Finally, I'm feeling like I might just catch up on posts. Now that I'm home and the Memorial holiday is over I can attend to the blog (among the other piles of work I have around). Many of you have asked what it's like to shop at trade shows. I liken it to shopping at a flea market. There are booths and booths of things that are not what you're in the market for, and some booths you might have to dig deep for treasure. And sometimes a great new thing just jumps out. But to be sure I haven't missed anything, I do tend to retrace my steps. That's why these shows can be exhausting. Basically, it's like walking from 10am to 6pm. If you're lucky you can sit during lunch. I'm not complaining; there's always some very nice people to interact with along the way. So what caught my attention on this day?
Denmark's Ferm Living is a line I've had my eye on for a while. They approached me about a year ago to sell their wallpaper. As much as I loved the designs, I wasn't sure about testing the waters of a new category like wallpaper. This year they launched a whole home collection. Now this is something I can jump on board with! So I bought everything: wallpaper, wall stickers, dish towels, pillows, etc. As far as I know, we'll be the exclusive retailer in San Francisco for this line that features great graphics with a scandinasian slant. I liked one of the wallpaper designs so much I ordered a roll for myself. Prices are reasonable, though the wallpaper might be a bit pricey if you're accustomed to shopping at Home Depot.
Next, I found a wonderful rug collection by designer Robin Gray. Her line is simple, but with broad customization. Though Robin displayed some amazing technical designs, I decided to pick up the shaggy and loopy designs in solid colors of my own choosing, like bright orange and lime green. I added a couple neutral colors for those that refrain from splashes of color (no judgment here). I'm glad to have a made contact with such a warm and encouraging businesswoman as Robin, and I look forward--with her help--to creating bespoke rugs for our more discriminating customers (and design clients). The rugs I ordered won't be in the store for a few months as they are made to order. But in keeping with my goal to find good stuff at a reasonable price, they'll be worth the wait.
Lastly, another rug line captured my imagination. Lawrence of La Brea showcased some very interesting fabrications, including recycled denim patchwork rugs and metal thread woven rugs, but I opted for a more downplayed style of rugs made of jute. Jute is the natural, and ultimately biodegradable, plant fiber utilized in rug making since ancient times. They offered a few bright colors and a few neutrals, both palettes I think will appeal to our customers. Subtle woven patterns add texture to the fields of color. A 6x9ft rug will retail for about $1200.00. And the smaller 2x3ft rugs will retail for about $132.00. These beauties should be in the store shortly as they are warehoused in Los Angeles.
Comments