Explore Home Magazine

SERENE STYLES ON DECK

Available Spring 2021

YOUR OUTDOOR RETREAT AWAITS

Introducing a new stylishly serene Outdoor collection. Featuring over 100 pieces of casually sophisticated silhouettes paired with premium materials including grade-A teak, powder-coated aluminum, all-weather wicker, cast concrete, and special order fabrics from Sunbrella. Find a store near you at CoastalLivingHomeCollection.com/

HIGH STYLE FOR OUTDOOR SPACES

VACATION VIBES RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR

DOOR

GET THE FACTS, OUTDOOR IS HOT!

of homeowners plan to purchase Outdoor furnishings within the next 9 months* 48%

have invested in Outdoor furnishings* 79% view their home more as a retreat and place of rest than before* 86% *Source: Southern Living

Joni Vanderslice

Universal sat down with Joni Vanderslice, founder and president of J.Banks Design Group in Hilton Head, South Carolina, to talk about her journey through the interior design world. After 34 years in business, she looks back at the risks and rewards of owning your own firm.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE INDUSTRY?

After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts in interior design from East Carolina University, I moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where I worked on interiors with Mary Fraser, the wife of legendary developer and visionary Charles Fraser. Mary cultivated my talents and helped me establish relationships with other creative thinkers.

The Melrose Club on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, was my first hospitality project and came to serve as the catalyst for my business plan. While working on this project, I realized that I was one of the only degreed interior designers on the island with the functional knowledge that commercial projects require. This realization inspired me to strike out on my own.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR OWN FIRM?

In 1986 at the age of 28, I purchased the company for which I worked, changed the name and have since served as founder and president of J. Banks Design Group.

AT WHAT MOMENT, OR IN WHAT EXPERIENCE, DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

As a child growing up in High Point, North Carolina, I would count the days until Furniture Market. By fourth grade I knew I wanted to be an interior designer—I would draw and sketch rooms when visiting friends’ homes and found it fascinating.

YOU HAVE BUILT A LARGE FIRM WITH NEARLY 50 ASSOCIATES. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND CHALLENGES OF YOUR SIZE?

The advantages are obvious. You have the depth to handle many more projects and projects that are very large in scale. We are able to pull from people with different gifts and perspectives.

The disadvantages are managing the information and how it is interpreted to each department and person. It is very important to maintain the culture as you grow and this becomes difficult with more people.

MANAGING PEOPLE IS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST TASKS IN BUSINESS LIFE. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ON THIS TOPIC?

Self protection or hoarding information is fear. Mentor, teach and do not fear giving information to colleagues and associates. It is also important to teach this to your staff. They are not always willing to share information and may see that information as power.

WHAT APPS OR SOFTWARE HAVE MADE YOUR LIFE EASIER?

We have created our own procurement app, which has been amazing. And, we are in the process of setting up our own ERP.

WHAT WOULD YOU PUT ON A BILLBOARD?

You cannot over communicate! I am still learning that what is in my head does not come out unless I speak it and articulate it.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR CAREER AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

At 28 years old I owned my own company. Three months in, I discovered $400,000 in hidden debts from the former owner. I had some choices to make: file bankruptcy, give the business back or make it work. It was a crash course in Business 101.

I had to fire people years older than me, tell the bank the truth, cut overhead and approach vendors and ask them to work with me. I grew up very quickly!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST BUSINESS ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Evolving and dynamic design is my never-ending pursuit. I believe that you must take risks to elevate your talents and I consistently force myself to go out on a limb, all the while keeping true to an end result that is still elegant and timeless.

So often designers find a certain “niche” or look that feels safe to them; they continue for years working in the same media, offering the same designs to different clients without taking chances. In effect, they are stifling their creative abilities and limiting their growth potential because of the fear of being criticized for getting out of the box. I excel in what I do because I am willing to put my neck on the line; to be criticized and to be judged. I do this for fear of becoming complacent or suffering mediocrity.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUOTES THAT GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS OR YOUR LIFE?

“Your work should deliver what it promises to the customer. Great quality is related to great design; you rarely get one without the other.”

– Giorgio Armani

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAINT COLOR AND WHY?

Benjamin Moore 1585 Wales Gray. It is actually a great soft blue that does not say blue when you walk into the room. It changes throughout the day as the light changes. It also reflects the exterior—the sky—beautifully.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE FURNITURE PIECES FROM UNIVERSAL FURNITURE YOU LIKE TO USE IN PROJECTS?

Two dining chairs from the Coastal Living Escape Collection are particular favorites: the Bar Harbor and the Siesta Key. Our ongoing Universal Masters Series will focus on business and life insights from designers with more than 20 years of experience. From their toughest challenges to their most useful advice, these designers will share the stories that make a difference.

I had some choices to make: file bankruptcy, give the business back or make it work. It was a crash course in Business 101.

Available Spring 2021

A scroll down any Pinterest board, a glance at a newsstand or a few minutes watching home renovation shows will undoubtedly tell you whitewash, shiplap and dark trim are dominating today’s home designs, both in architecture and interiors.

Miranda Kerr Malibu Cottage Tour

Miranda invites you to her home to see which pieces from her furniture collection she used in her own Malibu cottage makeover.

Geo End Table 956B825 | 24w x 25d x 25h

Love. Joy. Bliss. Mirror 956C04M | 44w x 1d x 40h

Love. Joy. Bliss. End Table 956A815 | 22w x 24d x 25h

Hollywood Accent Chair 956572-901-9 | 28w x 35d x 35h

Sydney Bunching Cocktail Tables 956A818 | 31w x 36d x 20h

“As someone who loves the sanctuary of home, it has always been a dream of mine to create my own collection of furniture.”

Love. Joy. Bliss. Round Dining Table 956C657

60w x 60d x 30h B Love. Joy. Bliss. Oval Side Chair 956A636-RTA

COASTAL TRENDS

In celebration of Universal’s first Outdoor furniture collection, a collaboration with Coastal Living, we asked designers around the country to tell us what’s trending in patio life and how they are creating beautiful interiors outside the four walls of home.

MA

Manchester-by-the-Sea

KRISTINA CRESTIN of KRISTINA CRESTIN DESIGN

Three Season Lounging

We are designing a lot of lounge seating clusters because people are focusing on lounge areas if they have limited outdoor space available. One recent client even chose a lounge area over a dining space. In the Northeast people want outdoor relaxation, although they’ve been slow to invest in outdoor rooms. But there is a bit of a mental change happening and they are realizing they can enjoy three seasons outdoors, especially with heat sources like fire pits, electric or propane movable towers or fixed ceilingmounted heaters. Lots of the spaces I design have a fire pit to extend the shoulder season and allow clients to snuggle up on that sectional.

We’re seeing a reduction in the use of teak furniture, but an increase in preference for all-weather wicker and metal mixed with all-weather wicker. Outdoor rooms can be just as layered and interesting as interior furniture.

TN

Nashville

CHAD JAMES of CHAD JAMES GROUP

Back to the Future

Our clients today seem to be requesting and pushing me to provide something new in outdoor living. Whenever I’m faced with “what’s next” I tend to go back to past design publications to find inspiration. Recently I found myself studying Billy Baldwin’s iconic ball shaped pillows and decided to give them a whirl. Knowing that design is cyclical, I find it important to bring back designs that were great in their time.

In a day where everyone is wanting durability in textiles I’m finding that we are now experiencing the same need with floor coverings and rugs. I mean, if fabric can be Juicy Juice proof, why can’t carpets? Well, we finally found a beautiful plush product that is a cut- or loop-pile carpet in 100% acrylic, making these beauties not only stain resistant, but also cleanable with color safe bleach. These carpets are good for our outdoor areas and also for those tricky, high-traffic indoor spaces.

NM Santa Fe

HEATHER FRENCH of FRENCH & FRENCH INTERIORS

Outdoor Comfort

People are wanting an outdoor room like never before! With people home more, that need to create more space, and to create meaningful spaces where families can enjoy themselves and safely entertain friends and family, is becoming of utmost importance.

Clients are asking for cozy and comfortable spaces that feel like you’re indoors. We’re finding that people want comfort and tradition these days. So materials and textures that mimic the indoors have been key. They want the fabrics to feel as luxurious as they would indoors.

NCDurham

DON RICARDO MASSENBURG of DESiGN iNKREDiBLE

Backyard Bon Vivant

The backyard is the new family room, especially during a pandemic. People are expanding the use of their outdoor areas by hosting small gatherings, movie nights and even family camping. Homeowners are requesting large comfy upholstered sofas and accent chairs that truly bring the cozy feeling of the indoors onto the deck or patio. They want to create an actual living space outdoors. The bright cabana stripes and florals are taking a backseat to more neutral tones and natural textures. Need additional living space? It could be right there in the backyard.

Little Rock

BRITTANY NIXON BRUN of BRITTANY NIXON CREATIVE

Great Performances

When it comes to outdoor living, most of my clients ask for an abundance of seating. They have large extended families that gather regularly and so it's important to have enough space. A lot of times we don't have the space for as many seats as they want so we use multi-use furniture that can have dual use such as benches, ottomans, etc.

With our southern weather, furniture needs to be durable in the sun and easily cleaned when the lake bugs invade. Yes, that's a thing here! Durability is critical in the outdoor spaces as most of my clients have very active kids and they do not want to replace items regularly. Naturallooking materials that are actually made of something else, such as concrete or aluminum, are a popular choice. For example, artificial wicker is still popular; artificial teak (made of aluminum) and concrete tables are a hit.

Function & Style

Wearing pants may be optional when you're working from home but a functional workspace isn't.

Coastal style is known for its light, relaxing and inviting nature. Now you can capture this aesthetic that is rooted in seamless simplicity. Bring the coveted breezy feeling to any home interior with Getaway.

Elliot Key Woven King Bed U033E320B | 85w x 94d x 60h

Getaway Round Mirror U033D09M | 38w x 3d x 38h

Wailea Accent Table U033E802 | 18w x 18d x 25h

Tulum Accent Table U033E814 | 24w x 24d x 25h

Surfside Wing Chair U033523-824C | 37w x 34d x 49h

Getaway Dresser U033040 | 68w x 19d x 41h

VIRTUAL MARKET

SVELTE AND ULTRA-SOPHISTICATED

The Shannon Chair features a curved silhouette draped in soft leather atop a glossy, stainless steel frame. Featuring Moore & Giles Sheridan Chestnut Leather and a stainless steel frame.

PARADOX

The forms in Paradox produce a stunning collection defined by simple case pieces, mineral-striped stone accents and wideplank herringbone veneers.

INTERIORS WE'RE LOVING!

There's nothing like seeing a project in its final form. These spaces are cozy and inviting, and our designers can't get enough! Follow and tag us @UniversalFurn for a chance to be featured.

New Guests

From interior designers to furniture industry executives, we chat with new guests every episode.

NEWEPISODES » EXPLORE HOME PODCAST!

Don't miss the Explore Home Podcast hosted by Neil MacKenzie, Universal’s Marketing Director. Listen in as we navigate design trends with industry insiders, interior designers and trend influencers, all who inspire the way we design furniture. Subscribe to the Explore Home Podcast on iTunes, Spotify or visit UniversalFurniture.com/Podcast.

WE'RE

Heart eyes emoji and all! A true passion for interiors is showing through in the spaces these designers have created, and we're here for it! Follow and tag us @UniversalFurn for a chance to be featured.

DESIGN YOUR OWN UNIQUE UPHOLSTERY FROM HOME.

Our new special order upholstery offering allows you to unleash your imagination like never before! With over 400 fabrics, 50+ leathers and 200+ frames to choose from, crafting your perfect piece is fun and easy. Now available, drape any frame in any fabric. Customize with 6 different leg finish options plus 3 nailtrim choices and enjoy 360 degree views of your creation before purchasing.

UniversalFurniture.com

Mangold Accent Chair

Roni Round Accent Table

AWARD WINNING MODERN PIECES The Nina Magon Collection, a Pinnacle Award Winner for Major Collections in 2020, is truly attainable luxury.