What We Think About THINK

Day Two with Cyndi I was very excited when I was asked to “test drive” the Think Chair by Steelcase.I am not a woman of many words so I was concerned that maybe I was not the best choice for this “test drive” and analysis, but nonetheless I agreed. When I first sat down in the Think Chair I immediately noticed the very cushioned and comfortable seat. I also noticed how comfortable it was when I leaned back. You see, I ruptured a disk in my back a few years ago so there aren’t too many chairs that are truly comfortable. So I need a chair that has great lumbar support and helps my back relax while sitting. The Think chair does have a great lumbar support which really helps my posture while sitting, not one of my strong points. I also noticed the dial on the right side that allows the chair to recline more or less, depending on my preference. The chair I normally sit in has a lever to allow the chair to recline slightly or not recline at all. So the dial on the Think Chair gives me more options depending on the way I feel for the day. I am a woman and yes I change my mind often. I am looking forward to my second day in the Think...

What We Think About THINK

Because of our continuing curiosity about what it’s like to use the great chairs we sell, we here at Smart Furniture have prevailed upon two of our fine employees to test the Steelcase Think chair. Mark Rico (our resident rendering specialist) and Cyndi Brackett (our accountant extraordinaire), have graciously accepted the opportunity to share the Think for one week and write about their experience.

Mark, in addition to his superb SketchUp and facial-hair-growing skills, is glad to spend life with his wife and two daughters. He hopes to one day hike the Appalachian Trail with his family and is currently reading about insects and spiders because they’re amazing.

Cyndi works out of our office three days a week and is at home the remaining four. She is very blessed to have a wonderful husband and two amazing kids. Her son is entering middle school next year and her daughter will be entering Kindergarten next year. Yes, she drives a minivan and hauls kids around all day but loves every minute of it. She hopes to go to Europe on vacation at some point in the future. On those days when she doesn’t have a minute to herself she looks forward to being an empty nester!

Day One with Mark

Today I started a week-long test of the Steelcase Think chair. Steelcase isn’t really the first brand many people think of when they’re considering modern furniture, or even seating for their home offices. However, the Think pretty well demonstrates that Steelcase doesn’t just make conventional office furniture; it’s beautiful to look at (especially the one I’m sitting in – white seat, white mesh back – stunning) and super comfortable. The real question at this point is how it performs every day.

The first thing I did was read the little how-to-adjust-the-chair tag that came with the Think. It’s only a one-page diagram that tells you what the knobs do, and it’s really all that’s necessary. Think is a very intuitive chair to adjust. The lever thing (there’s only one – simple) is for adjusting the height. The knob thing (there’s only one – again, very simple) is for setting the tilt limit, and there are 4 settings. Under the front of the seat, there’s a bar very similar to the bar you’d find under the front seat of your car, and you lift it and scoot the seat forwards or backwards to increase or decrease the seat depth. There are about 2 inches of adjustability for the depth which turns out to be enough for me, and I’m 6’1”.

The armrests are by far the most fun function. They move in/out in front and back, independently, so that you can find the best position without pressing buttons or being confined to a preset location. Throughout the day, as I’ve gotten used to sitting here, I’ve gotten comfortable enough to just move the armrests with my elbows as I change position.

More tomorrow, but my first impression is that I like the way it feels almost as much as I like the way it looks, and it looks incredible. This is the kind of chair that I want to have in my home office and just “happen” to leave the door open, hoping my guests will see it as I purposefully lead them past the doorway …

Kartell Componibili Storage

The Componibili Storage Unit, one of our newest additions to our selection of products from Kartell, was recently captured in the wild by one of our favorite blogs about design and modern furniture, Design-Milk.

It's pretty neat to see the product online and in our Studio, but nothing beats checking it out in its 'natural' habitat - being used in an actual home.

For more information, visit Smart Furniture today.

Smart Furniture Opens Studio Location at Two North Shore

Smart Furniture has opened the doors to the new location of the Smart Furniture Studio at the Two North Shore shopping center in downtown Chattanooga. Building on a vibrant group of upscale retailers such as Greenlife Grocery and Rock Creek Outfitters, Smart Furniture aims to be the leader in Design on Demand® home furnishings not only in the online marketplace but also the local community surrounding the new Studio.

For more information, visit www.SmartFurniture.com, stop by the new Smart Furniture Studio location at 313 Manufacturers Road, Suite 107 in Chattanooga, TN or contact the studio directly by calling 423-643-0025.

Smart Furniture Introduces Steelcase to Product Offering

Smart Furniture is pleased to offer Steelcase home and office furnishings as part of its already-unique product line, with innovative items such as the Leap® and Think® chairs, along with accent pieces and office accessories from the Turnstone and Details brand lines.

For more information or to view our Steelcase product offering, visit us at www.SmartFurniture.com or call 888-GO-SMART.

Culp Promotes T. J. Gentle to President and CEO of Smart Furniture

Stephen Culp, Founder and Chairman of Smart Furniture, Inc, the leader in Design on Demand® interiors, announced that he has promoted T. J. Gentle to President and CEO of the company. “T. J. is an immensely talented executive, strategist and leader,” Culp stated. “I have been fortunate to work closely with him through a period of strong growth and innovation,” he added, “and am pleased and proud to promote T. J. to a position he has earned through rock-solid performance, innovative leadership, and unwavering commitment to our company, team, and customers.” “As Smart Furniture looks forward to our second decade, our team is strong, our growth is solid, and our customers are well-served— as is our focus on constant innovation, internally and externally,” Culp added. “With T. J.’s leadership, talent, and understanding of our culture and mission, he is the right man to lead our company through our next phase of strategic innovation, world-class service to our customers, and strong growth for our shareholders.” Gentle, accepting the promotion to CEO, stated, “I originally joined Smart Furniture because I believed Stephen’s vision for the company would transform the furniture and fixtures industry. After years of working with Stephen to develop the products, technology and infrastructure to realize his vision, I am honored that he has chosen me to lead Smart Furniture. The industry is changing rapidly, and because of Stephen’s foresight, Smart Furniture is poised to become a leader in an emerging market which combines technology and innovative products to provide consumers with custom furniture and fixture solutions.” Chattanooga-based Smart Furniture® brings custom interior design to a whole new market— everyone. As the industry leader in "Design-on-Demand" furniture and interiors, Smart Furniture empowers individuals to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces— from living rooms to lofts to home offices—quickly and easily. Smart Furniture continues to earn dramatic customer growth and industry-wide acclaim and for its Design on Demand model which provides consumer focused product personalization through smart technology and innovative product design, including its own Smart Shelves® and products from Herman Miller (MLHR), Steelcase (SCS), and Blu Dot. For more information visit us at www.SmartFurniture.com or call 888-GO-SMART.

Smart Furniture® Selected as Early Distributor of Herman Miller® Lifework™ Portfolio of Exclusive Home Office Products

SmartFurniture.com, a leader in Design on Demand® furniture and interiors, announced today that they are one among a few national retailers selected to distribute the much anticipated Lifework™ Portfolio by Herman Miller. Since its debut at the 2008 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), The Lifework Portfolio has received critical acclaim, including the ICFF Editors' Award for Body of Work. The Lifework™ Portfolio includes five signature desks and multiple storage units designed by four award-winning design firms--Blu Dot, Industrial Facility, Kaiju Studios, and Korb+Korb. The Eames desk and Nelson swag leg desk also are included in the collection. "Technology is blurring the lines between 'work' and 'home.'" said T. J. Gentle, President & CEO of SmartFurniture.com. "The vision behind Smart Furniture, Design on Demand®, is built on the idea that furniture and workspaces should be personalized to fit each customer's lifestyle, instead of the other way around. We are excited to be among a very limited group of retailers chosen to launch the distribution of the Lifework™ Portfolio because we see it as an opportunity to provide our customers with new home office products that are well researched, intelligently designed around today's lifestyles, and represent the very best in modern design," added Gentle. Herman Miller's Lifework™ Portfolio of desks, storage, seating and accessories helps orchestrate it all in comfort and style. By combining design that complements the home with practical function and ergonomic support, the Lifework products work together to keep home offices running beautifully. Cord management, dual surfaces, storage, and room to organize are characteristics of the Lifework Portfolio that adapt to the ways people work and live. Products from the portfolio carry trim, versatile dimensions, including natural materials and finishes, which complement an array of living spaces and aesthetics. The complete line of the Lifework™ Portfolio is available at http://www.smartfurniture.com/lifework Smart Furniture is currently accepting pre-orders for the Lifework™ Portfolio which will be available for delivery in mid-September. Smart Furniture's Design Team will provide complimentary Home Office Design Assistance to its customers interested in Lifework™ products. Smart Furniture® brings custom interior design to a whole new market— everyone. As the industry leader in "Design-on-Demand" furniture and interiors, Smart Furniture, Inc. empowers individuals to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces— from living rooms to lofts to home offices— quickly and easily. Promoting personalization through innovative product design, smart technology, and a passion for customer service, Chattanooga-based Smart Furniture continues to earn industry-wide acclaim and dramatic customer growth. Visit www.SmartFurniture.com for more information or call 888 467 6278.

Smart Furniture Studio™ Ribbon Cutting August 22

Chattanooga, TN— Smart Furniture Studio®, a retail location for Smart Furniture, Inc., the leader in Design on Demand® furniture and interiors, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting on August 22. The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is making arrangements for the event which will take place at the studio, located at 430 Market Street, beginning at 11 a.m. “Customers can experience a completely different kind of store,” says Smart Furniture Founder and Chairman Stephen Culp. “With exclusive product lines unavailable anywhere else, the Studio™ will also offer a multimedia interactive environment, including video, web-based visualization tools, local modern art, and even the ability to design your own products or spaces. Chattanooga is a vibrant and creative community, and the Smart Furniture Studio will honor that tradition.” Among the products available at the Studio are the Herman Miller Aeron® Chair, Eames® Lounge, and Noguchi® Table, Blu Dot®, and Chattanooga’s own patented Smart Furniture®. “To provide a complete portfolio of modern and contemporary furniture products, we have carefully selected supplier partners who share many of our values, including a focus manufacturing in the United States, great quality, and a strong emphasis on good design,” said Smart Furniture CEO T.J. Gentle. During its grand opening period ending August 31st, the Smart Furniture Studio will also offer the “Chattanooga Discount”—10% off its regular pricing on all items purchased in Chattanooga at the Studio. “We design, manufacture, warehouse and ship the Smart Furniture flagship product in Chattanooga and the surrounding area,” Culp says, “and we’d like to show our appreciation to this community by offering everyone in it an across-the-board discount, available only in our Chattanooga Studio.” Chattanooga-based Smart Furniture brings custom interior design to a whole new market— everyone. As the industry leader in “Design-on-Demand” furniture and interiors, Smart Furniture, Inc. empowers individuals to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces— from living rooms to lofts to home offices— quickly and easily. Promoting personalization through innovative product design, smart technology, and a passion for customer service, Smart Furniture continues to earn industry-wide acclaim and dramatic customer growth. Studio hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information visit www.SmartFurniture.com, call 423-267-7007 or email sales@martfurniture.com.

Smart Furniture Introduces Herman Miller's Lifework™ Portfolio

Smart Furniture is proud to be chosen as one of the first retailers to offer the new Lifework™ Portfolio by Herman Miller. This stylish product line is composed of five innovative desk designs, companion storage pieces, select seating options and a variety of accessories that combine design with practical function to complement your home office.

Select pieces can now be pre-ordered and will be available for shipment mid/late August. To view the Lifework™ Portfolio, visit Smart Furniture and choose from a variety of products to fit your unique lifestyle.

Inside the Smart Furniture Studio

Click here to view the album from Google's Picasa Web Albums.

Grand Opening of the Smart Furniture Studio

Smart Furniture is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Smart Furniture Studio, with a small private gathering the evening of June 20, 2008 and the opening of its doors to the public on June 21st thru 22nd. As an added bonus, the Smart Furniture Studio will be offering what it calls the 'Chattanooga Discount' -- 10% off regular retail prices for any product(s) purchased at the studio during the grand opening period.

For more information, read the press release or stop by and visit the Studio to see designer furniture from Herman Miller®, Blu Dot® and Chattanooga's own Smart Furniture®.

Smart Furniture Studio
430 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
423.267.7007

Smart Furniture Receives BBB Torch Award

Smart Furniture has been chosen by the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia as the recipient of the 2008 BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. This award highlights Smart Furniture's commitment to integrity along with its continued efforts to provide peerless, customer-focused service.

Click here* for the full feature.

*Note: clicking on the link will take you outside of this blog directly to the article on www.newschannel9.com.

Design on Demand® Demo

Design on Demand® - A Closer Look

Every customer has a different layout they're working with and is looking for something to help them stand out from the crowd--this basic need highlights the tremendous value of Smart Furniture's Design on Demand® model, a system that works with virtually any type of space. Below is a great example of what Smart Furniture's design assistance provides:

Not only can our Design on Demand® service provide concepts that follow the specific approach customers are looking for, but it also help them to better visualize their space and see how Smart Furniture ties into and improves the overall design and feel.

Speak with a designer about creating a customized solution for your needs, or visit www.SmartFurniture.com.

Design and Organize

in the new year with Smart Furniture Click here to request a new Smart Furniture Catalog The New Year is here, and Smart Furniture can help make the look of your home, and the way you organize it, uniquely yours. In your new Spring Catalog, you will find a wide range of new products, many exclusively designed by Smart Furniture. Ever wondered what to do with that space under your stairs, for example? Take a look at our cover for a beautiful, innovative solution. Have another space you want to transform? Smart Furniture makes it easy, with what we call “Design on Demand®." We start by designing and selecting products that can adapt to your unique needs, style and vision—quickly and easily. Smart Furniture embodies both form and function, from customizable shelves, displays and tables, to distinctive lighting and accessories. We then back our products up with world-class design and customer services. Call us at 888 467 6278, seven days a week. Our team of friendly and experienced designers is available to answer your questions, take your order, or help you create a custom design or full room layout. Want to design your own space online, or prefer to shop on the web? Visit SmartFurniture.com for our widest selection of products and our award-winning online Smart Designer®. You are unique, and Smart Furniture understands that. Design on Demand means that Smart Furniture adapts to you rather than the other way around (many of our products are even tool-free!). So be creative —and have some fun— with our distinctive products and world-class service. We'll make it simple for you to transform ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. Thank you, and we look forward to serving you. Stephen Culp CEO, Smart Furniture Click here to request a new Smart Furniture Catalog

Smart Furniture History

Smart Furniture: The Original Inspiration The Smart Furniture model was originally imagined at Stanford Law School in the mid 1990s by Stephen Culp, a Naval Reserve Officer, attorney, and former Peace Corps Volunteer. The idea came during a visit to Yahoo!, a startup at the time, where growth was creating space-management headaches. Culp quickly realized that it wasn’t just Yahoo!, but all kinds of people, who needed furniture and fixtures to adapt to their changing needs. So, in a small workshop in a professor’s garage, he and some friends set out to create the first Smart Furniture. Empowering Customers with DESIGN ON DEMAND™ (DOD) In the Peace Corps, Culp had learned the value of helping people to help themselves, and he applied the same principle to Smart Furniture. Since everyone’s needs are different, he called the model “Design on Demand,®” and combined a tool-free, customizable product line with one of the first web-based design tools in history. Nearly everyone has a space they’d like to make more attractive, productive, or just more organized, if it were easy enough. Smart Furniture was created to empower customers, from homeowners to business owners, to design their own spaces, quickly and easily. Chattanooga as a Launching Pad Among many potential locations, including staying in Palo Alto, Chattanooga was an easy choice to launch and grow the company. On the personal front, Chattanooga is renowned for its quality of life, and Culp had spent much of his childhood there. Professionally, Chattanooga offered fertile ground for growing businesses— an entrepreneurial climate, business-savvy public officials, a motivated Chamber and Technology Council, the robust infrastructure of the Tennessee Valley Technology Corridor, and its status as a formidable transportation and manufacturing hub. In fact, it was in Chattanooga, not Silicon Valley, where Smart Furniture landed its first two rounds of venture capital to fund its growth. And the Smart Furniture flagship product is still 100% manufactured, warehoused, and shipped from Chattanooga and the local area. Designing the Product: Simple, Versatile, Attractive Designs— Fast In workshops from Silicon Valley to Chattanooga, the Smart Furniture product line was designed to let customers design and get what they want, when they want it— the essence of Design on Demand. The result has been a patented, tool-free product line that lets customers design custom solutions faster, more conveniently, and more cost-effectively than ever before. And while design aesthetics are a key element of Smart Furniture, the ability to have fun and be creative is just as important—like “Legos® for adults.” Building the Platform: SmartFurniture.com The next step was to employ technology to empower customers to design, order, and receive everything from individual units to interior layouts, quickly and easily. The result was a revolutionary front-to-back-end solution incorporating state-of-the-art design, ecommerce and fulfillment capabilities that can deliver orders from concept to customer within a week. Perfecting the Practice: Design on Demand Provides the Best Customer Service in the Industry Smart Furniture promises the best service in the industry by investing in its team, its technology, and its vision. Smart Furniture has successfully recruited the best and brightest locally and from out of state— people with integrity, intelligence and a world-class customer service ethic. And by investing in its vision of Design On Demand, Smart Furniture has been honored by the National Retail Federation, American Express, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the American Electronics Association, and Dell Computer (a list of awards and recognition is available upon request). Changing an Industry: Custom Solutions for Everyone Smart Furniture is bringing custom design to a whole new market--everyone. Empowering individuals and businesses to design their own spaces, we don’t expect them to put up with cookie-cutter offerings or lackluster customer service. Each one of our customers is unique, with unique needs, and to meet those needs, Smart Furniture relentlessly pursues innovative ways to make its company, products, and service the best in the industry. From Silicon Valley to Chattanooga, from Woodshop to Web: A Culture of Innovation What started as an idea in a professor’s garage in Silicon Valley has become a small-town company with a global reach. Smart Furniture has nearly tripled in size in the past year, through a revolutionary model, distinctively innovative corporate culture, and the enthusiasm of thousands of customers. From coast to coast, from woodshop to web, from the “Valley” to the “Corridor”, Smart Furniture demonstrates that industry-changing innovation can take root, get funded, and thrive, in a small renaissance town like Chattanooga. We invite you to view our 2-minute multmedia presentation Thank you for your interest in Smart Furniture and our story. We look forward to serving you. ■