Parnian Furniture

Parnian Wins First Place in 2 Categories for Furniture Design

2010-09-30T13:37:00.000-07:00

Parnian Furniture was just announced as the winner of the The Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge™. Parnian entered this prestigious competition for the first time this year in two categories and took home first place in both of them. The categories Parnian won were: Furniture, in which Parnian entered their “Sunset Bed”, and Store Fixtures in which Parnian entered their custom sales desk on display at their Scottsdale Showroom.

“We know that we make the World’s finest furniture, but it is always nice to be acknowledged for the design and attention to detail we have been putting in our products for over 33 years” said Ali Parnian, Vice President of Parnian and son of Designer Abdolhay Parnian.

Pictured below are the “Sunset” bed and the Parnian sales desk which both won first place.

The Veneer Tech Craftsman's Challenge™ competition aims to recognize excellence in woodwork and architectural woodwork that feature natural veneer and wood product applications. This competition is not about who used the most veneer or who had the biggest project. Our judges will aim to reward those who use veneer products in the best way while achieving the project's stated goals. The judges are impartial, third-party representatives from the media, woodworking education and design fields. To see the 2010 entrants and winners click here.

Parnian Selling EcoSmart Fire Products Online with FREE SHIPPING

2010-08-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

EcoSmart Fire is the leader in quality modern ventless fireplaces. Their stunning designs run on Denatured Ethanol, it burns clean and is virtually maintenance free.

Benefits include:

no flue and no hard connections
Environmentally Friendly
Fueled by a renewable green energy

Parnian is proud to be selling EcoSmart fire products. Parnian can design custom furniture which integrates EcoSmart fire into the pieces.

These include:

Entertainment units with fireplaces / fire burner
Kitchen Islands with fireplaces / fire burner
Dining tables with fireplaces / fire burner
Cocktail Tables with fire burner / fireplaces

Please contact us and let us know if you would like any EcoSmart products integrated into your furniture or integrated into your design project. We guarantee that you will receive the best online pricing as well as free shipping.

For the full line of EcoSmart Fire products, please click here

Modern vs. Contemporary Design

2010-08-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Story by Katie Moore - Two design styles; similar in look and often intermixed, however, the differences between modern and contemporary design are surprisingly distinct. Understanding these differences can be confusing so I will make this explanation as clear-cut as I can. Modern design refers to the modernist movement that tossed all historic design precedents out of the window and embraced the future. This style lasted from the early 1900’s (Bauhaus) to post-war (1950’s, 1960’s). Modern design is iconic, characterized by:

Being different from the past
Looking toward the future
Incorporating latest materials and technological innovations, such as:
o Plastics
o Teak Woods
o Artificial Woods
o Mass Production
o Furniture that could be disassembled then re-assembled upon delivery

Of course there are variations to modern design, from the utilitarian look of Bauhaus to the colorful Atomic era. To learn more about these variations visit www.valleymoderndesign.com, this site offers a comprehensive break-down of modern design, the history and style components pertaining to each era of the movement. Also, be sure to check out www.atomic-ranch.com to see great examples of modern design.
Contemporary design can be defined as the “here and now”. This style does take cues from modern design but also incorporates the latest styles, trends and advancements. For some great examples of contemporary design visit:
http://freshome.com/2008/04/24/contemporary-living-room-interior-ideas/
http://urbandomesticity.wordpress.com/2010/01/29/qa-day-whats-the-difference-between-modern-and-contemporary-decorating-part-2/

I hope this article helped to lift the veil of confusion between modern and contemporary design. To test your new found knowledge be sure to check out www.parnian.com, a company that specializes in wonderful examples of BOTH modern and contemporary design!

A Quick Guide to Sustainable Design

2010-07-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Story by Katie Moore - It seems everywhere you look there is an advertisement or article proclaiming the latest and greatest ways to “go green”. This constant influx of information can make it daunting to any consumer hoping to adjust their lifestyle to a more sustainable alternative.

What exactly is sustainable design? According to http://www.gsa.gov :
“Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, and create healthy, productive environments.”

I have compiled a simplified list adopted from many websites to help make your transition into “green” as easy and as economical as possible.

1. Switch your incandescent light bulbs out with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).
-You can find CFLs at any home improvement store or at https://earthaidkit.com.
-CFLs are economically friendly using 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 7 years.
-Opt for standard CFLs for every day and night time use.
-Cool CFLs are best for reading and task work.
-Full Spectrum or Daylight CFLs are meant to imitate sunlight and give off a warm glow
-Be sure to check out https://earthaidkit.com for even more information on CFLs!

2. Adjust your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter.
-Set your thermostat on a timer when you are away.
-This simple move will really help with your heating and cooling costs

3. Unplug appliance when you are not using them.

4. Invest in a “smart” power strip found at https://earthaidkit.com for around $30.
-This power strip senses when appliances are turned off and cuts off the energy supply known as “phantom energy use”.

5. Use cold water when washing clothes.
-According to www.worldwatch.org heating water uses as much as 85% of energy used to machine wash clothes.

6. Use your dryer as little as possible, instead use a drying rack or clothesline.

7. Take shorter showers.
-Also switch to a low-flow shower head they cost around $40-$50
-This small investment will have your wallet thanking you!

8. Bottle your own water.
-Buy a water purifier and an inexpensive re-usable water bottle.

9. Invest in high-quality products. They will last longer which will save you money and consequently produce less waste.
-Check out www.parnian.com for quality pieces that will last, also be sure to check out the eco-friendly products offered at both locations and online!

10. Drive the speed limit
-Going 10 miles over the speed limit is “adding nearly 50 cents to the price of a gallon of gas, since higher speed equals more guzzling” http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living/ways-to-go-green.
For more helpful tips I found these three websites offered the most straight-forward, economical and practical green solutions.
- http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3915
-http://simplemom.net/tips-to-go-green-at-home/
-http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/green-living/ways-to-go-green

It is also important to stay up to date on what is happening in the “green” world. These three websites have the latest events, innovations and products!
1. http://www.seventhgeneration.com/products
2. http://greensource.construction.com/
3. http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/10/03/100-sustainable-product-design/

If you live in Arizona be sure to check out AKA Green a store devoted to sustainable products located in Scottsdale, AZ. You can also find it on the web at http://www.akagreen.com/. And while you are in the area be sure to stop in the Parnian show room and ask about Environments Furniture!

Also, be sure to visit http://www.azrecycling.com/ and http://earth911.com/ for information on recycling in Arizona!

Don’t become overwhelmed with all of the information out there on how to make the leap into a sustainable lifestyle. Just begin with this quick and easy guide and slowly continue to explore the world of “going green”!

Palmwood a Green Alternative

2010-07-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

Story by Katie Moore - Brand new to the Parnian showroom is a company that specializes in distinctive, stunning and eco-friendly furniture called Pacific Green. The company is a company of the world in the means of not only protecting the planet from deforestation but also bringing the elements of design from various cultures around the globe into their latest line. Pacific Green is located in the Fiji Islands where they have established the “world’s first Palmwood factory” http://www.pacificgreen.net/.Palmwood was coined by Pacific Green when they discovered the durability and flexibility of the coconut palm tree, perfect for design application. The coconut palm was a popular commodity in the early 1900’s simply for the element known as copra which was essential for manufacturing; however, this material has long descended out of use. The fallen status of the coconut palm tree left many abandoned plantations in the South Pacific, until Pacific Green came across them. The unproductive palms were recycled, new fruit-bearing palms planted, land was leased from the locals and a factory was built employed only by the natives of the area. The factory itself embraces the hand-crafted techniques of the locals for their designs, and demands 100% of their manufacturing process to be chemical and toxin free http://www.pacificgreen.net/.

Not only is Pacific Green a socially and eco-responsible company, but they strive to unite the world simply through their designs. Inspired from cultures and ancient methods of art and construction around the world, their line has the look of one-of-a-kind combining beautiful Palmwood with unexpected materials. The look is raw and unique and the furniture undeniably comfortable.

So far we have rave reviews at our showrooms over the line, calling Pacific Green “Gorgeous and so original” and “Incredibly comfortable”. Come see and experience Pacific Green at both Parnian showrooms located at the Biltmore and just off of Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale.

Fall Trends 2010 - By Katie Moore

2010-06-17T16:03:00.000-07:00

Imagine a room that is timeless, raw and confident; a space that draws the connection between city and country, industrial and organic in a juxtaposition of concrete and earth. This concept is realized through the designs for fall 2010 by combining dark, matte walls with rich natural texture and bold geometric patterns.

Blue is the color for fall. Classic and mysterious, inky-blue applied in a matte finish on walls makes a classic statement and provides the perfect backdrop for all others elements in a space to “pop”.

All shades of blue from ink-blue to robin’s egg blue can highlight the latest designs. A high-gloss light paint will also look stunning against the organic textures that are taking center stage at the moment.

Visit http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2009/12/2010-color-trends.html for more information on the latest color trends for fall 2010.

Clean lines with an emphasis on natural color and texture for furniture are direct and timeless. The shape is kept simple while rich woods, metals with signs of age (such as rust) and woven textiles command all of the attention. It is a look that harkens back to the days of artisans and brings warmth, comfort and purpose to a space.

At Parnian Furniture you can find the latest trends for fall 2010. The two pieces above can be ordered through one of our showrooms and are constructed from reclaimed wood and recycled materials http://www.parnian.com/ .
Also be sure to check out the interview with several prominent interior designers on their predictions for trends in 2010 http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-12-27/home-and-garden/17461472_1_interior-designers-trends-rug.

2010 Trends: Las Vegas Market Show Review by Ali Parnian

2010-02-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

My sister Leila and I recently spent a few days in Las Vegas at the World Market to see what was new and exciting at this ever growing furniture show in the desert. It has been a few years since I have attended this particular show and I must say I was impressed with the overall experience, the newest building C, and how smoothly everything went at the show.

I wanted to share with you some of the insight we gained at the show which could be useful for customers and retailers as they look ahead. I will also be posting a few pictures of the show. Vendors do not allow photography of product, so I managed to capture some other images to capture the feel of the show.

I attended some very helpful seminars with speakers such as Lloyd Princeton, Jeff Hiller, and Rebecca Orlov and Abby Stone of Apartment Therapy. If you are a retailer attending this show in upcoming years, I suggest you give your feet a rest and make time for a seminar or two during your visit.

I had pages of notes, but I just wanted to give you a brief list below of what may be helpful to consumers, designers and fellow retailers:

I saw an expansion of environmentally friendly accessories and furniture which utilized reclaimed wood and other clever materials. This concept is not new, but this year it seemed more refined and appealing in design than before. I hope this means that with better designs, more retailers will start to sell products that are environmentally friendly as more consumers demand these beautiful things.

The “IT” color is Turquoise, more specifically according to Apartment Therapy the color trend is Pantone Color 15-5519. Fore more info go to http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/

Natural Glam is in, this meaning some rough organic materials mixed in with your refined items in the home. I personally think that this is partly due to the trend towards green and environmentally sound products which are making their way into the mainstream more and more each year. Many of these items, such as some products Parnian will soon be showing in their showroom, include reclaimed woods that have been formed into furniture.

Regarding the Doom and Gloom about the housing market, all designers and retailers should really be concerned about is the units of homes that sold, not the loss in value of homes. Every home that is sold is an opportunity to sell furniture and the volume of home sales are the highest they have been in several years. As a licensed Realtor in Arizona, I know that the value of homes being sold locally, are slowly starting to trend upwards.

Consumers have a new mindset:
-They want things right away, because many have pushed back their buying needs for years
-People want exiting and new things at a fair price
-People are willing to pay more for something if they know why it costs more. For example, well made furniture will last for generations, and is better for the environment in the sense that you won’t have to buy disposable furniture. This is of value to most people.

The main rooms in order of importance people are looking to buy for are the Family Room, Master Bedroom, Outdoor Furniture, Formal Living Room, and Casual Dining.

That summarizes some of the highlights of the show. Please feel free to register for updates on what is new in design and upcoming events by registering on Parnian’s website. http://www.parnian.com/.

2009-12-23T00:54:00.000-08:00

Finally, an upswing in consumber buying higher end homes and investing in quality furniture. Wish you all the best for 2010.

Happy Holidays

Pictures of Parnian Furnitures Newest Showroom

2009-10-03T00:07:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to Parnian Furnitures newest store at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoenix Arizona. Click Here

Parnian's Newest Store at Biltmore Fashion Park

2009-07-27T01:35:00.000-07:00

Parnian furniture currently has two showrooms open to the public. Here is an image of our newest store located at the Biltmore Fashion Park Click here for directions. Click here for pictures of our newest store.

Parnian Opens Newest Store

2009-05-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

We have just opened up our newest showroom at the Biltmore Fashion Park in Phoneix Arizona. We are showcasing some of our most unique designer furnshings at this store which is located next to the Apple store. Wish us luck.

Parnian Opening New Location Soon!

2009-04-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Soon to be revealed Parnian will be opening up an additional location in an upscale retail space near Central Phoenix. Details to come! Parnian is thriving as the source for contemporary furniture in Arizona and the Southwest.

Welcome to Parnian Furniture

2009-01-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have finally found the time to start the Parnian blog. For starters, I just want to welcome you to the manufacturer and retailer of some of the World's Most Beautiful, Unique, Contemporary and Expensive Furniture. Parnian was started in 1977 as a manufacturer of quality case goods with the designs of my father, Abdolhay Parnian, who continues to design and create stunning case goods with timeless designs. Since our humble beginnings, we have expanded the business to feature the Parnian Collection, Parnian Custom as well as our award winning retail showroom in Scottsdale, Arizona in which we sell Parnian products as well as some of the World's finest furniture lines such as DeSede, Montis and Leolux to name a few.

Our website is http://www.parnian.com/ and the photos above include a picture of our International Headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our studio and warehouse in Phoenix, Arizona and some of the beautiful items we make and sell. I will be sure to post more info in the near future.