1. Furnishing a home or a new is no small task. It takes time, money, and an eye for design that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. At Smithblack Furniture, how do you help someone looking for just the piece for their home?
We essentially interview our customers! We will ask about goals for the space. Who’s using it and how? What feeling are they trying to evoke? We can advise about budgeting and where to spend or save. Our first goal is to make people feel comfortable enough to open up and share. Interior design is a creative, personal decision process that should be a pleasure! We like to pair a casual experience with a professional backing. We play loud music, allow dogs here, crack jokes and we’re friendly. We, Nickie and Nora, also have a combined 60 years in the furniture industry.
2. Can you explain how sustainability works within your product choices or custom designs?
If you buy well and make it last, you’re consuming less. That’s one sustainable approach that we offer our customers. Think of buying some pieces for life. Another component is our manufacturer’s commitments to sustainable practices. That’s easier to find with American-made furniture. Finally, we sell quality second-hand pieces, for literal recycling.
3. What's the most loved item at your store? A best seller perhaps?
During these trying times, choices seem to be comfort-driven. Sectionals with down-cushions have been a daily discussion. The most popular fabrics are calm and textural, not patterns as much. People are looking for a gentle, mellow environment to relax. We have lots of rug customers lately, which is a high-impact way to change a space. It’s also a great starting point for a new project. And for good rest, our linen bedding is wonderful.
4. Since a lot of your sourcing comes from flea markets, antique fairs, and estate sales, would you say that most of your tabletop inventory is one-of-a-kind?
A majority of our accessories are vintage. We seek out ceramics, glass, paintings, natural history objects, etc. This has been a passion for us. We do offer some new essentials like candles and books. Then we mix in local artists and makers. In a custom furniture showroom, the art should be unique as well. Our artwork has already drawn a lot of attention and the vintage one-of-a-kinds go quickly.
5. Your Instagram page is drool worthy for home lovers. You posted a photo featuring a gorgeous fabric selection. Can you tell us how a customer can customize their own look using this service you provide?
Thank you! Instagram has been a huge part of attracting our customers. It’s a mix of our vendors photos, inspiration and Nora’s own pics.
We have thousands of fabrics for custom sofas and chairs! Our upholstery and leather furniture is built in North Carolina. Clients can come in our showroom to test the comfort, see the tailoring, learn about the construction, then take home samples to see in their home. We have facilitated hundreds of custom orders and can guide you through. We also offer design consulting.
6. How did Smithblack Furniture come into existence and why Missoula?
Here’s the quick version: Smithblack is a mother-daughter partnership. Nickie (mama) owned a furniture store in Minnesota for about 40 years, Bedpost Furniture. Nora (daughter) worked at Bedpost through college, aquired an art degree, then moved to Montana and eventually Oregon, where she continued working in design showrooms. Nora felt linked to Montana and the outdoor opportunities and didn’t want to return to Minnesota. Nickie sold her business and told Nora she would help her start her own store someday. Now Nora runs Smithblack in Missoula and Nickie still lives in Minnesota. The word Smithblack is secret code…we will tell you about it if you come visit.
7. Tell us a little bit about meaningful pieces. This seems to be making a comeback considering generational pieces and heirlooms are often thought of as antiques in today's world.
It’s a pleasure to see, feel, use quality design from the get-go and it maintains longer. The attitudes toward simplifying, buying locally, sustainability, etc. have driven a new generation of people to consider heirloom pieces. The furniture industry had gone through changes that reflect our culture…a fast, disposable lifestyle became popular…now there’s a backlash to that. Some people would rather slow things down and make more intentional decisions. This keeps us looking for designs that are “timeless” and don’t go out of style. Wise choices are always in style.
8. What can customers expect to see from Smithblack Furniture in the coming months or years?
Expect to see more interesting pieces for your home! We’ve started small and are building a careful collection of lines, so there are new additions constantly. We anticipate representing more artists and woodworkers soon. We look forward to hosting events: First Fridays, trunk shows, brunch. We know so many of our customers would love to meet each other. There are some very interesting, witty, artful people in our community. We feel lucky to interact with them here in our store.