Spring 2025 Made For You Magazine- Hickory Chair Denver
The Made For You magazine is published by Hickory Chair, manufacturer of fine personalized wood and upholstered furniture. From classic to modern, each piece is made by hand and to order. Over 90% of Hickory Chair’s products are made to order in America.
Federico Contigiani President
Laura Holland Editor-In-Chief
The staff of Made For You, based in Hickory, North Carolina, welcomes your feedback. Comments and queries can be referred to:
Send traditional mail to:
Made For You Attn: Laura Holland PO Box 2147 Hickory, NC 28602
Electronic mail should be directed to: made.for.you@hickorychair.com
ON THE COVER: The HC9001-K Elise King Bed, HC9513-23 - Léa Slipper Chair, HC134-30 Maria Bench, HC285-70 Denzil Oval Nighstand and HC272-70 Mylan Gentleman's Chest.
issue eight contributors
SUZANNE KASLER is recognized for creating luminous and timeless interiors, her signature spaces have an effortless appeal that inspire living a beautiful and authentic life. At the heart of her work is a sense of place, and her versatile portfolio reflects her innate ability to create homes that reflect both their contexts and homeowners. Her design work has been featured and profiled in Architectural Digest, ELLE Décor, Milieu, Veranda, Flower Magazine, House Beautiful, Luxe Interiors + Design and WSJ. She has been named to the most respected industry lists including Architectural Digest’s AD100, ELLE Décor’s A-List, Luxe Interiors + Design’s Gold List, and The 1stDibs 50. Her award-winning work has been captured in four best-selling books published with Rizzoli: Inspired Interiors, Timeless Style, Sophisticated Simplicity, and Edited Style. In addition to her interiors, Suzanne designs signature collections for Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort, Ballard Designs, Lee Jofa, La Cornue, and Mirror Home.
ERIC MANDIL AIA, NCARB, ICAA, founded his Denver-based design practice, Mandil, in 1980. Since then, he has been creating award-winning interior and exterior architectural spaces that are both notable and beautiful. As an environmental colorist, architect and interior designer, Eric offers a rare blend of aesthetic yet pragmatic insight into the connection between design and color. Leveraging his signature holistic approach to architectural and interior design, he has helped transform Colorado’s residential and commercial design ideals into fresh and modern, yet timeless, environments. During his career, Eric has worked with and advised builder-developers including Shea Homes, Century Communities, Wood Partners, Alori Properties, Adair Homes, Wayne Homes and Ryland Homes. His impact on residential design has been featured in Traditional Home, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Western Interiors, Wyoming Homes & Living, and 5280 Home. In 2016, Eric was inducted into the Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Circle of Excellence.
DANA WOLTER is known for her chic Southern style and discerning eye for restful, collected and tasteful interiors, is an award-winning designer located in the Mountain Brook suburb of Birmingham, AL. She and her interior design team work on turnkey, residential projects across the United States. Growing up in a large family filled with love and chaos, Dana quickly learned the importance of living well in a home that gives you comfort and respite. She craved order and a space of her own to retreat, and for the past 19 years, Dana has helped each of her clients discover their own personal definition of living well. Dana’s projects have been featured in publications such as Traditional Home, Southern Living, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, The Wall Street Journal, and House and Home. She was named to Traditional Home’s prestigious New Trad list in 2014 and was a selected Finalist in 2017, 2018, 2019, and in 2021 for the coveted ADAC and Veranda Southeast Designer of the Year award.
LAURA HOLLAND has proudly been a part of the Hickory Chair family since 1985. Throughout her storied career, she has become known for her passion and determination. She is responsible for company-wide marketing initiatives, Hickory Chair University and serving as Editor-in-Chief of this publication. A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers her time to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Catawba Valley and serves on the Board of Directors of The Common Thread of The Cure® Foundation that provides grants to individuals in the home and furnishings industry that are battling breast cancer.
greetings from the chair
We can all agree that we live in a chaotic time. Climate change is reshaping our world, bringing wildfires, hurricanes, severe storms, and drought. Across the globe, war and unrest persist. Here at home in the United States, we are experiencing unprecedented change. During the pandemic, our homes became sanctuaries, places of peace, security, and respite. Now, more than ever, home is where we find comfort and stability.
Over the past 114 years, Hickory Chair has weathered many storms. Whether facing economic depressions, wars, recessions, changes in ownership, or even the bankruptcy of our parent company - twice, we have remained steadfast. Through every challenge, we have focused not only on survival but growth. Each day, our dedicated craftspeople arrive at our Hickory, North Carolina facility knowing that while we may not be able to change the world, we can create something meaningful—one-of-a-kind pieces that won’t sit in a warehouse but will find their place as a part of a home, bringing beauty, comfort and joy to a family. This sentiment is at the heart of our work. As our artisans sew, carve, finish, tie springs, and upholster, they do so with the understanding that each piece is made for a person, their space, and their story.
We are committed to keeping our promises—not just in the quality of our craftsmanship but in our word. Each day, we see beautiful spaces showcased on social media and in the pages of magazines. When our pieces are featured in these designs, we know that the designer is as proud of their work as our artisans were in crafting each piece.
In this issue, Suzanne Kasler shares her new Bruges Collection and the journey she has taken to evolve her designs, staying both relevant and inspirational. Dana Wolter invites us into a stunning installation, offering a glimpse into her signature Southern style—a seamless blend of serenity, curation, and sophistication. Eric Mandil reflects on the collaborative mission to create a new legacy for the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion.
Reflecting on all that Hickory Chair has overcome since 1911, it’s clear that we must thrive on chaos. A less determined group would have given up long ago. Yet, through every challenge, we have remained resilient, fueled by passion and with a commitment to excellence.
Thank you for your continued support. It is our honor to create special pieces for you and your clients. We invite you to share your story with us for a future issue of Made For You—because at Hickory Chair, we believe furniture is deeply personal.
Editor-in-Chief VP Marketing Hickory Chair
Atlanta, Georgia
It is hard to believe that it has been sixteen years since my first collection with Hickory Chair. From the beginning, our partnership has been a success and I am so proud that the collection continues to remain relevant to designers and their projects. This enduring appeal comes from my passion for designing pieces that are versatile and really allow designers to make them their own.
The original collection carried a distinctly French influence with a modern sensibility. My travels to Europe have always inspired my interiors and product designs. During my visit to Bruges, Belgium, last year, I loved the timeless design perspective and this influenced my next collection named the Bruges Collection. The simplicity of Belgium’s look inspired a new layer to my evolving collection.
SUZANNE KASLER
Portrait by Emily Followill
"This collection is my way of mixing modern sensibility with classic silhouettes and refined details, matched with the incomparable quality of Hickory Chair." - SUZANNE KASLER
“Traveling is my greatest source of inspiration. During my visit to Bruges, Belgium last year, I encountered a new design perspective that inspired me in an entirely new way. I wanted to bring that design aesthetic into my next collection, which I am calling the Bruges Collection."
- SUZANNE KASLER
In addition, I have long drawn inspiration from Swedish antiques, bohemian influences, and the Paris Flea Market, as well as unique finds from Africa and in America.
Belgian design has made a profound impact on the industry, led by influential designers such as Axel Vervoordt and Dries van Noten. Seeing Axel’s home in person during my tour of Bruges was an entirely different experience from viewing his work in books. His aesthetic exemplifies the thoughtfulness behind European design. I sought to incorporate the essence of Belgian minimalism into this latest collection while ensuring it remained livable and refined.
For the Bruges Collection, I wanted a slipcovered sofa but traditional slipcovers quickly lose their crisp appearance. Hickory Chair took my vision and crafted a series of pieces that captures the elegance of a slipcovered piece while maintaining its structure and durability. These generously scaled upholstery pieces with their elegant skirts have an effortless sophistication and complement both the new Bruges Collection and the broader Suzanne Kasler archive. I have designed three smaller-scale nightstands for my collection to fit cozier spaces where a standard scale nightstand may be too large.
Design is deeply connected to personal memories and the objects we collect over time. In recent
"By blending historical influence with modern sensibilities at the highest quality, my goal is to design timeless pieces that live comfortably and well for many, many years." - SUZANNE KASLER
years, I have noticed a shift in client preferences—they describe it as modern but simply want spaces that feel fresh and youthful, but I have learned, not contemporary. There is a growing desire for interiors that are less decorated and more thoughtfully curated. My approach has always been about how a room is put together, emphasizing architecture as the foundation. When the architecture is right, it requires less decoration, allowing the design to feel natural and effortless.
Designers always seek pieces with a sense of uniqueness and quality craft. My collection with Hickory Chair features the best materials like White Oak, Ash, and Walnut, with a range of finishes that have been carefully selected to enhance the wood’s natural grain. With the finishes, we developed new hardware from antique hardware I have found. This inspired custom knobs, pulls, and decorative feet ensuring each piece retains its authenticity.
Great design is about more than aesthetics; it is about creating a lifestyle. By blending historical influence with modern sensibilities at the highest quality, my goal is to design timeless pieces that live comfortably and well for many, many years.
what’s modern now
A renewed appreciation of furniture finished in clear wood stains has decidedly made a comeback. Stain finishes have become lighter and clearer accentuating the natural grain and color of the wood. With nearly endless options to select decorative hardware and complimentary paint or stained combination finishes, the result is fresh and modern.
Who Says Classic Elements Are Boring?
THE DEFINITION OF LIVING WITH ELEGANCE AND COMFORT
Mountain Brook, a picturesque suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, is renowned for its scenic beauty, spacious lots, and lush tree canopy. It is also home to Dana Wolter of Dana Wolter Interiors (DWI), a talented designer celebrated for her chic Southern style and keen eye for creating serene, curated, and sophisticated interiors. From Alys Beach, Florida, to Evergreen, Colorado, the design team specializes in turnkey residential projects across the country.
Growing up in a large, loving, yet often chaotic—family, Dana quickly recognized from a young age the value of a home that provides comfort and tranquility. She craved order and a personal retreat, a principle that has guided her work for the past 19 years. Today, she helps clients define their own vision of serenity by crafting homes that are beautiful and restorative.
Through close collaboration with architects, builders, and select craftsmen, the firm creates interiors that are refined and seamlessly aligned with their architectural vision and clients’ aesthetic. The team’s involvement from concept to installation ensures a smooth,
DANA WOLTER
Dana Wolter Interiors - Birmingham, AL
2024, for the coveted ADAC and Veranda Southeast Designer of the Year award. This fall, in collaboration with Gibbs Smith Books, her first book, The Elegance & Comfort of Home, will be released illustrating DWI’s ability to create timeless interiors that are not only comfortable and beautiful, but provide tranquility and free from the chaos of everyday life.
This philosophy guides the team in every project. While modern interiors have dominated design trends over the past decade, the firm believes that exquisite elements anchor a space, ensuring it never feels fleeting or trendy. By layering neutral tones with bold accents and curated art—alongside classic details like upholstered screens, paneled walls, and wall-to-wall draperies— Dana creates interiors that are carefully cultivated and effortlessly inviting. “We want to create the perfect balance of warmth and refinement. Every detail is designed to invite you in and encourage you to linger longer.”
When working with prospective clients, establishing strong connections is essential. The Birmingham-based firm takes the time to understand every homeowner’s unique tastes, desires, and vision to ensure each space marries their aesthetic with grace and comfort. For their primary home, the client sought the firm’s expertise in achieving this perfect balance for their family.
In the living room, this was achieved through the thoughtful fusion of function and form. Wool draperies, paneled walls, exposed beams, and hardwood floors define the room’s character, while a sisal rug adds warmth, depth and textural dimension. A sofa, upholstered in sumptuous velvet, harmonizes beautifully with
From FACTORY to Workroom
TURNING THEIR WORKROOM INTO MY WORKROOM
Creating a new legacy for the Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion
ERIC MANDIL
Mandil - Architecture, Interior Design & Color Denver, Colorado
Perched atop Denver’s Logan Hill, the historic Boettcher Mansion was originally built in 1907 by the prominent Cheesman family. The elegant three-story residence quickly became a symbol of prestige among the city’s high society. In 1924, Claude K. Boettcher purchased the home as a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife, Edna. Decades later, in 1959, the mansion was generously donated to the State of Colorado and has since served as the official Governor’s residence.
Over the years, the Boettcher Mansion evolved into more than just the Governor’s residence— it became a hub for hospitality, business, and civic life. While each administration made both modest and significant updates, the absence of a unified vision led to a gradual loss of the home’s original elegance and charm. After four decades without a major renovation, Carol and Larry Mizel, through a generous donation from the MDC/Richmond American Homes Foundation, made it possible to restore the mansion’s first floor. Under Carol Mizel’s design leadership, the project took shape, beginning with her selection of renowned designer Eric Mandil as a partner in bringing the vision to life. Together, they embarked on a respectful restoration of the historic property—one that would honor its past while creating a renewed legacy for the city and state.
Eric Mandil and his team collaborated with leading design partners including the Hoff Miller show room, Hickory Chair, Egg & Dart,
"Without the support of collaborators like Leanna at Hoff Miller and Hickory Chair, I cannot imagine how we could have completed this project with products that were not only beautiful, but so stylistically perfect for the mansion." - ERIC MANDIL
"The Palm Room is now a favorite space for dining, meetings and events. We chose a lighter, fresh color palette and filled the new space with new heirloom quality furniture that had great proportion and scale, but also, was classic and modern." - ERIC MANDIL
Stark Carpeting, and Colorado Stone, Ltd. to transform the first floor into welcoming hospitality spaces suited for special events, meetings, and visiting dignitaries. Governor Jared Polis also made a generous personal contribution to replace the draperies. Thanks to the dedication and support of these collaborators—who donated their time, materials, and expertise at minimal cost—the renovation was completed on time and within budget, with no expense to the city or state.
An extensive renovation was undertaken by Edna Boettcher and her daughter, Gladys, with one of the most stunning transformations being the expansion of the Palm Room. This elegant space—featuring gleaming marble floors, classical architectural
details, and expansive windows—has become a cherished setting not only for dining and meetings, but also for quiet moments of respite. Designer Eric Mandil shared, “To update the space, we polished the white marble floors and replaced the brown rugs and original white leather furniture with modern, yet timeless pieces from Hickory Chair.” Today, the Palm Room remains a favorite retreat for the Governor and his guests, blending historic charm with contemporary sophistication.
As the mansion — affectionately known as “Colorado’s Home” — is a popular venue for meetings and events, one of the key challenges the Mandil team faced was increasing seating capacity for larger functions.
"In a historic space like the Boettcher Mansion, we wanted to select new furnishings that would hold their own beautifully complementing the original furniture and classical architecture. These new Amsterdam Side Chairs allowed us to seat many more guests than the chairs that accompanied the antique Italianesque dining table." - ERIC MANDIL
the antique furnishings and classical architecture. The restoration of the Boettcher Mansion stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and generosity. Through the leadership of Carol and Larry Mizel, the support of the MDC/ Richmond American Homes Foundation, and the creative direction of Carol Mizel and designer Eric Mandil, the mansion’s first floor has been thoughtfully and beautifully transformed. Blending timeless elegance with modern functionality, the updated spaces honor the home’s historic legacy while meeting the needs of today’s events and gatherings. Thanks to the dedication of all involved—and the many generous partners who contributed their time, expertise, and resources—this cherished residence has been renewed for future generations, all at no cost to the people of Colorado. hickorychair.com
Behind the Curtain
A behind the scenes series of tips for purchasing and living with fine furniture.
Stone topped furniture has become exceedingly popular. With proper care, stone will not only last, it will gain a beautiful patina over time. Listed below are recommended best practices for caring for your stone-topped indoor and outdoor furniture.
INDOOR MARBLE, GRANITE AND OTHER STONE SURFACES
• Remove any loose debris. Blot spills immediately; wiping the area will spread the spill. Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times. Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface with clean, clear water after washing. Repeat as necessary.
• Protect surfaces with coasters, trivets, or place mats. Do not place hot items right off a stove or out of an oven directly on the stone surface. Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids as they will etch into the stone.
• Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
• Do not use scouring powders or creams as these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
• Clean stone surfaces with a soft cloth, using mild liquid dish washing detergent and warm water. Too much soap may leave a film and cause streaks.
• Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar, or other acids.
• Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
OUTDOOR STONE:
Most outdoor stone tops are an ultra-compact high-performance surface, consisting of a sophisticated blend of over twenty minerals extracted from nature. An innovative, state-of-theart mineral particle sintering process compacts its internal structure to create a Carbon Neutral surface of high durability and strength.
• These stone tops are resistant to stains, scratches, knocks and high temperatures from hot objects and remains unaffected by UV rays. It’s almost zero porosity will give you peace of mind, as it is hygienic and easy to maintain.
• Tables with stone tops, which are exposed to temperatures below 33 degrees Fahrenheit, should be covered to prevent the introduction of residual moisture. This moisture, if introduced into the holes and crevices in stone, may freeze at temperatures below 33 degrees Fahrenheit and may cause splits or cracks.
• Outdoor manufacturers recommend covering your outdoor furniture with an “Outdoor Protective Cover” when not in use for further protection.
• Note that damage caused by water freeze typically will not be covered under manufacturer warranty.
• Protect surfaces from scratching, staining and etching by keeping them free of debris or sharp objects and wiping up spills immediately.
• Apply neutral soap to the affected area and gently rub in a circular motion with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Follow with a clean cloth, wiping off any soapy residue, then dry with clean cloth, avoiding contact with chemicals, particularly acid based substances.
looking ahead
We are thrilled to bring you the latest edition of Made for You, a magazine that celebrates the artistry and innovation behind Hickory Chair. This issue features stunning articles from renowned designer and longtime partner Suzanne Kasler, showcasing her exceptional Bruges collection and giving us an insight into her creative process.
Eric Mandil, and Dana Wolter, showcase their exceptional projects and the unique ways they incorporate our pieces into visions. Their creativity continues to inspire us, and we are grateful to have them as part of our Hickory Chair family.
As we geared up for the upcoming April Furniture Market, we were filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. We were particularly excited to introduce the Tectonic collection by Ray Booth, a remarkable line that embodies modern elegance and striking design.
In addition to the new collection, we proudly unveiled our newly redesigned showroom. Our goal was to create an inviting space that not only showcases our latest offerings but also provides a comfortable environment for our customers to explore and engage with our designs. We believe that staying ahead of industry trends is essential, and this refreshed space reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence.
We hope and look forward to welcoming you to the High Point Furniture Market each season and sharing our inspiring showroom with you. Your support and enthusiasm are what drive us to continually push the boundaries of design, and we are eager to connect with you during this exciting event.
If you can’t make it, don’t worry! You can still stay connected and keep up with all the exciting developments at Hickory Chair following us on social media and visiting our website, where we regularly share updates on new collections, design inspirations, and company news.
Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we can’t wait to see you soon!
