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Unlock Design Freedom: Inside the Native Citizen Trade Program
Experience That Shows in Every Project With over 20 years in the furniture and design industry, Native Citizen brings a depth of experience that trade professionals can rely on. We’ve worked alongside designers across the U.S., supporting projects of all sizes with a focus on speed, accuracy, and dependable execution. We know timelines matter just as much as the "look". Our team understands the realities of trade work: tight deadlines, evolving scopes, and the need for clear communication. From sourcing to fulfillment, we pride ourselves on getting orders right the first time and keeping projects moving forward without unnecessary friction. Learn more about our Trade Program. A Trusted Source for the Four Hands Collection (and More) As a trade partner, you receive 30% off the Four Hands collection, giving you access to a wide range of thoughtfully designed furniture known for quality, craftsmanship, and versatility. Beyond furniture, we also source lighting, rugs, and home decor, allowing you to build layered, cohesive interiors from a single, trusted partner. This streamlined approach helps designers stay focused on the creative vision while we support the logistics behind the scenes. Supporting Designers, Realtors, and In-Trade Professionals Our trade relationships extend beyond interior designers. We regularly collaborate with realtors and home staging professionals to help bring properties to life—creating spaces that resonate with buyers and elevate listings for sellers. Thoughtfully furnished homes don’t just photograph better; they connect emotionally and help properties stand out in a competitive market. We also work with a wide range of in-trade professionals, offering the same level of care, consistency, and expertise across every partnership. A Partner You Can Count On At Native Citizen, our trade program is built on long-standing relationships and proven results. Decades of experience have shaped how we work: efficiently, accurately, and with a deep respect for the professionals we support. Designers can also use our Montrose showroom to facilitate meetings with their clients and present their visions. Learn more on our Trade Program page and fill out the form to become a partner.
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A Complete Guide to Velvet Upholstery for Four Hands Furniture
Comparing Performance, Texture, Shading & Color Options Velvet continues to be one of the most timeless and desirable upholstery choices in furniture design. Known for its rich texture, depth of color, and elevated feel, velvet brings warmth and sophistication to any space. In the Four Hands Furniture Collection, velvet is offered in a wide range of colors, textures, and performance options, allowing homeowners and designers to choose a fabric that aligns with both aesthetics and lifestyle. This guide breaks down the different Four Hands velvet fabrics, including performance velvets, shading characteristics, popular options like Surrey Olive, smoother velvets such Malmo Olive as those found on the Carina Sofa, and new color introductions like Surrey Cocoa and Monte Navy at our Houston Native Citizen Showroom. Understanding Velvet Upholstery at Four Hands Velvet is defined by its dense pile, which reflects light and creates visual depth. At Four Hands, velvet upholstery spans multiple fabric constructions, resulting in different looks, feels, and behaviors. Some velvets are intentionally expressive, showing variation in tone as the pile shifts. Others are engineered for a more uniform appearance, minimizing shading and hand marks. In addition, Four Hands offers performance velvet options designed for durability and everyday use. How to Choose the Right Four Hands Velvet When selecting velvet upholstery, consider the following factors: Texture preference: Do you enjoy visible shading and movement, or do you prefer a consistent surface? Lifestyle needs: Performance velvet is recommended for busy households. Color goals: Darker velvets emphasize depth and drama, while lighter tones feel softer and more neutral. Room function: Formal living rooms can embrace expressive velvet, while everyday spaces may benefit from smoother or performance options. Swatches are highly recommended, as velvet can look dramatically different depending on lighting and surrounding materials. Texture, Depth, and Performance Surrey Olive is one of the most sought-after velvet options from Four Hands and is now available as a performance fabric, making it both visually rich and practical. Key Characteristics Pronounced texture that shows highs and lows in the pile Shifts in tone depending on light and direction, adding depth and dimension Performance finish improves durability and cleanability This velvet is ideal for those who appreciate a more organic, lived-in look. The natural shading is considered a desirable design feature, giving sofas and chairs a layered, dimensional appearance rather than a flat surface. Surrey Olive works especially well in spaces that prioritize warmth, global influence, and tactile materials. Look at the Ace Chair for an example of Surrey Olive. Smooth Velvets That Minimize Shading Not all velvet lovers want visible shading or hand marks. Certain Four Hands pieces, including the Carina Sofa, use a velvet that maintains a smoother, more consistent appearance. What Sets It Apart Minimal pile direction change Does not show hand marks or frequent shading Maintains a clean, uniform color throughout the day This type of velvet is ideal for clients who want the softness of velvet without the constantly shifting surface. It works particularly well in modern interiors, minimal spaces, or rooms where a polished look is preferred. Velvet Color Options at Four Hands Four Hands continues to expand its velvet color offerings across different collections and silhouettes. Availability may vary by piece, but current and recurring velvet colors include: Core and Popular Velvet Colors Olive and muted greens (including Surrey Olive) Charcoal and smoky tones such as Velvet Smoke in the Cairo Sofa Soft taupes and warm neutrals such as Surrey Cocoa in the Julius Chair These colors allow velvet upholstery to feel both current and timeless, fitting seamlessly into contemporary, transitional, and globally inspired interiors. Final Thoughts: Velvet That Fits Your Home Four Hands velvet upholstery offers something for every design aesthetic and lifestyle — from richly textured performance velvets like Surrey Olive, to smooth, low-shading velvets like Malmo Olive, to new color introductions in brown and blue. Understanding how velvet behaves in terms of texture, shading, and durability ensures you choose furniture that not only looks beautiful on day one, but continues to perform over time. At Native Citizen, we help clients navigate these details every day. From fabric selection to full-room design, our complimentary design services make choosing the right velvet easy and enjoyable.
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Thoughtful Details That Make Guests Feel Welcome
The holidays are a season of gathering, but truly welcoming a guest is about more than having enough chairs or a full dining table. It’s the little details and thoughtful touches in your living and dining spaces that create comfort, ease, and connection. At Native Citizen, we believe that a home is most inviting when it’s functional, curated, and thoughtfully layered. Here’s how to make your guests feel at home, effortlessly. 1. Clear Surfaces for Ease and Flow Nothing says “relaxed hosting” like a space where guests can settle in without feeling cluttered. Make sure surfaces are functional as well as beautiful: Entryway console or bench: Clear space for coats, bags, or packages so guests can drop off belongings without disruption. Side tables and coffee tables: Leave room for drinks, plates, or small snacks during conversations. Dining buffet or console: Offer a place for shared platters, desserts, or a quick drink station. Tip: A clean, intentional surface invites your guests to interact naturally with the space instead of feeling like they have to navigate around décor. 2. Coffee Table Books and Collected Objects Conversation flows easiest when your home has stories to tell. Carefully curated objects not only elevate your design but also spark dialogue. Books: Choose oversized coffee table books on art, design, travel, or culture that reflect your interests. Objects: Small sculptures, vases, or artisan pieces collected from travels can serve as subtle points of interest. Rotating display: Swap pieces seasonally to keep the space feeling fresh and meaningful. Tip: Layer objects in odd numbers, mix textures, and leave some breathing room to keep it curated rather than cluttered. 3. Subtle Styling That Feels Lived-In A welcoming home shouldn’t feel overly staged but feel alive. Throws and pillows: Draped casually over a chair or sofa, these add warmth and comfort without fuss. Functional decor: Candles, trays, or coasters that guests can actually use instead of purely decorative items. Personal touches: A favorite bowl, a framed photograph, or a small plant makes your space feel authentic. Tip: Aim for balance: every object should feel intentional, but the overall room should feel effortless, not perfect. Small Touches, Big Impact It’s the thoughtful details (more than the big pieces of furniture) that make a house a home for your guests. When surfaces are functional, objects tell a story, and styling feels lived-in, your space invites comfort, connection, and memorable moments. At Native Citizen, we help you design spaces that are beautiful, functional, and welcoming, whether for daily life or special gatherings. Schedule a complimentary design consultation or explore our curated collections to bring thoughtful hospitality into your home this season.
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Celebrating the Season: Native Citizen’s Holiday Party 2025
This past Saturday evening, December 6th, Native Citizen welcomed friends, family, and valued clients for a festive holiday celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of the season. Guests were greeted with a holiday food-themed spread featuring seasonal favorites, all while enjoying the elegant sounds of live piano music that filled the space with warmth and cheer. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as attendees mingled and celebrated together, creating a truly memorable evening. Adding a playful twist, we hosted a festive photoshoot designed to mimic a classic couch holiday family card. Guests enjoyed stepping in front of the camera, creating memories that will last for years to come—a perfect reflection of the joy, connection, and community that define the holidays. Of course, as lovers of beautiful, high-quality furniture, our guests were able to experience the cozy elegance of Native Citizen’s curated collections firsthand. From luxurious sofas to stylish coffee tables and statement lighting, our showroom provided the perfect backdrop for the evening and inspired ideas for home holiday gatherings. To make the season even brighter, we’re excited to share that our Winter Holiday Sale is now live, offering 30% off our entire home collection. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring home heirloom-quality furniture, decor, and accessories that will be cherished for years to come that is just in time for holiday entertaining and gift-giving. The Native Citizen holiday party was more than a celebration... it was a gathering of community, gratitude, and festive cheer. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with laughter, love, and timeless memories. Visit Native Citizen today and explore our Winter Holiday Sale before it ends. Your home deserves a little holiday magic.
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Welcome to NC Digest: Your Inside Look at Native Citizen
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of NC Digest, our brand-new magazine created to share the stories that make Native Citizen more than a store but a a community. Whether you’re a longtime client or just discovering us now, NC Digest brings you deeper into the world of design, community, and inspiration that fuels everything we do. What You’ll Find Inside Client stories & design projects: See how real homes and spaces come to life through thoughtfully curated furniture, art, and decor. From living rooms transformed to full home makeovers, our clients’ stories showcase how style meets purpose. Home inspiration & design ideas: Looking for fresh ways to style a room? NC Digest offers inspiration rooted in real spaces. Homes should be cozy in addition to sophisticated, modern-meets-timeless, or bold and expressive. Community highlights: Because Native Citizen is proudly Houston-based, we’re spotlighting local people, businesses, events and culture. Discover the talent, stories and spaces that make Houston’s design community so vibrant. Behind-the-scenes stories: Get to know the faces behind the furniture: our team, our creative process, and the care and craftsmanship behind each collection. Why NC Digest Matters At Native Citizen, we believe design is more than just aesthetics — it’s about crafting meaningful spaces that tell a story, support a lifestyle, and reflect individuality. NC Digest is our way of opening the door for you to see that story in action: through real homes, real people, and real inspiration. In an age of fast, fleeting trends, we embrace intention — crafting furniture and décor built to last, and experiences worth sharing. NC Digest is more than a magazine: it’s a celebration of design, community, and the human stories that bring it all together. How to Get Your Copy Want to dive in? Visit any Native Citizen location to grab the latest print issue or simply read the digital version here. Stay Connected NC Digest isn’t a one-and-done... it’s the start of something ongoing. Each issue will bring fresh inspiration, new client stories, community spotlights, and design ideas that evolve with the seasons and the people around us. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more. — The Native Citizen Team
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Meet the Native Citizen Team
At Native Citizen, our strength lies in a multidisciplinary team that brings creativity, precision, and execution together under one roof. Our Studio Director brings warmth to clients and direction to projects, ensuring the signature balance of design and functionality that defines our brand. With an architect background designer, our concepts are grounded in spatial understanding and thoughtful detailing—creating environments that are as practical as they are beautiful. Behind the scenes, our Logistics Specialist ensures every piece arrives and installs seamlessly, while our Construction Manager oversees each build with craftsmanship and care. Together, we offer a full-service approach to residential and commercial design, delivering cohesive spaces that tell a story. This growing effort ensures that Native Citizen’s design work (past, present, and future) is not only seen, but felt. By blending strategy, creativity, and community connection, our Media & Marketing Team continues to expand the Native Citizen brand and inspire design-minded audiences both locally and nationwide. Our Media & Marketing Team drives the storytelling behind Native Citizen that is dedicated to elevating our brand and our clients’ design stories. Through thoughtful photography, video production, and digital campaigns, our marketing team highlights every facet of Native Citizen — from in-store collections and seasonal events to our residential and commercial design projects. Our team documents our clients’ spaces and celebrates their transformation, capturing the journey from concept to completion. This growing effort ensures that Native Citizen’s design work (past, present, and future) is not only seen, but felt. By blending strategy, creativity, and community connection, our Media & Marketing Team continues to expand the Native Citizen brand and inspire design-minded audiences both locally and nationwide. At the heart of Native Citizen’s design vision is William Shoemaker, whose creative leadership has shaped the brand’s distinct, layered aesthetic. William brings depth and precision to every project including residential home, commercial space, or curated showroom display. For over 20 years, his influence has defined Native Citizen’s eclectic yet cohesive design language, blending global references with approachable sophistication. The result is a look that feels collected, lived-in, and elevated that’s designed for everyday, active living. Each space tells a story of contrast and connection, where refined materials meet organic textures and curated details bring warmth to modern design. Love the pieces you're seeing? We design homes and businesses with global spirit. Visit our Montrose or Heights studios to meet with a Native Citizen interior designer—complimentary, always. We’ll help you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and ready for real life. Ordering online? See the latest promotional sale.Working with us as a design client? We take care of it all—from in-home measurements to furniture placement, art, and décor installation with expert precision and care. You dream it, we install it when you sign up for the design passport at our studios.
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From Global Sourcing to Design-Led Craft: The Story of Four Hands Furniture
Four Hands began in 1996 with a simple idea: travel the world, discover beauty in unexpected places, and bring it home. Founded in Austin, Texas by Brett Hatton, the company started as an importer of one-of-a-kind antiques and handcrafted furniture found throughout Asia, Europe, and South America. The name “Four Hands” represents the idea that many hands (from designers to artisans) touch every piece along the way. Each collection reflects a collaboration of craftsmanship, culture, and creativity. What started as a small import company soon evolved into one of the most influential names in the furniture industry, The Four Hands brand is now known for its design innovation, material integrity, and global inspiration. Redefining Modern Craftsmanship By the mid-2000s, Four Hands made a pivotal shift from importing to designing original collections. This change transformed them from a distributor into a design powerhouse. Today, over 90% of Four Hands pieces are created in-house by their Austin design team, combining modern aesthetics with timeless construction techniques. Every Four Hands items is made with purpose and precision. Think of plush leather sofas, a sculptural dining tables, or a piece of hand-finished lightings. The result is furniture that feels elevated, livable, and lasting. At Native Citizen, we know our clients value furniture that’s both beautiful and built to last. Four Hands consistently delivers on both fronts. What Makes Four Hands Quality Stand Out Premium Materials: Solid oak frames, hand-tanned leathers, durable stone, and metal finishes are selected for both beauty and lasting performance. Expert Craftsmanship: Traditional joinery meets modern engineering, with strict quality control across global artisan partners. Global Inspiration, Austin Design: From European farmhouses to Japanese minimalism and California coastal style, each piece is thoughtfully refined in Austin. Sustainable Practices: Materials are responsibly sourced, and long-term factory partnerships ensure ethical, environmentally conscious production. Why We Love Four Hands Four Hands shares our vision: furniture should inspire, last, and tell a story worth living in. When we curate their collections at Native Citizen, we know we’re offering our clients something more than furniture. We offer foundation pieces that become part of their home’s story. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or designing an entire home, Four Hands brings a level of craftsmanship and versatility that perfectly compliments our Native Citizen design philosophy: design with a global spirit. Love the pieces you're seeing? We design homes and businesses with global spirit. Visit our Montrose or Heights studios to meet with a Native Citizen interior designer—complimentary, always. We’ll help you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and ready for real life. Ordering online? See the latest promotional sale.Working with us as a design client? We take care of it all—from in-home measurements to furniture placement, art, and décor installation with expert precision and care. You dream it, we install it when you sign up for the design passport at our studios.
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From Whisk to Wonder: The Story Behind Houston’s Red Dessert Dive
Houston has no shortage of great places to grab a treat. However, few feel as personal, welcoming, and downright delicious as Red Dessert Dive. Founded by Jessica Lusk, Red Dessert Dive isn’t just a bakery and coffee shop. It’s a Houston original, the kind of place that feels like home the second you walk in, and keeps you coming back for another slice of something sweet. Jessica opened Red Dessert Dive over a decade ago on Studewood Street in the Heights with one big goal in mind: to create a spot that blended homemade desserts, quality drinks, and genuine community. The business name originates from Jessica’s fiery redheaded Mammaw who could make dessert like no other, and “Red” was the endearing name that Jessica’s Pawwaw gave her. Jessica says, “Red is filled with goodness, fun, love, and lots of passion. This little shop is made possible with my loving family and kickass staff.” Eleven years later, that simple idea has turned into one of Houston’s favorite neighborhood hangouts. Every Red Dessert Dive location is filled with the smell of freshly baked cakes, cookies, brownies, and more (all made daily in small batches). Red isn’t just about sweets. Jessica’s team serves freshly brewed coffee, local craft beers, and a selection of wines that make Red as much an evening spot as a morning one. You can even take a bottle of wine to go! Whether you’re picking up coffee before work or meeting friends for dessert and a drink, the atmosphere stays relaxed, welcoming, and unmistakably Houston. Red Dessert Dive’s second location opened at 2214 W 34th Street, expanding the concept into the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area. It recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, marking another milestone for this woman-owned small business. The new space carries the same heart as the original Heights location. There are familiar desserts, cozy atmosphere, and the friendly faces that make Red what it is. A Second Slice: The Other Location Jessica isn’t slowing down. She’s currently working on a shared space behind Red’s second location that will include “The Anxiety Dr” and her wellness products as well as a pilates studio in a shared green garden courtyard. It’s her way of bringing people together in a setting that feels good for both body and soul. Her dedication, creativity, and love for the Houston community have remained the key ingredients in Red’s success.
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Design Success: Reynolds Financial Group, Colorado
When a family-owned financial group in Colorado decided to elevate their new office, they turned to Native Citizen in Houston to bring their vision to life. Reynolds Financial Group, led by Roger and Julie Reynolds, wanted a space that reflected their professionalism and offered a warm, elevated environment for clients. Though the project was out of state, the connection between our teams felt seamless from the start. William, Sam, and Mario from Native Citizen collaborated closely with Julie and her group. Both teams were able to share ideas and make decisions quickly. “From the very beginning, we were so happy with the selection of options,” Julie shared. “Each piece of furniture we needed had four different choices provided by Native Citizen, and the team really listened to our concerns. We put our trust in William, and he absolutely delivered. He’s very creative and very talented. The space turned out even better than I could have imagined.” The design process began with a clear goal: transform the new office space in time for their grand opening. William even flew out to Colorado twice to oversee the installation and ensure every detail was done to perfection. The result is a space that feels both refined and welcoming, aligning perfectly with Reynolds Financial Group’s philosophy of personalized client care and long-term relationships. The furniture selections brought a sense of quality and uniqueness, backed by Native Citizen’s commitment to craftsmanship and warranty support. When the firm hosted their grand opening, inviting clients they had worked with for over ten years, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Guests were immediately impressed by how thoughtfully designed and cohesive the new space felt. It was a true reflection of the company’s growth and success. “We couldn’t have dreamed how nice it turned out,” Roger Reynolds said. From the start, they trusted William’s vision and creativity. The space represents who they are as a unit. At Native Citizen, we take pride in helping businesses design environments that not only look beautiful but also enhance the way they work and connect with their clients. For our design client, this office redesign marked more than just a move — it was a milestone that symbolized progress, trust, and a shared vision for the future.
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