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 Laurie Smith, spokesperson for the Choose Oak campaign, and star of the hit TLC television show Trading Spaces, will represent The New Oak at the International Woodworking Fair on August 21 in Atlanta. The event will host 1,300 exhibitors and more than 50,000 furniture, cabinet and flooring manufacturers from around the world. The conference will take place at the Georgia World Conference Center in Atlanta.
In her book Discovering Home: Find Your Personal Style; Smith put her unique sense of design on display as she leads the reader through the renovation of her mid-century Mississippi home. One of the featured items that Smith placed in her home, and is showcased in the book, is a beautiful oak table. Vibrant pieces like the oak table highlight Smith’s trademark style and selection.
“An inspirational piece creates a point of reference you can be passionate about,” Smith said.
Smith has been creating inspirational designs for six years on TLC’s Trading Spaces, where she shares her passion with millions of viewers each week.
“I approach the home first by understanding its structure—many times people will see a room and immediately fill it with color, textures and furniture without understanding the architecture of the room,” Smith said.
Inspirational and innovative design ideas will be easy to find this year at the IWF. Whether you own a small shop, or like to tinker with wood on the weekend, the IWF has what you are looking for. An all-day symposium entitled From Lean to Green and in Between will kick off the conference schedule the day before the show opens.
Sixteen technical conferences will address issues ranging from manufacturing and market trends to improving your bottom line.
One of the highlights of the bi-annual IWF show is the Challenger’s Distinguished Achievement Award®, which showcases the best new design in the woodworking industry. The award is recognized throughout the world as the industry’s highest honor. This year, ninety-three companies have entered a record 126 entries for this year’s contest.
The “green” trend that has grabbed the attention of consumers nationwide will be prominently featured this year and is a key component of Choose Oak. American Red Oak and White Oak make up almost 50 percent of the eastern hardwood forest and more than two trees are growing for every tree that is harvested.
Laurie Smith will be on hand to share this information and represent the Choose Oak campaign. She will be available from 1-5 p.m. on Aug. 21 at booth #A425 to meet fans and sign copies of her book.
The Choose Oak campaign highlights the green benefits of oak. Join Smith and the 1,300 exhibitors at the IWF in August.
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Two decades later, like many great teams before them, the Boston Celtics pushed forward to ultimately reclaim the NBA finals as the 2008 Champions. Kevin Garnett, an all-star forward on the team, paid his respect as he dropped down and kissed the image of a leprechaun at the center of the American Oak parquet floor. Known for being one of the most famous floors in NBA history, it shares a legacy, a dream, and the durability of the Celtics team.
The TD Banknorth Garden, better known as the “Garden,” is home of the Boston Celtics and the NHL Boston Bruins. The arena was first built in 1928 and the floor was constructed from scrap American Oak boards by the East Boston Lumber Co. during a shortage of materials after World War II. In 1946 the American Oak floor was moved, intact, to the Boston Garden in 1952 and used there until 1955 when the team moved to what was then known as the Fleet Center. The floor remained intact and in use until it was cut up and some pieces were sold as souvenirs in 1999.
The Celtics now play on an American Oak Parquet floor that combines old and new sections. The same floor Larry Bird and Bill Russell once walked on is now inhabited by the dreams of a new generation. Although the Garden has gone through many name changes, one thing has remained—the durability and quality of hardwood American Oak floors. For versatility, beauty, and sustainability Choose Oak.
 2008 NBA playoffs at the Garden in Boston |
American Oak has been known for its durability and adaptable style for years. In the 1980’s it pushed its way past being “Grandma’s wood” and battled its way out of laminate cabinets, wood trim, green wallpaper and brass fixtures. Now in the 21st century, the versatility of Red Oak and White Oak is resulting in Oak reclaiming its position as the natural product for both traditional and contemporary styles.
To highlight the flexibility and usefulness of American Oak, the Choose Oak campaign is producing an exciting new series of video workshops hosted by Johanna Calfee. The videos will feature interviews and behind the scene footage of furniture makers, cabinet makers, flooring manufacturers, consumers and much more.
The series opens with Jaeger & Ernst Custom Cabinets, who have been making cabinets for more than 30 years. The company was established in 1972 by Walter O. Jaeger. Cabinet making is not seen as just a job for Jaeger, with everything that he builds he feels it offers an expression for the passion that motivates his creativity. Jaeger offered his friend Craig Ernst the opportunity to be the co-owner of his small custom woodworking shop and in 1981 Jaeger & Ernst was incorporated.
Through their dedicated craftsmanship they have received such awards from the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects for “Outstanding design and superior craftsmanship, exemplified in cabinetry, furniture and special millwork over the past 25 years.” The work of Jaeger and Ernst cabinetmakers has been chosen for publication in three of the last four publications of Tauton Press which has become the foremost publisher of woodworking literature, leading with their flagship publication, Fine Woodworking magazine.
Although they are centrally located in Virginia, nine miles north of Charlottesville, they have clients from all over the world. Jaeger & Ernst will be one of the several companies that will be highlight in our new video workshops. Using quality American Oak products, the series will show you innovative designs and great installation techniques from trained professionals. So stay tuned for an intimate look into the personality and passion of wood designers.
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