High Falls Mercantile Blog

NEW Dash & Albert designs: hooked rugs, striped rugs, pillows and blankets

ABCD Design — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:51:31 +0000

Dash and Albert has been one of our favorites here at HFM for what seems like forever, but we’ve gotta admit that we’re absolutely loving some of the newest designs to come from them! Whether you’re into primaries or pastels – we have hand-selected an amazing array of choices for you to pick from. No matter which rug you choose – it will certainly add a pop of color to your home decor.This runner (featured below) has all of us here at HFM simply swooning over it. The colors are so Summery and the design is such that it could be well suited for a modern home or a country farmhouse – it’s just that versatile. As a matter of fact, I am dying to try it out in our kitchen.You all know how we just love stripes here at High Falls Mercantile, right? Well, these neutral stripes and blue and white ones look incredibly fresh to us!And speaking of stripes: we ordered a great selection of scatter pillows and cozy Dash and Albert blankets that are sure to freshen up your sofa, guest bedroom or favorite reading spot.

NEW at the HFM Apothecary: Panier des Sens from Provence

ABCD Design — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:36:25 +0000

While we’re making an effort to bring in as many American made products as we can, on occasion there must be an exception to the rule. In this case, we recently fell in love with this French line of organic olive tree lotions and potions by Panier des Sens from Provence.From what we understand, olives are rich in vitamin E and anti-oxidants which help prevent aging of the skin. The products are all organic and grown in an environmentally friendly manner without pesticides or synthetic herbicides. Good for your skin and the environment? In our minds, that is a win/win all the way around!We also couldn’t resist bringing in these super luxurious ultra nourishing essential oil hand creams. You should pop by the shop to check out the line – we have samples out waiting for you to try.

Design On A Dime Spring 2012

Larry Ruhl — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:26:09 +0000

Design on a Dime, which benefits Housing Works, has become my favorite design event. Sponsored by the likes of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Veranda Magazines, it draws an amazing crowd during its three day sale, but especially so on opening night. I get inspired by the idea of doing something different each year while maintaining my recognizable aesthetic.

The texture, patina, and graphics of old sewing patterns became the perfect “Wallpaper” for this year’s vignette.

Arriving to set up is always a little chaotic. Thankfully my good friends and fellow designers Tyler Wisler and Patrick Hamilton were on hand to offer support (and a hammer). Another amazing donation? My friends at AGS Deliveries donated their time and moving services.

The idea behind Design on a Dime is for each designer to fill their space with donated product which gets sold at 50-70% off of retail. It was time to call in a few favors.

My “Cabinet of Curiosities”-inspired space came from my love of layers, patina, and intrigue. I also wanted to offer plenty for people to buy, in turn raising more money for Housing Works.

The incredible reeded photograph on the easel was donated by Shirley Serure photography. The color was so similar to the pattern paper that I put it on the antique easel to allow it to stand out. The poufs are a classic in our store and the antique demijohn was a beautiful centerpiece.

I admit a weakness for beautiful flowers; they bring any room to life. With so much gray, brown, and cream, the pop of red and pink was a must. As I love to say, the devil is in the details.

Our signature matchbooks were a hit.

Here is the final reveal before the evening turned into a shopping mayhem. Charlotte Moss made my night by being one of the first to find some must haves.

Tom, pictured above, was thrilled with a chicken that had seen better days.

Ty Pennington got some great bargains but in the meantime I made him model our vintage collapsible top hat. (He was such a good sport)

Sam Champion, Lara Spencer, and Ty Pennington all steadfast supporters of Housing Works

Of all of my photographs, this one is my absolute favorite. This shot was taken by my friend and fellow Design on a Dime designer Jim Fairfax on Saturday showing my room picked clean. Success!

I offer my heartfelt appreciation for those that donated to my vignette this year. The Annie Selkie Companies, West Elm, Barbara Cosgrove Lighting, Art by Canace, Shirley Serure Photography, Downtown Antiques, Design Legacy, Barclay Butera Home, Laron Algren and Vanguard Furniture not to mention the incredibly generous private donors that provided antiques, accessories, and monetary donations to Housing Works.

The outpouring of support for this cause is most impressive. That couldn’t happen without the press and incredible coverage provided by some of the most talented bloggers out there. Have a look at each of these very different perspectives.

Thank You for making this year an incredible success. Larry

ABCD Designs Covers us at Design on a Dime

Larry Ruhl — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:46:20 +0000

Before I jump in and share my own adventures at this years Design on a Dime, I thought I’d share with you Amy’s blog coverage on the event. Check it out here.

We’re Loving: Modern Folk Art by SugarBoo Designs from Roswell Georgia

ABCD Design — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:25:16 +0000

After attending the New York Gift Show in January, the following weeks are like Christmas in the store. New shipments arrive almost weekly until May. One of our favorite resources is artwork by Rebecca Puig from Sugarboo Designs in Georgia.
Her latest collection of small framed pieces that have all of the charm and character of 19th Century Folk Art pieces. These colorful art prints are certain to add vibrant soul to the walls of your home.
The very best part? Each print is framed with vintage, recycled wood and is ready to hang. Easy-breezy, folksy, colorful, adorable and affordable – a winning combination to add interest to your walls!Rebecca’s mission in creating her art is that it reminds people of the ones they love. We think that she’s done a wonderful job doing exactly that. Stop in and see them for yourself, or click here to purchase SugarBoo Designs on the High Falls Mercantile website.

- ABCD Design

Blog Love: Lost Cowboy Found and High Falls Mercantile

Larry Ruhl — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:58:20 +0000

It’s flattering and fun when you hear a fresh perspective on what you are doing. We had that happen this week with Lost Cowboy Found when they did this blog post on us.

“I often look at an ordinary object and think of it as art. In my own works, I have taken items, or parts of things, and presented them in a way that brings out a quality that transcends their original use. And of course I like a nice vintage find or antique just hanging out on a shelf.”

Thanks and enjoy! Larry

A Hand-Stitched Colorful Throw: Lilac and Aqua Patchwork

ABCD Design — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:45:30 +0000

So pretty, don’t you think? This is by far the most subdued throw out of all the Kantha vintage textile patchwork quilts that High Falls Mercantile picked up at the New York City Gift Show. It’s got all the colors of Springtime in it.

Is this lovely patchwork quilt right up your alley? They are all one of a kind so grab them while they last.

Here In This House with High Falls Mercantile

Larry Ruhl — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:53:12 +0000

Exhibiting at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show was fantastic for many reasons. On the first day of the show I had the pleasure of meeting the talented ladies behind the blog Here in This House. They do a fun series called Creative Types and asked if I would interview with them. Naturally, I was thrilled.

Elise and Mae do an amazing job at bringing a fresh perspective to the world of design. Creative Types had me in very good company with the likes of Patrick J Hamilton, Tyler Wisler, and Susan Cohan.

Our booth at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show

My talented friend Patrick J Hamilton. Check out his great blog ask Patrick here.

Sale of the Season: Americana General

Larry Ruhl — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:06:13 +0000

We don’t do sales here at High Falls Mercantile that often but when we do, we make them really count. One of our favorite tabletop lines has gone out of business. We have carried Americana General since opening in 2004. It’s durability and reasonable price point made it a great fit. Now at 50% off all remaining inventory, we are clearing the shelves. Oven, microwave, dishwasher safe, you’ll find these pieces invaluable.The three sizes of the classic Yellow-Ware mixing bowls are versatile and practical.

The custard cups are a personal favorite for ice cream, individual macaroni and cheese, or your favorite soup. These were reasonably priced at $6.50 and are now offered at $3.25 while they last.

Classic water (or Beer) Tumblers.

The mixing bowls are available in four colors but will surely sell quickly at 50% off.

All of the discounts can be found online but if you should have any specific questions, please feel free to call us at (800) 687-6707.

NEW at HFM: Kantha Hand-Stitched Quilted Vintage Textile Throws

ABCD Design — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:35:03 +0000

One of our favorite ways to add interest to a neutral interior design scheme is to add pops of color through artwork and accessories. So it’s no wonder that we all absolutely fell in love with these Kantha hand-quilted vintage textile throws from Bengal at the New York Gift Show.

The vintage fabric in these quilted pieces come from misprints, selvedge, or damaged fabrics that were rejected due to imperfections. The hand-crafters use their skills to rework and recycle these vintage textiles into new hand-stitched patchwork throws.

They are unique, one of a kind collectors items – which seems like a pretty perfect way to add a pop of vibrant color to the sofa, an arm of a chair or to the end of the bed!

Throughout the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing with you the one of a kind quilts we picked for HFM’s Spring Inventory. Remember, there is only one of each pattern, so if you see one that you want to purchase for your home don’t delay. ABCD Designs