Modern Conference Table

August 26, 2010 3:09 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
This section of our blog usually reserved for the information on conference tables throughout history.  I feel that this table built by the advertising agency, Boys and Girls, (Dublin) is worthy of being called historical. 

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This remarkable conference table top is constructed of 22,742 legos.  The conference table top sits on a stainless steel base and has a glass top covering the legos.  The creative builders even included a center grommet for wiring.  

Maybe they were trying to copy the contempory conference tables made at Stoneline Designs?  Both the Quadrant Glass Conference table and the Axis Conference table feature a custom glass table top over a steel base.  They also have data and power ports built in.

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Conference Tables in History

June 29, 2010 2:43 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
This is a modern photo of the conference table used during the Yalta Conference in the Livadiya Palace, Ukraine. In 1945 the Allied leaders -- Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin sat at this very table to discuss Europe's structure and organization after the war.
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A critical event in modern history, and conference tables were there!

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Case Study: Granite Conference Table

June 10, 2010 2:40 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Stoneline Designs recently completed this granite conference table for a law firm in Las Vegas, NV. 
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The conference table, from our Crescent line, features a boat shaped top in polished absolute black granite. Power and data ports are hidden in a wiring channel with sliding covers along the center of the table. Stainless steel panels on the pedestal are removable for wiring access.

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Introducing the Tangent Conference Table

May 20, 2010 3:30 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Stoneline Designs is pleased to add the Tangent Conference Table to our line of executive conference room furniture.
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The Tangent Conference Table (shown above with Frosted and Opaque Frosted glass table top) features two Steel plates combined in Oval or "Scround" shapes to form the stout base that includes levelors underneath. A 4" Square central column is flanked by 2 or 4 side supports in Brushed Aluminum, Wood or Sand-blasted Steel. Round or Square tables 48" and below do not need the side supports but they can be added as an option. Sand-blasted Steel rails with integrated leveling are bolted to a top shape (oval or Scround) that caps the column and side supports. A top rail support structure holds multiple piece tops for large conference table sizes. 

The Tangent table can include either our wiring grommet or wiring trough for integrated power and data outlets. Wiring is concealed in the center column in the pedestal, and is designed to sit over a floor outlet.
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Conference Tables in History

May 12, 2010 2:53 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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This photo shows President Eisenhower's Cabinet, meeting in the cabinet room. President Eisenhower is seated in the center on the right side of the conference table, and then-Vice President Nixon in the center on the left. The photo was taken on May 10, 1957 -- 53 years ago almost to the day.

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Conference Table Data Ports: Wiring Grommet

May 3, 2010 1:04 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Our most popular option for conference table power and data ports is the 4" wiring grommet, shown here in a frosted glass conference table top:
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The wiring grommet fits into the tabletop and includes two power and two data jacks. There is also an open space in the side of the grommet, allowing additional wires to be run if necessary. The grommet is covered by a removable brushed aluminum cover when not in use. The top of the grommet is recessed so that the aluminum cover sits flush with the surface of the table top. We polish and edge detail the wiring hole, creating a focal point of the design of the table.

The grommet is centered over the pedestal so that wires can be run seamlessly through the pedestal into the floor. A removable panel in the pedestal provides easy access to wiring for maintenance. For additional power and data ports, multiple grommets can be installed in the conference table, up to one per pedestal.

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Conference Tables in History

April 21, 2010 2:07 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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This photo shows the Conference of the Allied Expeditionary Air Force, held in August 1944. Seated at the table (l to r): Lt Col D Heathcote Amery, Maj Gen R Royce, Air Chf Mshl Sir Sholto Douglas, Air Chf Mshl Sir Arthur Harris, Air Chf Mshl Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, Maj Gen F L Anderson, Lt Gen J H Doolittle, Brig Gen F L Parks, Air Mshl Sir Roderick Hill.

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Case Study: Granite Dining Table

April 20, 2010 1:16 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
We recently created this granite dining table for a client in northern California:

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The client has a beautiful modern home with a spacious feel. He chose a table from our Vector line, with simple, clean lines and a strong design to match his contemporary home design. The table features a polished absolute black granite top and a cherry pedestal. Here's what the client told us about his new table:

"The table is beyond beautiful. The design, engineering and construction are perfection. It is a work of art. I am more pleased than I could have imagined or anticipated."

Thanks so much for the photos; we love how you integrated the Vector table into your interior design. It's great to see our table in such a beautiful space!

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How Conference Tables Are Made: Cutting a Granite Table Top

April 16, 2010 12:53 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
One of the fun thing about being at Stoneline is getting to see beautiful tables take shape from raw materials. Yesterday, our artisan Bart (with help from Mace) cut a boat shaped granite conference table top, 66" wide x 16' long, from three pieces of absolute black granite. 

The process took over two hours, including careful measuring and taping to make sure the cuts were correct. In this video, watch it happen in one hundred seconds:


Cutting the sides is only the first step. Now the edges must be beveled, border sandblasted, ends cut to a similar curved shape, and finally the table, from our Vector line, will have a decorative design scored into the top. The pedestals will be made of cherry wood, and will receive just as much care and attention to detail as the top.

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A Glass Conference Table for a Glass Expert

April 9, 2010 1:07 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Last year Stoneline designed a conference table and credenza for a glass container manufacturer in Louisiana. Because glass is key to their business, we designed their table with our Patterned Scratched glass finish. It is a unique glass treatment with a sparkling blue-grey color. We just received this letter from the client:

It's been almost nine months since we received the conference table and credenza from Stoneline Designs, and I wanted to let you know how much we have enjoyed the compliments we have received from our visitors.  Since we are a glass container manufacturing facility, it is appropriate for the beautiful glass design table.  The 12.5 ft Crescent conference table with scratched glass and the beautiful credenza definitely make a statement!
 
It was a pleasure working with Diana and Monte.  You calmed my fears about ordering from an internet showroom.   We could not be happier with the experience and the product.
 
Regards,
Barbara

Barbara, we're so glad you're enjoying the table and credenza. We hope you'll send a photo, maybe with examples of your glass containers on the table so we can see how well they go together. Thanks so much!

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A Dining Table to Treasure

April 6, 2010 4:02 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
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We recently made a special dining table for a client in northern California. The table, from our Vector line, had a 60" round black granite top, and cherry wood pedestal. We just received this message from our client:

The Vector table was delivered and set up this afternoon. Delivery and setup were flawless.

The table is beyond beautiful. The design, engineering and construction are perfection. It is a work of art. I am more pleased than I could have imagined or anticipated.

Thank you so very much. I will use and treasure this table for the rest of my life, and no doubt it will be used and treasured equally by many others after me.
--David


We're a little overwhelmed by such high praise, David. It means the world to us. Thanks for the photo!

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Happy Anniversary Dave

April 1, 2010 2:14 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Today is a special anniversary: Dave joined Stoneline's team of artisans on this day twenty years ago. Dave specializes in wood furniture, and brings decades of experience in fine woodworking techniques to his work. 

Happy anniversary, Dave! Thanks for being an excellent part of the Stoneline team. Here's to many happy returns!

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Conference Tables in History

March 16, 2010 1:03 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Past and future leaders of our nation meet, and conference tables are there! In this photo, President Gerald Ford talks with CIA Director George H.W. Bush at a meeting of the National Security Council in 1976.
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How Conference Tables are Made: Wiring Grommet

March 10, 2010 12:55 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Spring has arrived in North Carolina, and when weather permits, our artisans move some of their work outside. Here Mace uses a diamond drum to polish the wiring hole in a glass conference table top.
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When the conference table is assembled, the hole will be fitted with a wiring grommet which houses power and data jacks under a removable cover. Most wiring grommets are flanged to cover the edge of the hole, and sit up on top of the table. Stoneline uses a grommet without a flange which is set flush with the tabletop surface, leaving the edge of the hole exposed. We hand polish and edge detail the hole, creating a focal point in the design of the table.

Running water reduces friction as Mace works, and tape protects the glass table top in case the diamond drum slips.
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Conference Table Etiquette

March 3, 2010 4:51 PM | No Comments
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The book The Essential Guide to Business Etiquette by Lillian Chaney and Jeannette Martin discusses not just faux pas to avoid, but also advice on using the principles of etiquette to improve one's position at a conference or meeting. Some of their tips:
  • Arrive three to five minutes early to get your pick of seats, and allow more important people to choose their seat first. 
  • Try to sit to the left of the most important person at the meeting. This may not be the person leading the meeting. 
  • Try not to sit next to an empty chair as this makes you appear isolated and reduces your importance.
  • Do not sit directly across the conference table from someone with whom you expect conflict; this is a confrontational position. Try to sit on the same side of the table as your antagonist, but not next to them.
  • The person leading the meeting should sit at the end of the conference table furthest from the door. Chaney and Martin call this seat the "power perch." 

We have a few tips to add:
  • Just as you should avoid sitting next to someone with whom you expect conflict, try not to sit next to a close friend or work buddy. You may be tempted to chat or share a private joke during the meeting, which is rude and isolates you from the rest of the group.
  • Make sure your cell phone is turned off, not on vibrate. Better yet, don't bring your phone to the conference room. If you absolutely must have your phone, explain why (waiting for a critical call, etc) to the conference chair in advance.
  • Setting your smart phone or Blackberry on the conference table is an aggressive gesture. You are telling everyone in the room that your time is more important than theirs. Don't do it unless you have the standing to justify it, as it can make you appear arrogant. 
  • Use a pen and paper to take notes instead of a laptop. Other people may have trouble seeing you over the laptop case, which tends to isolate you from the group. Besides, the potential for distraction is too great with your computer, especially if the conference room provides a wireless network.

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Conference Tables in History

March 2, 2010 3:21 PM | No Comments
The dot com boom led to many innovations in workplace culture, such as casual dress codes, employees bringing their dogs to work, and even sometimes game tables used as conference tables:conference-ping-pong.jpg
This super-casual approach may have worked great for the dot commers, but most businesses find more value in separating work and play. Keep the table tennis games for after hours, and let your conference table be a productive space that makes a good impression with clients.

(table tennis/conference table photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.) 

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Bamboo Furniture Care and Maintenance

February 26, 2010 2:00 PM | No Comments
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Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource, and has a beautiful, modern look making it a popular interior design choice for home and office. Bamboo flooring has been popular for years, and the quality of bamboo veneer has made it an appealing material for tables and other furniture. 

Many homeowners are unsure of how to care for their bamboo furniture. In general, furniture made of bamboo veneer should be treated just like fine wood furniture. 

Bamboo is as hard or harder than wood (depending on the specific hardwood). Like wood, bamboo furniture will hold up to years of ordinary use with no special pampering necessary. However, bamboo is an organic material, and it is not as hard as metal or stone. Take care not to bang sharp objects against your bamboo table, just as you would protect a prized wood table from dings or nicks. And do not allow liquid spills to sit for long periods of time.

In many cases the durability of your bamboo furniture will depend on the finish rather than the bamboo. A cheap or poorly applied finish may wear unevenly or discolor with age, while a good finish will protect your bamboo furniture and remain beautiful for many years. We use a water based, low VOC finish for our bamboo furniture. This finish requires no maintenance besides occasional cleaning with a soft cloth and if necessary, a non-abrasive cleaning product. In case of a sticky or gummy stain such as gum or tape residue, use a razor blade to carefully scrape off the stain without scratching the finish. Sometimes ice can be used to make the substance brittle before removing. Do not apply wax or furniture polish to a water based finish. If you are not sure what kind of finish has been used with your bamboo furniture, check with the manufacturer for specific care instructions.

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Conference Tables in History

February 23, 2010 2:15 PM | No Comments
This 1919 political cartoon about the Paris Peace Conference shows Georges Clemenceau, prime minister of France, inviting German delegates to sit at a conference table with spiked chairs, manacles at each seat, and platters of cactus and nettle. The cartoon reflects German fears that the Treaty of Versailles, created at the conference, would mean harsh terms towards Germany.
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Case Study: Credenza and Bookcase

February 17, 2010 12:42 PM | No Comments
Stoneline recently completed this credenza and bookcase for a private home in Asheville, NC. 
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The pieces, from our Axis and Radian lines, both feature Anigre wood, cross-hatched brushed steel, and our "Scratched" glass. The bookcase and credenza work well with the client's art collection and modern design sense.

Here's what our client had to say when the first piece was delivered:

"I commend your crew. The delivery was quite professional and compact. We appreciated the phone call from Bart, zeroing in on the timing, as well as his complete and confident assembly of the unit. I guess that goes with being one of the craftsmen involved in construction. 

"That brings me to the piece itself. Absolutely beautiful, exactly what I had anticipated since I had visited your factory earlier and had seen some pieces first hand, fits into the decor of our home perfectly -- these are just a few of the expressions of satisfaction that Michael and I uttered after your crew left. I'm sure they were aware of how pleased we were, as we were oohing and ahhing the entire time they were here! A well-chosen piece,artfully designed, and constructed with quality and precision. I could go on and on. Thank you for creating this unit which we are proud and lucky to own. "

Thanks so much, it really means a lot to us. And thanks for the photos: we love seeing our pieces in such a beautiful home! 

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Case Study: Bamboo Office Suite

February 9, 2010 4:50 PM | No Comments
Stoneline Designs recently completed this custom designed Bamboo Office Suite for a client in the Chicago area. 
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The client wanted his home office to feature sustainable materials as much as possible. We adapted our Axis Office line for him, using rapidly renewable bamboo veneer over NAUF (no added urea formaldehyde) MDF substrate, with a water-based low VOC finish, to construct the drawer boxes. The leg plates are 33% recycled aluminum in our Bright finish, and the I-beam support rails are also 33% recycled aluminum with a powdered finish.

The office suite includes a desk and a 3-part credenza. The credenza was custom designed to fit the angled wall in the office space, with a lowered center which the client uses as a computer desk. The desk and credenza both have custom designed drawer boxes, and our Patterned "Scratched" Glass tops, with a bamboo veneer top in the center section of the credenza and custom arced ends on the two glass top pieces.

This detailed photo of the desk shows the Bright Aluminum texture on the leg plates, Patterned "Scratched" Glass top, and bamboo drawers.
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