Bohemian Paris Collection
A wise man once said, “Dreams turn into reality when dedication is above expectation.” No truer words describe Rock Hard Design House in downtown Pensacola. For over 40 years, Rock Hard Design has been transforming customers’ dreams into reality, using the vision and skill that only comes from devotion and experience. Located along North Palafox directly beside the historic Rex Theater, Rock Hard’s legacy is their in-house creation of one-of-a-kind fine jewelry that is equivalent to enchanting pieces of art. In keeping with their tradition of craftsmanship and quality, Rock Hard Design House has recently become a collective studio that also features customized furniture. Mirroring the great tradition of a “Beehive” artist colony in Paris, Rock Hard Design House boasts several local artisans who work together to create a superior collection. Carla Hard, along with these artists, carries on Rock Hard’s tradition of bringing individualized beauty with designs that are unique and breathtaking to pieces that patrons can enjoy every day.
Carla sees both jewelry and furniture design as “a great expression of the self.” As a child, Carla appreciated both the elegance and functionality of the antique furniture that graced her grandmother’s Rhode Island home. Fond memories of her grandmother’s collection planted the first seed for her passion for revitalizing gently loved pieces. Carla, who comes from a long line of artists, describes her style as “Bohemian,” but also takes influence from styles of the Jacobean period, Italian Renaissance, French Antique, and Art Nouveau. Many of her creations feature themes from the natural world and are designed to “bring life and nature into the four walls of your home.” As can be seen from her “Bohemian Paris” collection, she loves to mix the new with the old, giving clients a reimagined signature piece.
Rock Hard furniture design always begins with a piece that Carla knows is “structurally sound” with “good bones.” Sometimes Carla personally selects the items from an estate sale, or they may be a client’s treasured family heirloom in need of refreshing. When reupholstering, Carla uses only high end, European fabrics. If a piece needs any painting or hand restoration work, Patsy Roark, one of Rock Hard’s artists, can masterfully achieve the finished look. Michael Fowler, another in-house artist (and also Carla’s son) can repair or add custom metal, wood, or even a mixture to achieve the perfect detail. Whatever Rock Hard Design House creates, it is always with the customer’s style and personality in mind.
Many of Rock Hard Designs’ furniture pieces, along with their famous jewelry, are on display in their showroom space. If you do not find an item that speaks to you, any of the “Beehive” artists are happy to sit down with you and discuss your aesthetic preference and your vision. Carla and her team want nothing more than to create something that her clients can “live with and love” through all seasons of life. Rock Hard Design House is truly a place where mastery and artistry meet, turning dreams into exquisite reality.
