful to see the smiling faces. 

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?  www.maitland-smith.com

 

Cozy And Warm With Wool Plaid

Nothing says cozy and warm like wool plaid.  Perhaps it is because we grew up with wool plaid throws which came to the rescue when there was a chill in the air - at the football games to cover the knees, or to the holiday parades as we waited for Santa Claus. 

Here is a wool throw from L.L.Bean. 

Wool plaid in fashion comes and goes, but I am sure most of us ladies at one time in our lives, wore a wool plaid kilt with a kilt pin. 

Now, according to In Style, it's back!   Plaid is a 2013 fall fashion trend. 

Photo by Imaxtree

Translating high fashion to home fashions, would mean wool plaid upholstery on a cozy wing chair.  Maitland-Smith has two comfy chairs resplendent in wool plaid. This handsome, classic chair has carved legs with claw and ball feet and is upholstered with colorful wool plaid as well as coordinating cognac leather. 

Another cozy wing chair has a softer, muted color plaid with a taupe-colored leather and wood trim.      

It's lines are straighter than the chair above, but either would look great in a library alone or a pair flanking a fireplace to add to the warmth. 

As winter will soon be here - already they are predicting snow flurries here in the Piedmont of NC - grab your wool throw and pull your chair up to the fireplace - best choice, a wool plaid wing chair.  A cup of hot chocolate, a crackling fire, a great novel and you are all set to enjoy being cozy and warm. 

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a
lifetime…..Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?   www.maitland-smith.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mad About Malachite

Ever since Pantone declared Emerald Green to be the color of the year for 2013, we have been seeing lots of green in home furnishings. With it, the bright, green opague pattern of malachite has been popping up in unexpected places.  True malachite is a copper carbonate hydroxide mineral that is found in veins and in association with copper deposits.  Large quantities have been mined in Russia, and it is found worldwide -- in Africa, France, Israel, Mexico, and even the US, most notably in Arizona.  Malachite has been used as a pigment in paints but now it is used primarily for jewelry and decorative purposes.  To learn interesting facts about malachite, from Enchanted Gems, click here.

 Generally what we see in home furnishings is not the mineral, but rather faux malachite where the patterns of malachite are painted to resemble the real thing. 

At Maitland-Smith, we are no exception.  We introduced a new decorative box last month at the October market with a beautiful painted malachite pattern.  A custom cast brass accent adds the finishing touch.

Also new this past market are an obelisk and clock, also with a painted malachite pattern and brass accents. 

The green of malachite is is eye-catching and certainly dramatic.  To add a pop of green to your decor, you may wish to consider a fabulous, faux malachite accessory piece or two. 

Elegant and distinctive pieces for your home today, with quality and style to last a lifetime.... Do you have a Maitland-Smith treasure?   www.maitland-smith.com