Seasonal spotlight: Bielecky Brothers furniture

Something about sunny skies and spring break makes us covet summertime furniture. The family-run Bielecky Brothers still makes wicker furniture by hand--the last surviving company to do so--as their great-grandfather did starting in 1903. Their wicker, cane and rattan furniture has had a cult following since, notably trumpeted by Angelo Donghia in the 1980s.


We asked for a refresher in what distinguishes the three materials. Here's the Bielecky's summary of what we should probably remember from Earth Science class.



Wicker: This isn't a material, but a process of weaving reed (willow or seagrass, although Bielecky only uses reed) taken from a solid section of the vine. Since it comes from the core of the plant, it's naturally porous and therefore accepts stain easily.






Rattan: A vine native to the Southeast Pacific. Its solid core is strong enough to be used as a table and chair frame. When steamed, it can be bent to form graceful shapes. When sanded it becomes porous and can accept stains and paints.






Cane: The outside of the rattan plant; it can be used to wrap hardwood or rattan frames, or woven for seats or surface texture. It is non-porous and will retain its mottled surface.





Stop by Suite 911 at the DDB and revisit our Fireside Chat from last fall to learn more of their history.

Meet the Designer: Donghia's Chuck Chewning Shares the Scoop (Summer Series Part 1)

As everyone waits patiently for the unveiling of the new Donghia showroom at the DDB, we decided to get some intel about what to expect from Chuck Chewning, Donghia’s creative director.

With more than 20 years of experience in interior design, decorative arts and architectural preservation, Chuck Chewning joined Donghia, Inc. in 2008 as creative director. While overseeing the development of Donghia’s accessories, furniture and textile collections, Chuck has already begun to implement his vision for enhancing and elevating the brand’s legacy. He has directed the revival of Angelo Donghia classic pieces such as the Volume Sofa, Madison Side Chair, Cantilever Tub Chair and Manhattan Sectional, as well as the creation of new pieces, in partnership with the Donghia Design Studio, such as the Monaco Sofa and Donghia’s new Legacy Collection of case goods with designer Joseph Jeup.

Based on his extensive time at Donghia, we asked Mr. Chewning about what he thought of Donghia's evolution.

"Donghia has moved from the period of Angelo Donghia to John Hutton and Sherri Donghia to the present," said Mr. Chewning. "Personally, I have focused on including designs of the period of Angelo and tried to take its collective history and create lifestyle collections that complement one another and have brand identity."

Mr. Chewning also paid tribute to the brand’s noteworthy heritage with the Spring 2009 textile collection by incorporating new motifs with classic textures and themes. In addition, he designed Donghia’s first European showroom in Paris and oversaw the expansion and refurbishment of the Chicago, Dania, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. showrooms.

"My vision for Donghia is to embrace the legacy of Angelo by using his design esthetic and applying it to the 21st century," Mr. Chewning said. "It is important that an iconic brand such as Donghia maintain its style but also stay current."

His resume doesn't stop there, so stay tuned to GoDesignGo tomorrow to learn more and hear what Chuck had to add to his impressive list of achievements.