Already heralded as one of the most anticipated hotel openings this year, and maybe even the decade, the new TWA Hotel is a remarkable salute to the golden era of air travel. Housed in the former TWA terminal at JFK airport in New York, the property pays tribute to the 1960's design aesthetic by staying true to that era, all thanks to some incredible design. This month we are speaking with two individuals intimately involved in the creation of this fantastic project, to learn

What does quality furniture design really mean? To find out the answer, we sought two accomplished professionals to share their experience as they distinguish furniture of the highest quality. First, we spoke to Sylvie Blondeau AIA, LEED GA; Project Manager with MCR Investors, which just debuted the incredible new TWA Hotel at JFK, and Samuelson Furniture’s in-house design expert Mike Rinaldi. Here’s how they approach great furniture design: Quality Furniture Design: An Inter

In capturing today’s savvy travelers, design professionals face an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape filled with emerging hotel brands. With a focus on brand identity and brand differentiation, creating an authentic guest experience while meeting a brand’s specific design standards requires a careful balance between what the brand represents and the client’s unique design vision. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable, personal experience that sets a hotel

Furniture design isn’t easy, presenting many challenges when it comes to teaching the next generation of designers. For this month’s blog we spoke with 2 designers, a design educator and a student to understand how they interpret the learning process when it comes to furniture design with a particular focus on seating. In addition, they discuss the ways in which technologies impact this process. Chair Design: Interview Judd Brown III, Owner / President Studio JBD Custom Occa

Bringing the historic hotel Saranac back to life isn’t easy. Especially if it’s been closed for an extended period. Plus, ensuring the property meets the needs of the current guests while still honoring its legacy is a hearty challenge. Enter Sue Pollio, RSJ Associates, LLC, President and Founder, and an owner tasked with reinventing the Hotel Saranac, which originally debuted in 1927. Now $30 million and three years later, Pollio shares with Samuelson Furniture what the exp

With HD Expo upon us, our HD Expo Guide takes a look at some of the best experiences amazing Las Vegas has to offer. Sure, this massive trade show is a great place to get business done, but it’s also a place to let loose, have fun, and enjoy the incredible amenities Sin City has to offer. We spoke with loyal HD Expo attendees Pam Niemann, Principal Designer & Owner of Niemann Interiors; Katie Novelen, Senior Interior Designer at Tandem Interior Design Studio; and Britni Flore

Hotel design has inexorably shifted to highlighting the look and feel of the community in which the property is located. This has change the way in which projects are conceived and executed. It’s no longer about fungible design that simply checks off a series of boxes. Rather, it’s about understanding the cultural, historical and visual cues of the individual community; then creating a visual and functional aesthetic highlighting those elements unique to that neighborhood’s

Left to Right - Michael Chalfin, Laurie Chalfin, Lawrence Chalfin, Ruth Chalfin Chasolen They say the hotel business is one big happy family. That rings true both figuratively and literally. Here at Samuelson Furniture, we proudly carry a family tradition spanning four generations and 90+ years. While the distinction of being a generational business is uncommon today, we know others in the industry who have accomplished this. Family businesses within the hospitality industr

The upholstery trade as a craft evolved throughout many centuries and various eras as it gradually integrated into the furniture making process. While stages of comfort levels increased, tradesmen provided materials for the covering of chairs, seats and sofas. The coordination of padding, springs, webbing, fabric and/or leather materials covering a wood frame or platform is the essence of this artistic skill. Fabrication of seating furniture requires design aesthetic with t

There has been a big shift in hospitality during the last five years. Public spaces in hotels, especially the lobby, are officially the front and center attraction. While they have always been the first thing guests see, there is a new focus. This relates to setting the stage for experience while simultaneously creating engaging spaces where people want to hang out, and importantly, spend money. Ritz Carlton San Juan Puerto Rico - Streetsense Therefore, it is no surprise; th

Don’t expect a major design shift in 2017, this year is more about the maturation of ongoing trends. It’s a focus on evolution, rather than revolution, as shifting societal behaviors push hospitality designers to tweak, change and flesh out concepts they’ve been exploring. Explore technology-integrated furniture design and discover how smart features, connectivity, and innovative craftsmanship are transforming furniture for modern hospitality spaces. But just because there is