Focus is on design at Saxon-Clark

By Courtney Mueller -- Casual Living, 5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM

Founded in 1996, Saxon-Clark is a full service furniture showroom and design firm, with an emphasis on custom work and creating personal detail. With a second location in Altamonte Springs, Fla., the 55,000-sq.-ft. Orlando showroom boasts everything a homeowner would need to decorate her home, from fine rugs and chandeliers to custom bedding and window treatments.

Casual furniture isn't neglected. Resin, wicker, aluminum and iron outdoor furniture from Summer Classics, Whitecraft, Brown Jordan, Laneventure and Ficks Reed fill the showroom, as well as fountains from Henri Studio. Casual accents and accessories are the norm at Saxon-Clark, too. Fireplaces, granite bars, outdoor rugs and firepits also factor into the product mix.

"We are a furniture showcase and design firm," said Adie Leclair Jr., assistant to Saxon-Clark owner Donnie Saxon. "We're very designer-friendly and work with a spectrum of designers in the area."

In fact, Saxon-Clark has received accolades for participating in several design-based community projects, such as the New American Home (part of the International Builders Show in Orlando) and Street of Dreams, an event that showcases houses built by area contractors and furnished by area businesses.

"(Donnie) is very passionate about decorating," Leclair said. "He doesn't consider it work. That goes a long way. It is a reflection in the community and the public."

Instead of targeting a certain demographic or customer, Leclair said the company aims to attract consumers who want quality furniture with a good look and at a fair price.

"Customer satisfaction keeps us going," he said.

In fact, it doesn't seem that the company is wary about other retailers in the area, including the mass merchants.

"We are the competition," Leclair said.