Servicing designers from Fairfield and Westchester counties, Wakefield Design Center, a to-the-trade showroom in Stamford, recently expanded its space by 30 percent to better meet the needs of designers and their clients. While the center represents a variety of product lines and goods, the new space is used primarily to showcase original artwork, vendor galleries and new rotating bedroom displays.
“We wanted larger, more open spaces, tall ceilings, good wall space and a lot of natural light,” says company president George Snead. “The vignettes are bigger, and for the most part, all of the art in the new space is original.”
Since artwork is the single biggest category of product sold off the floor at the center, its presence in the new space was paramount. “Before we had the extra space, we didn’t highlight a body of work by any one artist,” says Snead. “This really gave us the opportunity to showcase art as a real gallery would.”
Vendor galleries and branded collections, such as Thom Filicia Vanguard Home Collection, Hable for Hickory Chair, and Keno Brothers from Theodore Alexander, are also featured in a more meaningful way. “Through the expansion, we’re able to provide separate galleries for furniture manufacturers and show all of their finishes, fabrics and a variety of their product,” says Snead.
In addition, through a special collaboration with The Linen Shop in New Canaan, the center also debuted rotating bedroom displays that feature fine linens and accessories. While the center sells beds through many vendors, it never had the space before to dedicate to bedding. With the expansion, inspiration struck. “It was like an ‘aha moment,’” says Snead of the idea to collaborate. “The Linen Shop dresses the bed for us, and we refer designers and their clients to the shop for finishing.”
Serving the trade-only design community for nearly twenty years, the center stays ahead of the curve by constantly updating its offerings and taking designers to market to help buy for the floor. “I refer to our showroom as ‘curated by designers, for designers,’” says Snead.
652 Glenbrook Road, Stamford; 203-358-0818; wakefielddesigncenter.com
Selling Points
In addition to an expanded showroom, Wakefield Design Center has a lot to offer. George Snead explains:
INSTANT GRATIFICATION
Like that lamp? Take it home today. “Everything in our store is available for sale the minute it comes out. We’re really well curated and styled, so you get a chance to see product in an environment where you might find it in a home.”
SHOPPERS’ DELIGHT
“We’re a great place for designers to bring clients to shop. You can touch and feel a broad spectrum of product and get a sense of the quality of our vendors.”