Deep Roots at Yesterday’s Tree

Heather Williams , left and Amanda Craig at Yesterday's Tree, Photo by Matt Rose
Heather Williams , left and Amanda Craig at Yesterday’s Tree, Photo by Matt Rose

Peggy Yarborough founded her furniture and home accessories store, Yesterday’s Tree, over 29 years ago. After three decades of hard work, her establishment has weathered everything from a catastrophic, lose-everything fire in 2003, to the recession. Yarborough has built a well-known and respected brand due to her recognizable local ads (it helps that they’re cute dog-studded), excellent customer service, and an eclectic and always beautiful inventory. Yesterday’s Tree also offers design services, which are shared by two design savvy young staffers: Amanda Craig and Heather Williams. Armed with interior design degrees, they espouse a decidedly “rules, what rules?” design philosophy, noting that at the end of the day, a home should reflect who lives in it.

CH+G: Where did each of you study, and how long have you been with Yesterday’s Tree?
Amanda: I started in the Interior Design program at Western Carolina University, but finished my degree at UNC-Cape Fear. I’m a relative newbie here, having just started this past March. It has been wonderful for me because I had Heather’s support from day one, and I love working together.
Heather: I graduated from Western Carolina University’s program, and I actually started with Peggy as an intern, which morphed into a job. I never left and have been here for three years now.

What can a client expect who’s in need of design services and not just an end table?
Amanda: They can expect lots of individual attention and the highest level of customer service. We’re a bit unusual because Yesterday’s Tree offers full design services and the merchandise is right here too, so we can pluck what we need, when we need it.
Heather: We have a hands-on design lab at our fingertips. We can show clients what we mean when we suggest, say, a mid-century influenced lamp for their den. We also have access to home accessories that may not be present in the store; we can order important room components — fabrics, wallpapers, and window treatments.
Amanda: We also have connections to excellent craftspeople, including seamstresses and upholsterers.

I’m curious — what are the origins of your name, “Yesterday’s Tree?”
Heather: It was really a nod to the fact that the wood furniture Peggy sold originally was made from yesterday’s trees.
Amanda: And since the first store had unfinished fabric bolts too, the original name was “Yesterday’s Trees and Swatches.”

Do you work with your own clients or do you collaborate a lot?
Heather: We work as partners, which is fantastic. I bounce ideas off Amanda and she’ll present an idea I never would have thought of. It makes for a great work partnership, but really benefits our clients.
Amanda: Right, and we collaborate a lot with Peggy and our salespeople too. There can never be too many cooks!

Do you have a typical client, and can you describe your process?
Heather: We really have no typical client, only because each person we serve has a home and lifestyle that’s completely unique to them. Amanda and I visit people’s homes and closely observe how they live. For example, we suggest things like dirt-hiding fabrics and slipcovers for clients who have kids and pets! We also work with commercial clients like salons and hotels, where we design with factors like handicapped accessibility in mind.
Amanda: Our clients range from someone who may just need a new sofa to a couple building a home who seek a house full of furniture, outdoor living area ideas, and an overall design plan. We listen carefully to our clients. We don’t want to push a modern interior on someone who loves mountain rustic. It’s really all about them, which keeps our work exciting. Some clients need very little guidance from us and know exactly what they want, while others may not know where to start.

It sounds like you do a lot more for clients than people imagine.
Amanda: People often don’t realize how technical interior design programs are. We study building codes, architecture, the history of furniture, and we learn architectural drawing using CAD.
Heather: Many people assume we spend our days picking out pretty fabrics and examining paint chips. We do the picking-out-pretty-things part for sure, but we also do a good deal of work with contractors about strictly practical things.

Any current trends you’re seeing reflected in what your clients want?
Heather: We saw lots of Asian influence when we went to High Point this past spring. We’re also seeing greater demand for tricked out outdoor living areas — and Peggy has responded by carrying some great lines of super comfy, sustainable outdoor furniture. One line is made from recycled milk jugs. That said, we’ll use elements of a style, but stay away from “matchy-matchy.” And we always stay client, as opposed to trend, centered.
Amanda: We’re also seeing increased demand for green and American-made products. Our clients want sustainable materials and environments with natural beauty. Fortunately we carry many American-made furniture pieces and products. This feels right because we’re strengthening the economy by buying and selling American and regionally made products.

What spaces are clients most desiring to change of late?
Heather: I’d say livings rooms and bedrooms. They want a comfortable, welcoming setting for relaxing and entertaining. This has definitely shifted from kitchens and bathrooms.
Amanda: The lines are blurring between work and home, which also accounts for the increased desire for comfort.

I just have to ask — who are your canine mascots? You’ve got to be at least as famous for the cute dogs in your ads as your inventory!
Amanda: For sure! The original “ad dog” was Peggy’s old Yellow Lab Bailey, who passed away last year. Now we feature Sophie, Peggy’s new English Cream Retriever and her daughter Jamie’s Goldendoodle Penny.
Heather: Our canine coworkers serve as our greeters and therapy dogs — for the customers and us!

Yesterday’s Tree is located at 780 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. Call 828-274-4296 or visit yesterdaystreefurniture.com.

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