As a designer, I work with many vendors, tradespeople and product lines. Some are great, some not so much. There are a few that have treated me and my clients so well, I am listing them here so that I can pass along trusted resources to all of you.
Tradespeople are difficult to find and it seems just when you find someone you can trust they move away, close down or retire (much like any lipstick color I grow to love, as soon as I want another tube, I find the color has been discontinued).
Here are a few vendors/tradespeople that are tried and true:
Electrician – Chris Pridgen, New Bern – Meticulous electrician, fair rates, fast service
Painting and Wallpaper – Elegant Walls Painting and Remodeling – John Coyle is great to work with, has fair pricing and installs wallpaper, which is not easy to find
Full-Service Cabinetry – Creekside Cabinets, New Bern- Mindy is the owner and she is a great resource for any of your cabinet needs
Hardwood Flooring Installation and Refinishing – Cannon’s Custom Flooring, New Bern – Honest guys, great prices
Flooring of Any Kind – Carpet One, New Bern – Heather is fabulous, knows her stuff and always has a smile
Tub and Tile Restoration – Royce Grady – Great work, and great prices
Drapery and Slipcovers – Dorothy Bryant – Just the best!
Countertops – Onslow Stone, New Bern; and IC Granite, Beaufort – I have used both and they are easy to deal with and give fair pricing
Furniture Restoration – Rubbish to Reborne, New Bern – Karen and CJ can transform any piece of furniture into an heirloom piece.
And maybe my favorite….most of the time. All-around Handyman and awesome Woodworker – Shawn Bradley Woodworks – he can do just about anything.
Here are a few companies/products I love:
Custom Upholstered Furniture – Joybird and Interior Define – They never disappoint and make the custom process not only easy but priced so almost anyone can afford it.
Budget Cabinets – J&K Cabinets, Raleigh – They do not sell to the public so you need a contractor to get pricing but they offer a quality product at a great price.
Custom Blinds and Shades – Select Blinds – Again, they make the custom process simple and offer coupons all the time.
Upholstery and Drapery Fabric – FabricGuru.com – Designer fabrics at incredible prices
I hope that you find this list helpful. In my line of work, they are indispensable!
