Rustic elm veneers, with a dry 10-sheen finish, distressed through dry brushing, cowtails, fly specs, water marks and worm holes, define the casual, “passed-down through the generations” feel of this collection. The beauty of the elm veneers is highlighted on the rolled block drawer fronts of the case goods adding grace and understated elegance. On many pieces, the tops are detailed with a border of walnut inlays rendered in shapes echoing the top profiles. The custom designed hardware features a decorative pierced back plate and knob crafted in a darkened patina of antiqued bronze with golden highlights. A decorative metal filigreed fretwork element, mirroring the serpentine shape of the collection, adorns headboards, mirror and china’s, carrying the classic leaf and “C” scroll motifs rendered much more casually as hand crafted in rubbed antique metal rather than the traditional wood. This unique juxtaposition of relaxed style with traditional elements makes American Memories as fresh as today, yet with a patina of age that seems authentically timeless.