We all have regrets. Among mine, I regret not purchasing one investment piece of furniture every year or two. Had I done so each room would now have several strong and timeless pieces. I also regret this is a do-as-I-say and not as-I-have-done column.
When you begin to put a room together purchase one investment piece, within your budget, to set the stage; it’s the lead, a stand-out. What the piece needs, to make it a focal point, is a well thought-out background; wall color or texture, flooring or rug and well placed lighting. The supporting pieces can be of lesser value, items you are not married to. You marry the keepers, the I-can’t- live-without pieces, you will always love. When I consult with clients seeking a change that adhere to this point of view I find well put together rooms in need of a few new supporting pieces to brighten the space. Lead pieces add longevity to rooms while supporting pieces are easy enough to change without a huge financial investment.
Selecting the lead piece should begin on a need basis; you need a bed, chest, sideboard, table or sofa. Starting there allows you to focus on a foundation for the room and build with supporting pieces until you can afford keepers. Go with your instinct on this purchase. Is it modern, traditional, contemporary, classic, new or antique furniture you are drawn to? Make your selection based on that answer. Typically we stay true to what we initially love when it comes to style. Do we grow and change? Yes, but I’m talking about pieces that stand the test of time. If the table is an investment piece the chairs can be supporting. Ten years in add modern chairs to your traditional table; take a supporting modern chest and hang a 19th century gilded mirror over it. Updating is easier if you’ve invested well to begin with.
If, like me, you didn’t set the stage early on it’s not too late; upgrade by replacing supporting pieces with keepers.

Best of the Best
Local Custom Furniture:
Brown’s Custom Furniture & Upholstery
706-342-2404, 5371Seven Islands Road, Madison

Kip Meyer Custom Furniture
www.kipleyameyer.com, 706-342-2658, Madison

Michael Rice, Harmony Woodworks
www.harmonywoodworks.com, 706-485-3703, 116 Village Lane, Eatonton, Ga.

Paul Jones Custom Furniture, Rutledge Hardware
706- 557-1770, 116 Fairplay Street, Rutledge

Local New Furniture:  
Harris Home Furnishings
706-342-2015, 1590 Eatonton Road, Madison

Website:  
www.bakerfurniture.com
Fine traditional and contemporary furniture.

Books:
Hidden Treasures: Searching for Masterpieces of American Furniture, by Leigh and Leslie Keno American                                                                                                     Contemporary Furniture, by Cathy Lang Ho and Marisa Bartolucci

Cathy Best discovers new things daily. Contact her to share local resources, books, blogs, Web sites and apps you’ve discovered: bestdiscovery@aol.com.

Printed in the August 23, 2012 edition