Text and Photography: Garvin Burke
Anthropologie and RH (Restoration Hardware), two well-known national brands with furniture lines and strong footprints in the Greenwich Affair territory are now expanding even farther. They are doing so not by square-footage in their well-curated stores, but, rather, with polished publications that look more like luxury magazines than catalogs; or as RH calls its impressive 540-page printed tome: a “source book.”
Both brands have mastered their vision of a well-lived lifestyle through their furniture, fixtures and accessories, which are created by top international designers, artisans and manufacturers. Each company has captured their aesthetics in carefully composed photographs that focus on their love of craftsmanship and thoughtful design. The page layouts and paper are also exceptional. Reviewing catalogs isn’t just about finding a product, it’s about being immersed in well-crafted world; and you’re glad to linger.
Find copies at local stores: Anthropologie, 480 West Putnam Avenue, and Restoration Hardware, 239 Greenwich Avenue.
Throughout the pages of House and Home by Anthropologie you will find “Style Note,”which provides sound decorating advice. For example, see this spread: “Mineral Mix”: “When choosing pulls, keep materials in the same vein–striated geodes or polished gems–then play with color and shape.”
Here is the Honoka Collection designed by Tracy Boyd, who was inspired by the Japanese patched indigo textiles known as boro. There is no shortage of exclusive items in Anthropologie’s latest furnishing line.
Gary Friedman, chairman and CEO of Restoration Hardware, describes RHModern as its “newest adventure,” adding that “from the products to the people, the ideas and inspiration, down to the fabrics and the finishes, we have worked collaboratively across continents to create a composition that is unique and authentically our own.” He is describing a total makeover dedicated to the “authentic expression of Modern.” The troupe of talent called into craft this grandly ambitious vision is awe-inspiring, as it comprises celebrated artists, artisans, art directors, designers, photographers, merchants and manufacturers.
Vicente Wolf—New York City based designer, Moffly Media 2013 athome’s A-list judge and globe-trotter—has created an exclusive side and coffee table “distinguished by elegant details, such as flush metal corner brackets and slender brass legs capped on both ends for HRModern.