apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Yes, East Asian Hardwood is a real American classic, for sure...


Sigh.

This is just as authentic as that house featured in the NYT -- probably made in East Asia, where they employ people to give it that distressed "mark of human hands" finish.

Pottery Barn's turned into something altogether different from its shabby chic origins, its price point has gone way up, the design elements have become too "been there/done that", but I don't think that its quality has improved much. I'm not sure people are so trusting of PB's products to purchase them as potential-future-heirlooms. And now is definitely not the time to place emphasis on their most expensive products, either. Studies have shown that in times of distress, or when people don't want to spend money but want something new that they buy candles, not bulky sideboards of dubious craftsmanship. By my standard, when I buy something that I intend to keep for a long time, I want to know what it's made of, where it was made, etc. Since when has PB proven its products are made of quality materials anyway?

I'm not into Pottery Barn, but I really like the dining room table. I would love that in my house.

People I know who have PB furniture swear by its quality, especially that the finishes hold up to kids. It's hard to believe given that so much of their stuff is made from MDF. Maybe the trick is in the finish and not the wood.

I do think their designs are looking a bit old. That table is beautiful, but the sideboard seems dated. I've been hoping for something updated from them, but nothing seems to be forthcoming.

As things being mass produced in China--well, most of us plebeians buy mass produced stuff.

One more thing: How about buying actual antiques? They're usually less expensive than reproductions, made of far better materials, and have proven to be classics, without being marketed as such in a catalogue.

Pottery Barn is getting a little risk averse, wouldn't you say? It's beginning to look a lot like no money down showrooms - time to get ahead of the pack! As for the quality (MDF!)- we're all living on the holodeck, now, appearance is key; substance? Not so much.

So, is it from the "American traditions in craftsmanship," or the "non-American influences" that the Benchwright Buffet gets its "we've never heard of a jointer or a plane" appearance?

I admit I don't know a lot about early American (read: 18th- 19th-century) furniture, but my sense is that those artisans would prize the satiny-smooth finishes they worked so hard for over clunky dings and dents PB is touting as evidence of "hand crafting". Bet those dents are made by machine, too. Bah.

I'm with blueyes: find real antiques instead.

Paisleystone... I supremely enjoyed your star trek reference. well-played.

Pottery Barn is becoming the new Ethan Allen - Where folks who have no personal style go to buy their furniture...

...but at least Ethan Allen makes much of their furniture in the USA.

In my experience, if you are looking for American Classics in a retail environment, Restoration Hardware has much better styling and is a better value than Pottery Barn. Most times, their upholstered pieces have 8 way hand tied springs. They don't completely change their look every season, which means you can take the time to save up for a quality piece and know it will still be there. In a perfect world, I would pick an antique piece over new every time. However, sometimes new fits my needs better. The price difference between PB and Restoration Hardware is usually nominal.

Sorry, I didn't mean to turn this into an infomercial.

i was just in PB this weekend, and saw this stuff in person. at first glance, it seemed nice, and then, on closer inspection, it just gave me a bad feeling. it was like thinking someone is attractive and then realizing they've had a lot of cosmetic work done and everything is slightly off. the finish felt very artificial, and i wouldn't want one of those pieces in my home. i second blueyes - buy the actual antiques.

I love the CONCEPT - buying tried and true designs that look timeless and won't get dated. But these pieces look a bit too chunky and awkward.

i live in north central ohio and for pb prices an amish builder will craft you a one of a kind heirloom from the local hardwood of your choice. i chose a mission style in black walnut. lovely clean lines unbeatable quality

My American Classics don't have "Made in China" stamped on them.

:(

I would rather go to a flea market, estate sale or auction and get something that actually is a classic.

I do go to pottery barn.com. But usually to get ideas for pillows, linens or drapes that I can make on my own for a fraction of the cost. I do have a couple rugs from there that I bought on steep clearance.

I have to agree with some of the earlier comments about either buying actual antiques (or older pieces) or buying from sources such as Amish craftsmen or other local craftspersons. Where I live, antiques and pre-owned but well-made case goods and even some upholstery items can be had at much better prices than new items from Pottery Barn. I see better value and quality out there if you don't mind looking for it on craigslist or at antique shops.

I think if you just want to go to a store and buy everything new and all at once, then PB is probably more for you. I imagine some people really don't like or understand patina or value how materials change with age, so the faux distressed furniture could be appealing to some.

I think the "new American style" business is more marketing than anything else. 'America' is the result of many different cultural influences.

I think PB is losing its edge with respect to design - the items are becoming far too bland and indistict.

Hahaha "Living on the holodeck". Awesome! And so true - American Classics are not made in China, or Malaysia, or Taiwan. This reminds me of the schlocky mass-produced "colonial" furniture that was churned out in the 70s (think grandma's Captain chairs)

I felt like the catalogue had everythign to do with Obama having been elected. It seems like all recent marketing of home stuff is made to fall into one of these catagories: green or green-ish; buying our stuff will save you money; and I am proposing that the third catagory, as seen in the PB catalogue, is "pride in america" or "hope for america."

This stuff just looks fake to me.

Don't get me wrong, PB does have a few things that I'd love to have...but most of their furniture isn't my thing.

Obviously, with the hit in the economy, PB, like most retailers, is trying to streamline their inventory, knowing that people are looking for quality over quantity. I've noticed their colors are choices have been restricted and they're trying to market toward the trend of eco-friendly choices (organic bedding, quality furniture), as they should.

I'll admit, I have the PB greenwich sofa and chair but I bought them used off Craigslist for a great price and I'd say the quality is pretty solid. Even my mom was impressed with them and she still brags about the leather sofa seat her and my dad purchased from Hudson's over 30 years ago and how that's held up after 5 kids (4 boys) and 3 large dogs. And I plan on keeping my PB couch until it breaks apart but I greatly prefer the few antique/vintage pieces I have in my home, knowing that they're unique and the craftsmanship is far superior. And I agree with KWorld, you can find gorgeous Amish furniture, as well as independents, for around the same price.

Call me a romantic/snob but I think that those big-box stores, ie PB, Ethan Allen, West Elm, etc. are for people who lack creativity and are able to open up a catalog and say "I want my house to look like that" and purchase it. Much like their preference to live in the "New American Rowhome," blah.

Don't get me wrong, scouring the area, Craigslist, Ebay, Etsy and other places for beautiful, unique, vintage items is quite time consuming and if I had small children, it'd be alot more difficult. But I'm patient and would rather come across that beautiful piece then just give up and purchase it from a retailer.