When I walked into the High Point Bernhardt Interiorsshowroom, I almost didn’t know where I was. There was low mood lighting, down-tempo music and furniture I wouldn’t necessarily associate with the Bernhardt I’ve known in the past. It was sexy, contemporary and on trend, resulting in an absolutely stunning curation. Ron Fiore, Stylist and Creative Director, is to thank for the showroom experience whose eye for ambiance in each collection totally transported me to another place and time….say the chicest hotel in London!
After 125 years, this family owned operation, now lead by 4th generation Alex Bernhardt Jr., has reinvented themselves in Bernhardt Interiors and I am blown away! What impressed me even more, was the price point and wide variety of customizable options. You name it, they can do it. If you love that cabinet but it’s just a couple inches too wide, they’ll adjust it for you. Their pieces are well made and pricing is extremely competitive with other major manufacturers which makes me a very happy designer.
Walking through the 75,000 sq. ft. showroom with us, Alex Bernhardt, Jr. talked about his inspiration for bringing in designs that he personally loves – which were coincidentally the pieces that we were especially drawn to (the brass table and chair in the above images and this jaw-dropping bed). Talk about going with your gut and moving in a clear direction – Bernhardt has nailed it!
Always close to my heart is not only the beautiful end result of items that come from a favorite manufacturer, but how they treat their employees and the environment. Bernhardt employs about 1,250 people and they have implemented a comprehensive set of Environmental Policy Objectives, ranging from energy and water use, emissions and air quality control, waste reduction and the use of renewable materials, and how they package their products. As designers, we want to make sure we source our products in a conscious manner so it’s beneficial for everyone involved, from design concept to building to installation.
A major talking point was the notice of hardware being the jewelry of the furniture. Such attention to detail was much appreciated!
The theme of this collection and space in the showroom was “A special woman who is a world traveler. It’s sophisticated, luxurious and elegant.”
Bernhardt has tapped into the horn trend and introduced these cool chairs and table.
This table is so interesting. They’ve created the look of a light, ribbon-like wood base that is strong enough to support the glass top. The trick is having a metal interior and wood veneer. Genius!
This is perfect example of an awesome price point – this acrylic side table is 1/3 the cost of similar tables I’ve seen. Very impressive!
I have a new passion love for Bernhardt, I’m so excited to share my “discovery” with my clients and design friends. I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed as I am!
On behalf of everyone at Bernhardt, thank you so much, Lori for visiting with us and for this lovely post.
We’re pleased that you favor what we make, and we hope to keep surprising and pleasing you as we go forward with care and creativity.
Much continuing success!
Are you kidding?! I should be thanking you as I have an entirely new repertoire to add to my design arsenal!!!
Be on the lookout for Bernhardt beauties in my upcoming projects. And PLEASE keep em’ coming!
As a fabric rep, I’ve had the true pleasure of working with many talented people in our industry. Ron Fiore is and always will be one of my favorites. He’s beyond talented, fair to work with and has reasonable expectations which is important. Above all, he’s a super nice person to be around.
Congratulations to Ron and all at Bernhardt for their continued success!
AGREED! Ron transformed the space into magical vignettes spanning a London Boutique Hotel Vibe, to a Cosmopolitan Parisian Apartment to a Private Los Angeles Club, every room was more impressive than the next, filled with inspired furnishings from Bernhardt. I felt more like I was at a hip opening of a showcase house installation, than a furniture showroom. Congrats to Ron and the Bernhardt Team- you nailed it!!
Dear Lori, thank you for this fabulous posting! It was so great meeting you and Sara and sharing our new products and showroom with you. I am so glad that we changed your perception of Bernhardt. It has been very exciting to watch the company evolve under the leadership of Alex Bernhardt, Jr and creative direction of Ron Fiore. We look forward to seeing you again in the Fall! All the best, Heather
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
Absolutely! Thank you 🙂