April 9, 2018

We turned an ordinary trade show display into an extraordinary and authentic garden space most recently at the (IGC) Independent Garden Center Show in Chicago at the Navy Pier. For this project, we started by designing and styling a grand tablescape for the main focal point of the booth, always with the end-result in mind to highlight our client’s unique collection of antique reproductions and garden decor.

Not only was it was important that we create an approachable, yet sophisticated look and feel for our client, but we needed to provide an easy to dismantle and replicate booth display design that could be transported from one trade show to the next.  To accomplish, we started with designing, sourcing, and crafting in Columbus, Ohio with our favorite carpenter and builder Robert Orr.  Together, with Robert’s expertise, we paired two beautiful live-edge American white oak slabs for the table surface with a set of ever so sturdy, rough-cut sawhorse legs (so very sturdy, because they’d need to hold the several hundred of pounds of the cast stone treasures upon).

With the supplies and table packed we were off to Chi-Town in our Chevy Tahoe rental nicknamed “Beast” (the perfect transport—roomy, smooth ride with commanding road presence).  Once in Chicago, we quickly went to work setting up and styling the dozens of cast stone treasures, urns, water features, jardiniers, animals and statues, florals, orchids, textural elements, layers of lush, green moss, wood slabs and North Carolina pine cones to anchor and complement the garden tablescape abundantly.

Around the perimeter of the tablescape, we created seven tableaux areas to display and highlight the magnificent urns (styled with overflowing with lush pink hydrangeas), statues (adorned with boxwood wreaths and Southern magnolia swags), water features (styled with garden pebbles), a garden bench (inviting everyone to take a moments rest) and a console (ready to entertaining and viewing the latest Unique Stone catalog).

Among the tableaux we created a sitting area with the Italian Garden Bench. We found this David Hicks inspired chartreuse pillow and a woven jute patterned rug to pair with Unique Stone’s favorite whimsical garden stool the Majestic Hippo. We just adore this little guy—he’s the perfect table for your summer cocktail.

Far left of the hippo, the water features are anchored by the Heron Fountain and two birdbaths filled with garden pebbles. The trickling water in the fountain within the space added a tranquil moment for all to enjoy during the show.

The Atlas Console was the perfect space to display catalogs and refreshments to those who stop by to explore the garden display.

Marketing elements were also an essential layer to create brand recognition. A tall perpendicular sign, vertically designed with the Unique Stone logo and tagline “History in the Making” was centrally placed among the tablescape allowing visibility from all directions of foot traffic during the show.  In addition, handwritten chalk signage and cards shared tips, pricing and FAQ’s Unique Stone is often asked.  Hang tags were adored on larger cast stone product throughout the booth, tied with dark green ribbon to tell the brand story and clearly share the item number, product name and price to all who shopped the IGC show.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our latest project for Unique Stone.

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