Meet the New Weissguys!

We are bidding Weissguy Stan a fond farewell as he embarks on a new project. We've been so fortunate to have Stan on our team for the past decade, and we look forward to working with him during this new chapter in his career. You can view Stan's Loft and some of his past work on our Projects page.

Stan has left some big shoes to fill, and to take his place Weisshouse welcome's two new Interior Designers to our team. Today we're getting to know Adrienne and Alison, two ladies with a sharp wit and a serious sense of style.

Meet Adrienne, an Art Institute graduate with over a decade in the industry. Adrienne's experience ranges from freelance design to the corporate office of a major interiors firm.

How would you describe your personal style?  
My personal style is very eclectic.  I love mixing clean, modern silhouettes with traditional, antique and vintage pieces.

What is your favorite piece in your home?
My favorite piece is an antique English Regency cocktail table by Baker, which was a gift from a dear friend and former co-worker.

What is the best piece of design advice you've been given?
Fill your home with things you love.  

How does Weisshouse reflect your own design ideals? 
I was drawn to Weisshouse for their unique mix of furnishings, floor coverings and art, which are all connected by a common theme of style and quality. 

Where do you look for inspiration for a current project?
I get inspiration from magazines such as Dwell and Elle Decor, Instagram, traveling, and rummaging through antique shops.

How would you describe your personal style?

Ultimately I am eclectic at heart. I have always preferred mixing old and new and creating a space that reflects to best of both. That being said, location, style, and my personal needs always help to define my space. My home in downtown Pittsburgh looks completely different than my home in the Laurel Highlands. 

What is your favorite piece in your home?

My parents are of the "Mad Men" era and I have a walnut dining table and chairs from that time that I cherish. Mid-century Modern at its best!

On Item you can't live without?

My iPhone.

Where do you look for inspiration for a current project?

When I start a new project I look to the architecture of the home or space. I like to pull inspiration from unique art or furniture my client may have collected through a lifetime. It's important to for me to get a good feel for how they see living in their space in the future both with function and style.

CONTEST | Enter for a chance to win a $1000 Shopping Spree at Weisshouse

We're picking one lucky winner to receive a $1000 Shopping Spree! 

Stock up on modern upholstery or amazing one of a kind and vintage pieces.

Visit the link below to enter:

Enter Here

Our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Sale Has Been Extended!

We are excited to announce that our Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sale will continue for a little while longer. That means you still have time to order exactly what your heart and room desires. Right now, we are taking 30% off ALL special order upholstery, slipcovers (it never hurts to have an extra slipcover just in case) and leather. All case goods, accessories and lighting special orders are 20% off. Stop by our showroom located at 324 S Highland Avenue in Shadyside for additional details and complementary design services.

top image courtesy of MG+BW

Pittsburgh Magazine's Home of the Year 2014

The modern, light filled home of Sewickley interior designer, Betsy Wentz was chosen as Pittsburgh Magazine's Home of the Year (Renovation). A typical 1970's home located in Edgeworth was completely transformed by way of a newly designed addition, facade and interior (mossArchitects) and a brand new custom kitchen along with furniture, rugs and carpet provided by Weisshouse. 

The bright, colorful home now suits this busy family of six perfectly. According to Pittsburgh Magazine's article, Home of the Year judge Louis J. Talotta says the hues make the home feel young. “I was very impressed they took what was a very ordinary, nondescript house and made it into a very pleasant environment, and the usage of color was truly wonderful,” he says.

Read the complete article here.

5 Things Designers Want YOU To Know About Sofas

Inspired by an article published in House Beautiful Magazine, "50 Designer Tips and Secrets: Things You Need To Know About Sofas",we extracted our top five tips that we feel are most important when purchasing a sofa. Don't worry, there will be a part two!

1. "To establish calm, I upholster sofas in a solid that's the same color as the walls and curtains." - Barbara Barry 

While a completely monochromatic approach may not always be your best bet, choosing a good, basic solid is. A sofa is an investment and one you'll own for many years if you choose quality.

2. "I like 80% down, 20% feathers in my sofa cushions. Though I prefer 100% down in the decorative pillows." - Suzanne Rheinstein

3. "If you have 8' ceilings, you'll want a low sofa, which gives the impression that the ceiling is taller than it is. In a room with a high ceiling, you want a high back sofa to be a weighty presence that can hold up the room." - David Easton

Okay, we love that one. Two basic principles of design are at work.

4. "On a sectional, always do a tight back instead of loose cushions. It will help keep the overall profile from becoming overwhelming. And keep the back fairly low - around 32". This will make the sectional feel a little less imposing."

 - Madeline Stuart

We couldn't agree more. There's nothing more unattractive than a big ol' sectional that overwhelms an otherwise well designed room.

5. "Cut a template from brown paper in the size of the sofa you're considering, place it on the floor, and see how it looks before you buy."

- Chandos Dodson Epley

While that's certainly a great idea, one of our designers would be happy to make sure the sofa you love will not only fit in your living room, but that it will also fit through your front door!

What's New at Weisshouse? Color!

The hard-working and talented interior designers (and an intern) at Weisshouse just completed a massive undertaking at the showroom. This undertaking is also known as a whole store move that takes place several times a year, typically after our sample sale. We have just received and will continue to receive new merchandise all spring long. Below are several photos taken at Weisshouse that highlight new trends, vintage finds and classic, Weisshouse style.

Andy Warhol Inspired Color POPS In This Year

This year, it's all about playing it safe, but adding pops of color whenever and wherever you can! Last week, we blogged about a new Global trend, minimalism. Minimalism is defined by Merriam-Webster as "a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity." This year's minimalism trend means adding bright, colorful art, accessories and other various decorative touches to enliven and awaken your senses, mood and home. We were inspired by the work of Andy Warhol and particularly the iconic, pop art that he created in the 1960 s. Check out a few of our favorites below paired with a selection of pop art-inspired accessories that you can find at Weisshouse.

Cow, 1966

Flowers, 1964

Brillo Soap Pads Box, 1964

Miner's Bottle (visit our Showroom to view our entire collection of Miner's Bottles)

Vintage Hellerware

Vintage Modern Art Figure

Just Arrived: New Works by Artist, Karl Mullen

Irish born artist and musician Karl Mullen is known for developing his very own unique approach to making art and materials to create his works. Often on paper or newsprint and pages from books, he primarily uses his hands to paint, Mullen uses walnut oil, raw powder pigment and a wax medium to create distinctive, colorful compositions with memorable figures. Weisshouse has just received a collection of unframed, original works by Karl Mullen that are currently available for sale at our Shadyside showroom. Currently, Mullen lives and works in the Berkshires, a vibrant community that embraces the arts and music in Massachusetts.

Please visit us at www.weisshouse.com for additional details. If you wish to purchase one of Karl Mullen's works, call or stop by our showroom during regular business hours.

Outsider Art: Roy Rogers Series | Mixed Media by Karl Mullen

Calling All Reviews and Comments!

Have you ever "googled" Weisshouse? Well, if you have, you may have come across some reviews on Citysearch. If you have shopped at Weisshouse or just stopped by to check us out, we invite you to leave your comments on Citysearch, Yelp or Insiderpages. We are always interested in hearing what our customers have to say. If you aren't a Pittsburgh native, perhaps you enjoy our blog, website or Facebook/Twitter page. Check out a few reviews below and thank you in advance for leaving one or two of your own!

"I'm new to Pittsburgh. I moved here last month and happened to drive by Weisshouse on my way home. It looked interesting and had free parking so I went in. Let me just say, I'm in love! Weisshouse has quite a selection. I consider my tastes to be more "traditional" and Stan (one of the salespeople) showed me a few sofas that fit my taste to a T. Happily, they were also having a Mitchell Gold sale. I'll be back for sure." 

- Dana L. (Source: Citysearch)

"I've been shopping at Weisshouse for years now, and I always keep coming back because I know that every time I return, they're going to have a ton of completely new and original pieces. It's the sort of character stuff that you're just never going to find in a chain store. Plus the staff members are always very knowledgeable with helpful suggestions regarding interior design choices."

- Norman G. (Source: Citysearch)

"I must say, I was shocked today to come across these reviews for Weisshouse! I am a commercial photographer living and working in Pittsburgh. I have shopped all over the US to find decor and furniture for my loft and studio. Weisshouse is hands down my favorite spot in Pittsburgh, if not in the US to find unique items nobody else has. The staff has come to know my style and instantly knows what direction to point me in. The amazing items they carry are all hand picked by their in store designers and owner. They have gone so far as to move delivery date with a day notice when I have needed new purchases weeks earlier then I had planned. With this all being said, I am by far not a huge client, picking up items from time to time. I have always received amazing service no matter how large or small my purchase may have been. I always personally refer them to friends or clients looking to make any space look great!"

- prophotog (Source: Citysearch)

Citysearch

Steel City Loft Style

Pittsburgh native, Daniel Shapiro and his bright, modern loft complete with a few Weisshouse pieces were recently featured on Houzz.com. We absolutely love Daniel's take on loft living. His use of white-painted walls were an ideal back-drop for his finely curated collection of new and vintage furnishings. Daniel teamed with Pittsburgh interior designer, Karen Anderson and achieved the kind of interior that speaks to Daniel's personality and the character of the loft building itself. Bravo Daniel and Karen! Check out the complete story (http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5304776/list/My-Houzz--Sophisticated-#comments) and shop Weisshouse for all of your unique, new and vintage furniture, rugs, art and more!

Eames-inspired dining chairs

Chunky dining table and bench


Sources: Houz.com, Weisshouse

A Mix of the Past and Present

We are often featuring what's hot in the world of vintage finds here on the Weisshouse blog. Vintage pieces from the Mid Century Modern era are very, very popular right now and Weisshouse is certainly a valuable resource for finding them. It's true that everything old becomes new again. In addition to genuine vintage furniture, many manufacturers are recreating the past and reinterpreting vintage looking furniture in new ways. Mixing vintage and new "vintage" styles is now easier than ever. Bold, modern fabric prints and bright lacquer finishes on throwback chairs, sofas and tables are popping up in stores and online. Vintage credenzas from the 50s and 60s look fresh with a coat of bright paint. Vintage lamps are new when rewired and outfitted with a sophisticated lampshade in linen, silk or even burlap. Stop by the Weisshouse showroom at 324 S.Highland Avenue in Shadyside or visit our website (www.weisshouse.com) for even more design ideas and inspiration. Check out the photos below for a few of our vintage and new "vintage" favorites.



Liam Sofa (MG+BW)

Vintage Walnut Credenza, Console, Buffet

Major Chair (MG+BW)

Martin Sofa (MG+BW)

Pair of Vintage Brutalist Night Stands/Side Cabinets by Paul Evans

Dean II Chair (MG+BW)

Vintage Russell Wright Side Table with Shelf

Diane's Conversation Chair

Set of Four Vintage Designer Stackable Composite Plastic and Chrome Stainless Steel Chairs

Women In Business 2012

One of our very favorite magazines, WHIRL just named the 2012 Women in Business. Women  in business are at the top of their game in Pittsburgh and our very own, Stacy Weiss is one of the honorees. For the full story, follow this link http://www.whirlmagazine.com/2012/03/whirl-honors-women-in-business-class-of-2012/ and make sure you check out the photos below too!

Weisshouse: Green Practices for Over 25 Years

Weisshouse is and always has been on the cutting edge of what's hot in terms of home and office furnishings. However, it is not as widely known that Weisshouse has also been "green" for the entire time it has been a company (nearly 60 years). Even when Weisshouse was named "Modern Curtain and Rug", Jack Weiss was selling and installing 100% wool carpet. Not only does Weisshouse continue to sell the best wool carpet in the industry, they also sell "green" synthetic alternatives as well.

Weisshouse has always adapted to new technology and trends in terms of carpet. However, for 25 years, they have refused to sell and install foam carpet pad. Weisshouse only sells and installs fiber pad. Fiber pad is far superior to foam pad for multiple reasons that include durability and it's impact on the environment and air quality. Last week, The New York Times featured an article outlining the various dangers inherent and associated with foam carpet pad. Please click on this link to view the article in it's entirety: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/garden/tests-on-carpet-padding-show-toxins.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Raising%20Concerns%20About%20Chemicals%20in%20recycled%20carpet%20padding&st=cse

Sadly, most local retailers only install foam carpet pad. Rest assured that when you purchase carpet from Weisshouse, we will never install toxic foam carpet pad. In fact, Jack Weiss shared a story for us that is very interesting...

For the past 25 years, Jack Weiss, founder of Weisshouse has preached the importance of using fiber pad because it does not have toxic fire retardant chemicals like it's foam alternative.

Jack tells the story of a prisoner who set fire to his cell which was lined with foam carpet padding. The guards rescued him but 13 other prisoners died because of the lethal gases from the fire that were carried through the air duct system*

A LIFE Magazine "Dream House" Realized in Pittsburgh

"In 1986, LIFE Magazine invited six well known architects to design a 'Dream House', the plans for which would be available to anyone who wished to build them and one of whom was Hugh Newell Jacobsen".

This "Dream House" is located at 2975 Beechwood Boulevard in Squirrel Hill and overlooks Frick Park. The view from Lou and Amy Weiss' (home owners) backyard is second to none. It may even be one of the best views in Pittsburgh. This home is an architectural delight and it's on the way to becoming LEED Platinum Certified. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the standard for earth-friendly construction. The main emphasis is always focused on and around energy efficiency.

The site of this home is a former brownfield slag dump.  When the lower Hill District was demolished to build the Civic Area, the debris was dumped on the current site of this home. Special excavation was necessary to prepare the land for this home.

Just to name a few of the green features of this house...

1. Follansbee Steel provided the standing seam steel roof. The roof is recycled and recyclable. It reduces heat absorption and should last 100 years.

2. Bayer Material Service provided open and closed cell spray foam insulation allowing the home to be sealed and in turn, producing very low heating and cooling costs. There is no roof vent but fresh air is brought into the home at a rate of 3,000 cfm.

3. All of the rainwater is harvested that falls on the roof into a river rock cistern, which is then pumped into the house for use in the home's toilets, hoses and drip irrigation.

4. The site's windmill provides power (through storage batteries) for exterior lighting and the outdoor water feature.

Furniture....

Almost every piece of furniture inside the home is from Weisshouse. Lines featured are Cassina, B&B Italia, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Artemide Lighting.

The kitchens (first and basement level), bathroom and closet cabinets are also from Weisshouse. The cabinetry is from Weisshouse's Modulo Cucine line in CITY (refer to past blogs for more details).

It was truly a pleasure to spend three days at this incredible home. I must agree with both Lou and Amy, being in this house makes you feel like you are on vacation every day.

living room (MET sofas)

dining room (Modulo Cucine wall-hung buffet)

view from backyard

water feature

windmill

swing

exterior and raised bed vegetable garden

kitchen (Modulo Cucine)

butler's pantry

powder room