Universal Explore Home Magazine Fall 2025 by Universal Furniture

Quietly Powerful

Modern Mist & Veil distills luxury to its essence – quietly powerful silhouettes rendered in tactile, light-catching core finishes. Sculptural cast aluminum and leather accents create depth and dimension across bedroom, dining, and living.

BLOSSOM CREDENZA U560E966

FILMORE

MIRAGE BED KING

/ 79w x 85d x 58h LIRA NIGHTSTAND

/ 30w x 18d x 28h

NEW INTRODUCTION FALL 2025

A Love Letter to Timeless Design

The palette centers on two signature finishes—Willow and Brindle—then layers tactile accents to create rooms that feel collected, not coordinated. Twisted abaca brings hand-woven warmth; white quartz and wallpaper details add a polished, tailored note; and an aged pewter metal finish serves as the quiet jewelry that ties it all together. With versatile bedroom, dining, and occasional offerings— including two storage beds, multiple nightstand options, an abacawrapped dining table, and several occasional groups—this collection provides coordinating silhouettes and finishes for easy layering.

WILLOW WOVEN BED KING U550A260B / 83w x 87d x 60h

FILMORE SOFA U583505 / 97w x 41d x 34h STELLA CHAIR Special Order U092503 / 29w x 33d x 35h BIRCHAVEN COCKTAIL TABLE U550801 / 44w x 28d x 18h BIRCHAVEN END TABLE U550808 / 22w x 22d x 24h

MEADOW CREDENZA U550A966 / 86w x 19d x 34h

BIRCHAVEN CONSOLE U550803 / 68w x 15d x 32h

BIRCHAVEN PEDESTAL TABLE U550A657 / 44w x 44d x 30h

MEADOW DISPLAY CABINET U550A675 / 38w x 18d x 80h

WILLOW WOVEN CHAIR U550A627 / 22w x 23d x 35h

the New Coastal

Sun-drenched and sand worn finishes transport you to the coast, bringing calm and warmth to every room.

NATURAL MATERIALS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Jessica Thuston Editor-in-Chief

“I am so impressed by the level of detail in all of the pieces in our collection.

Incorporating natural materials and texture, including rope, rattan, stone, and more, into these pieces and designs is so important and gives them a sense of place that connects to the ocean, beach, and coastline. The color palette has such a sense of calm and peace to it—exactly how being near the beach makes you feel. This is what it feels like to live on vacation every day.

We see trends come and go in the decorating space, but Universal does such an amazing job of creating pieces that feel current and classic at the same time. This is furniture you will live with forever and never goes out of style.”

SCAN TO BROWSE THE LOOK BOOK

In Stock & Quickship Special Order

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s storied furniture region, Universal maintains an in stock and quickship upholstery portfolio in their NC warehouse to ensure prompt delivery.

Our bench made upholstery offerings showcase a commitment to artisan quality: each piece is cut, sewn and tailored with precision, marrying custom detail with reliable turnaround.

North Carolina

Add the integrity of locally rooted manufacturing and you get furnishings that feel both decidedly high end and thoughtfully practical.

THE THE

REFRESH ART OF

AN

INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER

VICTORIA VALENTINAS, VLV DESIGNS

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR DESIGN FIRM. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

I founded VLV Designs in 2020 with the idea of turning ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces by combining interior design with fine and applied art. We specialize in color selection and specialty applications, furnishings, fixtures and custom window treatments. I began my career as a fine artist, creating works for casual and luxury lifestyles. Interior design was a natural next step for my career.

IS PINEHURST YOUR HOMETOWN? I am from the Chicagoland area, and since 2000, my family has had a home in Pinehurst where we spent most of our vacation time. I fell in love with the area and knew I wanted to go to school in North Carolina, which led me to High Point University (HPU). With oﬃces in Charlotte and Pinehurst, North Carolina, VLV Designs focuses on designing for a range of clients, from young families to discerning older couples seeking to refresh their living spaces. I want to create functional and beautifully elevated spaces that reflect each client’s personality.

AT WHAT MOMENT, DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? I always loved art and fashion as a kid but I also wanted to help people. My favorite architect is Antoni Gaudí, the way he used whimsical design with pops of color and always thought outside the box. My dream job was to be a Disney Imagineer and design hotels, restaurants and bars. My passion for creating beautiful settings and works of art is what led me to my studies at HPU. I started in product development and visual merchandising in the furniture industry and that is where my passion for textiles and craftsmanship began.

My passion for creating beautiful settings and works of art is what led me to my studies at HPU. I started in product development and visual merchandising in the furniture industry and that is where my passion for textiles and craftsmanship began.

KENDALL PANEL BED, CARMEN NIGHTSTAND, CARMEN BUNCHING STOOL, CARMEN DRESSER

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR PROJECT. WAS THIS A PERSONAL SPACE OR FOR A CLIENT? WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE DESIGN OF THE SPACE? This project was for a wonderful client in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where I had the opportunity to redesign most of the rooms on their first floor. They were craving a style transformation and eager to reimagine the room’s layout. The couple had always had a queen bed and were ready to upgrade to a king, my first plan of action was to rearrange the furniture so that the bed was the center of attention and opened the room to welcome in the beautiful views of the Pinehurst Golf Course.

THE ROOM FEELS EARTHY, YET MODERN. WAS THAT THE INTENTION? With breathtaking views as our inspiration, we aimed to blur the lines between indoors and out—bringing nature’s beauty into the heart of the home. We chose the Avaline collection for this master suite as we all fell in love with the drama of the “cantilever” bed, the incredible design gives the illusion that the bed is floating which creates the perfect statement piece for this bedroom. Although we used lots of

“I founded VLV Designs in 2020 with the idea of turning ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces by combining interior design with fine and applied art.

pops of color in the other rooms of the house we wanted to design this room as a sanctuary for the residents to feel a sense of warmth as they begin and end their day, and the mix of textures and clean lines brought this vision to life with stunning results. Monochromatic mood-driven hues were selected, and the deep-toned accent wall created a striking backdrop that highlighted the bed beautifully.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE UNIVERSAL FURNITURE AS YOUR PARTNER FOR THIS PROJECT? Universal Furniture has always been one of our “Go-To” vendors as they have full-home oﬀerings, a variety of styles, an amazing fashion-forward collection of textiles that embraces both neutrals and unique colors, as well as bold textures and materials. And they are priced in the sweet spot for many of our customers!

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES TO HAVE IN A VENDOR/BUSINESS PARTNER? Beyond their exceptional interior design oﬀerings, one of the qualities I value most about

Universal Furniture is their outstanding customer service and commitment to partnering with small businesses like VLV Designs. Having spent the early part of my career in product development for Universal’s competitors, I know firsthand that designers and consumers have an abundance of vendors to choose from. What truly sets Universal apart is the trust they inspire—their reliability in quality and timelines, and the confidence they provide in ensuring each project runs smoothly.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CUSTOMER OF UNIVERSAL FURNITURE? HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED TO THEM? I first started recommending Universal Furniture when I founded VLV Designs in 2020. I was excited to finally see their showroom as a customer instead of a competitor as I had worked in product development for competing brands in the industry prior to starting my own design firm.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUOTES THAT GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS OR YOUR LIFE? "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Dr. Seuss. This has always been one of my favorite quotes, and it perfectly captures the way I approach interior design and custom art. I make sure every project is infused with my own blend of artistry and professionalism, while always striving to create functional, beautiful spaces that reflect each client’s unique style and desires. I’m grateful for a career that has allowed me to work with some of the top brands in our industry and leading retailers across the country. Along the way, I’ve embraced the challenge of designing furniture and showrooms that meet a wide range of regional style demands. That experience is why I’m not a designer known for just one look. I believe every project should stand on its own as something truly distinctive.

WHAT MAKES UNIVERSAL DIFFERENT, OR STAND OUT AMONG OTHER FURNISHING PARTNERS? In addition to the reasons above, what always makes Universal stand out is the High Point Market experience. The Universal showroom welcomes designers with hospitality like no other. It is always the best spot to see the latest in color trends, be inspired by the showroom interior design details, sharpen your mindset with continuing education presentations and quench your appetite for good design. And the lunch is always fantastic!

DO YOU HAVE SOME FAVORITE PIECES OR COLLECTIONS FROM UNIVERSAL? WHY DO THEY GET YOUR VOTE? I have always loved the Coastal Living Collections at Universal as they do an amazing job at creating a lifestyle. Every time I walk into the Coastal Living area of the showroom, I feel like I have been transported to vacation. Who doesn’t want to feel that way all the time? The product quality speaks for itself, and the design is well thought out and creative in its functionality and use of materials and motifs.

A Fresh Perspective

This Fall, Universal introduces an elevated selection of upholstery frames. Each piece showcases refined silhouettes and quality construction, offering designers exceptional craftsmanship, versatility and timeless style.

READY TOSHIP SPECIAL ORDER

NEW FABRICS

In partnership with Crypton Home Fabrics, we are introducing new fabrics designed for elevated, worryfree living. This expanded assortment of high-performance textiles combines enduring style with advanced technology, offering protection against stains and odors without compromising on beauty.

WE JUST HAD TO SHARE!

We love these inviting spaces by our interior design partners. Follow and tag us @UniversalFurn for the chance to be featured.

@tobdesignfirm

Macara Carsley, T.O.B Design Firm

@haven.and.harbor

Photography: @mollyrose.photo

Priscilla Ertel, Haven + Harbor Interiors

Featured products: Chatham Bed, Bimini Chest

@kaylaweberart

Kayla Weber Nord, Kayla Weber Arts

Featured products: Love. Joy. Bliss. Vanity Chair

Featured products: Jude sofa, Nora Ottoman (special order); Carmen Cocktail Table

@emilymossdesigns

Emily Moss, Emily Moss Designs

Speed Coaching: Break Through Your Biggest Business Block

Featuring: Traci Connell, The Gloss

Feeling stuck on a pricing dilemma, client conflict, workflow snag, or growth decision? In this rapid-fire coaching experience, Traci Connell—award-winning interior designer and founder of The Gloss: The Ultimate Glossary of Business Resources for Interior Designers—will help you find your “aha” moment. Join one of two dynamic 30-minute group sessions, each designed for designers to bring one specific business challenge to the table. Traci will dive in with clear, actionable strategies drawn from her proven systems and real-world experience running a high-end, profitable design firm. Walk away with a fresh perspective, a plan you can implement immediately, and the momentum to move forward with confidence.

4pm

AI Shortcuts to Reclaim Your Time & Creativity

Featuring: Salimah Mamdani, Fully Booked Designer

As a solo interior designer, your time is your most valuable asset. Yet too much of it gets drained by admin, marketing, and content creation. This session shows you how to use AI as your behind-the-scenes assistant so you can reclaim hours in your week. You’ll learn practical frameworks to help you decide where AI fits into your business. Walk away with tools, templates, and strategies that feel like a natural extension of how you already work.

Saturday, Oct 25

Design on Your Terms: 5 Secrets to Scaling Without Burnout

Scaling your interior design business doesn’t have to mean longer hours, constant stress, or sacrificing your personal life. In this powerful session, led by design business coach, Melissa Galt, you’ll uncover five gamechanging secrets that allow you to grow your practice your way, with clarity, ease, and intention. Whether you’re solo or leading a boutique team, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to scale sustainably so you can serve bigger clients, make more profit, and still have a life you love, strategies, fee formulas, and contract clauses. 10am

2pm

Featuring: Melissa Galt, Design Business Strategist

Scan for Full Schedule!

4pm

The Ins and Outs of Performance Fabrics

Featuring: Kelli Lamb, Rue Magazine

Peter Spalding and Alex Spalding, Daniel House Club

RUE invites you to an exclusive conversation with Editorial Director Kelli Lamb and Peter and Alex Spalding, co-founders of Daniel House Club, the platform redefining how interior designers source, shop, and scale. This dynamic discussion will explore a smarter, more streamlined way for designers to access everything they need—from furniture and finishes to project management features and community support. Whether you manage an established firm or you’re just starting out, you’ll gain insights into how technology is simplifying the sourcing process while expanding creative possibilities.

Community Over Competition: Designing Without Fear

Featuring: Antonio DeLoatch, Antonio DeLoatch Designs, Nicole Roe, R. Nickson Interiors, Rainey Richardson, Rainey Richardson Interiors

This session is an open call to find your people and design boldly, featuring Antonio DeLoatch and Nicole Roe. Together, we’ll share honest stories, tips on how to stay connected after market, dismantle isolation, and choose connection over doubt. Walk away reminded that true community makes every big idea possible.

10am

2pm

Sunday, Oct 26

The Psychology of Interior Design

Tracee Murphy, The Designer Launch

Join The Design Biz Therapist Tracee Murphy of The Designer Launch for this course to explore the intersection of psychology and interior design, providing a deep understanding of how human behavior, emotions, and decision-making influence your interior design business. Designers will learn how psychological principles can enhance sales, marketing, leadership, and client relationships in the interior design industry. Topics include the impact of color on mood and perception, effective conflict management strategies, selling luxury, navigating money conversations with clients, and using psychological insights to build trust and rapport. By the end of the course, designers will have a comprehensive toolkit for running their business in a way that supports well-being, productivity, and positive client experiences.

How to Build a Healthy & Consistent Pipeline

Gail Doby, Pearl Collective

If you’ve experienced the common roller-coaster of feast and famine in your design business, then join Gail Doby, ASID, Co-Founder of Pearl Collective, for actionable strategies to stop the pipeline madness. Discover the best source of new business that doesn’t require adding a new client. Find out how to spend less and get better results with your marketing. Create a fast action plan that you can start implementing immediately.

2pm

Monday, Oct 27

How to Work with a Contractor Who Sees Your Vision

Debbe Daley, Debbe Daley Designs

Chris Meeken, Black Tie Group USA

Join designer Debbe Daley and contractor Chris Meeken as they share the challenges of aligning design intent with construction execution. Learn 5 actionable takeaways and practical tips for finding and vetting the right contractor, communicating effectively through visuals and scope documents, and leveraging tools like mood boards, renderings, and project management apps to stay on the same page. Discover how mutual respect and collaboration turn a good contractor into a trusted creative partner.

Beyond the Boxes: Where Kitchen & Bath Design Profits Really Come From

Sharon Sherman, Thyme & Place Design

Most designers focus on design fees while missing the real money maker: strategic material procurement. This interactive workshop with Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, reveals the procurement strategies that transformed her practice into a seven-figure design firm. You’ll learn how to develop profitable budgets for cabinets, countertops, appliances, and tile while building strategic vendor relationships that create mutual success. This hands-on working session invites you to bring a kitchen or bath project to review together, applying Sharon’s proven formulas to your real-world situation.

4pm

Natural Luxury: Designing for Wellness, Sustainability & Your Thriving Design Business

Susan Hayward, Hayward Design House, Jillian Hayward Schaible, Hayward Design House, Kathryn Hunt, Kathryn Hunt Studio, Kristi Hopper, Kristi Hopper Designs

Biophilic design isn’t just about bringing nature indoors it’s a powerful tool for creating elevated, wellness-focused spaces that resonate with luxury clients. As demand grows for environments that support health, beauty, and emotional well-being, designers have a unique opportunity to lead—and to grow their design businesses in the process. This panel explores how to turn nature-inspired design into a refined, high-end offering that attracts discerning clients and sets your work apart.

4pm

Photography and Styling: The Make or Break of Your Publishing Future

Ashley Hotham Cox, Stylist, Heather Ison, Heather Ison Photography, Isabel LaddIsabel, Ladd Interiors

Jane Dagmi, HPXD Executive Director, Moderator

Professional Photography is the linchpin to getting your work published. And the aid of a knowledgeable stylist can take your images from good to irresistible. Join Ashley Hotham Cox, professional stylist and former editor at Charlotte Home Design & Decor and Traditional Home, and professional interiors photographer Heather Ison to learn the details that make the difference. How do you find a good photographer? How much will it cost? What should I budget for the stylist? Who owns the images and why? Join us to have these and many other questions answered.

Explore our High Point showroom year round! Please call The Design Line at 877-804-5535 to make an appointment.