Thursday, March 23, 2023

Sofas and Settees in Historical Context


 Hampton Barringer Luzak is a Jackson Hole, Wyoming, entrepreneur who delivers media and advertising solutions. With a passion for interior design, Hampton B. (Barringer) Luzak has a particular interest in historic residences of the Southeast. One common element of such interiors is the sofa, which dates back to the 17th century.

Also known as known as a settee, the sofa is an upholstered seat that may also have upholstered back and arms. The oldest known examples of settees were constructed in Europe. These were double chairs that had cushions and sides that let down so that they could be converted into beds. Those that were relatively narrow and provided for closer sitting took on the name “loveseats” or “courting settees.” Today’s loveseat is a specific type of short sofa that allows people to sit side-by-side.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the term sofa (which is more common today in the US) came from the dais a Grand Vizier or Ottoman Turkish ruler sat on. It was not quite upright and had soft upholstery, providing connotations of lounging and reclining rather than simply sitting. Today, both types of seating (the traditional sofa and the settee) can be termed sofa, so the distinction does not strongly apply to contemporary furniture.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Identifying the Era in Which Antique Chairs Were Made


 Residing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Hampton Barringer Luzak has an extensive background in media and advertising. One of Hampton B. Luzak’s interests is interior design, and she excels at placing antiques within residential settings.


Identifying the exact period in which antique chairs were made can be challenging. This typically starts with seeking out markings. Across the 18th and 19th centuries, markings were often burned or carved into the wood on the chair frame’s underside (or under the upholstery). This discreet placement maintained emphasis on the intricate designs of the era. Paper and metal labels from makers were also common, but these have typically peeled or worn off over the years.


Construction techniques are also vital in chair identification, with complex dove-tail and other handmade joints associated with the late 1600s and early 1700s. With the industrial revolution, symmetry became much more prevalent, due to precision machining. Materials also changed, with oak common across the early Georgian period (1714-1830) and mahogany prevalent from the late-Georgian to Victorian eras. Ebonized beech came in vogue as the 20th century approached.


Design work is also paramount in identifying specific makers and eras. Antique furniture designers of note included Thomas Chippendale, Thomas Sheraton, and George Hepplewhite.


Friday, March 10, 2023

Proper Ski Form on Steep Terrain


 Hampton Barringer Luzak is a Jackson Hole, Wyoming, professional with experience in entertainment production and marketing. An avid skier, Hampton B. Luzak enjoys both Nordic and alpine courses during the winter months.


When it comes to skiing steep terrain, an essential skill is selecting a line that avoids obstacles, no-fall zones, and icy sections that can present serious risks. Having set upon a line, take a stance with the eyes and body focused downhill and the weight centered on the outside (downhill) ski. Avoid the common mistake of defensively leaning back. As you begin the descent, keep the upper body stable and relatively motionless, as any extra movements of the arms will only serve to upset your balance at speed. The body should be stacked directly over the skis, not only back and front, but also side to side.


Be particularly aware of the shoulders and keep them facing directly downhill, with a slight lean to the outside ski, which helps maintain weight on that foot. Use the poles proactively, reaching forward and planting them, and pushing forward as the ski passes by. This helps ensure control and stability on drops that are destabilizing.


Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Sales and Marketing Techniques for Acquiring New Customers


 Hampton Barringer Luzak is a highly accomplished individual with a range of experience in different fields. She has worked as a creative director's assistant, supporting the team that developed Visa's popular "it's everywhere you want to be" slogan and several of Pepsi's iconic television commercials. Hampton Luzak then honed her skills as a sales and marketing professional for two fashion houses before becoming an on-air reporter for lifestyle pieces on MSNBC.

Acquiring new customers is essential for any business looking to grow and expand. Sales and marketing techniques are crucial in targeting and acquiring new business customers. One effective technique is to identify and target specific niches within the market. By focusing on a particular market segment, businesses can tailor their sales and marketing efforts to meet the needs of that specific group. This can increase the likelihood of attracting new customers who are more customers who are more likely to be interested in the products or services offered.

Another technique is to use data analysis to understand the demographics, behaviors, and preferences of potential customers. This information can be used to create targeted marketing campaigns more likely to resonate with the target audience. Additionally, businesses can use social media and digital marketing tools to reach out to potential customers in a cost-effective manner. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are great for B2B businesses to reach the right people and promote their products or services.

In addition, businesses can also use referral marketing to acquire new customers. Referral marketing is a technique where existing customers are incentivized to refer their friends, family, and colleagues to the business. This can be a powerful way to acquire new customers, as referrals are more likely to trust the business and are more likely to make a purchase.