Monday, January 24, 2011

America's Mart - Part II Napa Home & Garden




One of the highlights of my trip to Atlanta was visiting the showroom of one of my favorite companies, Napa Home & Garden.





Napa Home & Garden is owned by Jerry and KC Cunningham. Over the past 10 years they have grown their company exponentially, and in these trying times that is saying a lot!! How did they do it? Well, after meeting KC Cunningham and having the great privilege of spending some time chatting with her, the reasons for their success are crystal clear!



First let me say that I have never met a more gracious and stylish woman. Not only is she chic but KC is also an astute business woman. Her incredible eye and design sense are evident at every turn. Their product line provides high quality solutions for many client's design needs. I have been a fan of Napa Home & Garden for several years, but to say I was even more impressed after I met KC was an understatement. Let me show you why I hold this company is such high regard.



KC mentioned her number one selling items are her Firelites line. What is so wonderful about Firelites are that they use an eco friendly gel fuel made with recycled post-consumer waste from materials that would otherwise end up in our landfills. KC explained to us that it means with almost no fumes they can be used both outside and inside!! Of course you need to follow some basic rules, but used appropriately, they really can add so much to your outdoor and indoor decor. Above are the Vintage Pots line - look at the amazing crackle glaze and the colors.


They add an instant ambiance to any space.









Just like a candle, but when not in use they become a wonderful design accessory. I love this style called the Lion Tower - It comes in four finishes - I adore the Matte Black.


But I am equally enamored with the turquoise.




I also really love the shape and finish on the Party Time line. Firelites come in almost 50 styles and also come in larger sizes up to 45" tall, so the possibilities are endless.




I was also smitten with their FibreClay faux lead outdoor planters. The company brochure says "they only look heavy" and that is the truth!!




Both Di and I easily lifted them and marveled at the true life, aged lead finish! Gorgeous!



Of course they also have more traditional planters as well, including the famous Guy Wolff line. The displays at the Mart were just beautiful when all the different lines and statuary were shown collectively.




Isn't this display amazing?



Not just a company for outdoor decor, they also have a stunning preserved greens line. They use a unique, proprietary process so the greens look fresh indefinitely.

They come in many different containers, including these lovely distressed gray pots


And more formal mercury glass containers

The line is varied and includes wreaths as well.
But perhaps the most exciting products I saw were from artist John Lamos. He created the "John Lamos Studio Line" exclusively for Napa Home & Garden.

John's work has become synonymous with sustainablity. He creates his items with a "cementitious" material - cement mixed with two thirds recycled material that yeilds a product that is lighter and stronger than concrete and unlimited in its design appplications.

His current designs, exclusive to Napa Home & Garden, include unique planters, bowls, pedestals, firepots, pavers and chargers. The shapes and forms were all inspired by nature and are made in the USA by hand.
Here are the some photos of the pavers
A close up shows the incredible texture and color that mimics real wood
The color is intergral so even scratches don't show.
Although my flash over exposed this shot - the petal bowls were also lovely

The forms were just so elegant and beautiful


The collection also includes fire burning Torchieres, like the one above, and other items called "Wormwood" plates
It was such a treat to see all the exciting, new things from Napa Home & Garden

And a special thank you, from Di and I, to the wonderful KC Cunningham. We are so thrilled for your company's success and excited to see where you take us next!!





For more information on Napa Home & Garden click HERE. And stay tuned for America's Mart -Part III - Tara Shaw Maison.


(all photos property of Willow Decor and Napa Home & Gardren - not to be used with out permission)