Thank you rmanbike. I appreciate your input! I've read lots of your posts over the years. The cushions in both lines are the same I believe. They are spring down w/ a blend of fiber and feather/down. The feather/ down ratio is 75/25. I initially thought it might be a differenct down proportion- i.e. more down in the more expensive line. Since I like down but am perhaps unusual in that I prefer a fiber down blend ( because I think it keeps the back pillows in particular more shapely), that would not bother me. Since the cushions seem to be the same, I was just wondering if it is a construction issue. I'd ideally like a piece that could be reupholstered down the road. It has been a decade since I researched sofas and the one I bought back then is as solid as a rock. Cushions are like new. I would re-upholster except I want a different number of cushions and a very different arm style. I also want a 'cleaner' look with more pitch to the back. Now that I am back in the market for upholstery, I see that so much has changed. I came very close to ordering a Hickory Chair sofa- I like the style, the cushions, the arm styles and especially the fact that you can order in one inch increments. I need an unusual size. But given the uncertainty still looming with all those Furniture Brands Intl companies post bankruptcy, I am hesitant to order. My local dealer was very honest about the situation (I appreciate that!) and they are discouraging orders. That is how I ended up considering Hickory White. (& Century too.) HW does not offer a by the inch program so I am locked into length. Thanks again.

I am not very familiar with any high end case goods office furniture manufactures that are still made in the states but I will be anxious to see what others recommend because I want to know myself. You are looking for traditional, elegant and classy. I can recommend a few high end leather furniture manufactures that make all of their products right in North Carolina. A leather desk chair and visitor chair lends itself to that atmosphere of office decor. You should look at Leathercraft, Classic Leather and McKinley for better office seating that is 100% American made.

If you prime, with Kilz or Zinsser, you can use any paint. The paint will be opaque, stay on and look nice, but if you distress it, the white primer layer will show. Not a big deal if you're painting it white. If you want it to look more like English pine, I wouldn't prime it. Scuff it up with a sanding block if you're feeling motivated. I'd clean it with mineral spirits, or Windex or diluted ammonia if you don't have mineral spirits. You just want to dull the finish a little, and let it dry for at least a couple hours. Then get some white latex paint, milk paint, or acrylic craft paint. Dilute it by half with water, and stir it really really well. Paint it on with a foam brush, very thin coats, letting it completely dry between coats. You could leave the top, or the insides of the cubbies unpainted. Keep painting till you get the color you want. Let it dry, then distress it with the sanding block if you want. Then wax it with a few coats of furniture wax. I like Daddy Van's because it's soft, and not such a workout to apply and buff out. Don't wax until it's completely dry, or you'll peel the paint off! http://www.amazon.com/Daddy-Vans-Natural-Beeswax-Furniture/dp/B001DSU1S4

sorry, but this white mantle is killing me. it doesn't relate to anything in that room. (except maybe the trim color around the windows) But the mantle and crown really stand out. it's more traditional looking. I'd switch it out to a darker wood. I think those chairs would look better w/the darker mantle this is a nice wood mantle. You could prob do a little thinner maybe you'd like to paint/wash the brick? I like this w/the chairs and your windows. not sure about that wall color though. maybe find a diff rug. similar color that she's painting. it would work better w/the windows, the crown, but I'd still do the wood mantle After shot: Tutorial listed https://sarahjoyblog.com/paint-brick-fireplace/ before/after yellow brick. nice styled wood mantle. love this one w/the dark hearth tile Mortar Wash?