This year was a big year for design firms, publications and organizations and Editor at Large has been keeping track. As 2014 comes to a close, here is one last look at nine showrooms and stores celebrating something big this year: Michael Aram, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Eastern Accents, Lillian August, Currey & Company, Pine Cone Hill, Baroncelli, Serena & Lily and Studio Four NYC.
Michael Aram product
Michael Aram—25 Years
In honor of the company’s 25th anniversary, it released the Atelier Collection, 12 limited edition sculptures (one for each month of the year) that are being showcased in stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales, as well as select museums, according to Global Director of Public Relations, Anthony Berklich. Company founder Michael Aram also released his Commemorative Collection to make available his favorite pieces from his archives.
For Berklich, the full-page ad in the New York Times promoting a decorative arts auction at Sotheby’s was a highlight in the company’s history. “We hope to continue offering our customers unique and functional objects of art that allow them to elevate their everyday routine into something truly beautiful,” said Berklich.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams—25 Years
The design duo kicked off its anniversary year with the publication of a new design tome, Who We Are with Assouline. In addition, the brand opened new stores across the country—christening each with a party—and hosted anniversary events in each of its established stores.
According to founders Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, all of the anniversary events benefited local non-profit organizations, and raised and donated more than $100,000.
Easter Accents product
Eastern Accents—25 Years
“We have so many amazing memories from the last 25 years, it’s hard to pick just a few moments,” said Eastern Accents President Ridvan Tatargil. “We started manufacturing kilim pillows out of a small downtown Chicago loft, so the day we moved into our current facilities has always stood out as one of our most memorable moments.”
In addition to a large celebration at the April High Point Market, Eastern Accents created an online guestbook where designers can flip through some of the company’s favorite memories, as well as share their own from the last 25 years.
“The foundation of our company is our commitment to superior craftsmanship and exceptional quality, values we will continue to focus on as we move into the future,” he continued.
Lillian August furniture
Lillian August—25 Years
According to President Dan Weiss, the opening of Lillian August’s flagship Norwalk Design Center 10 years ago was one of the most transformative moments in the company’s history—as was the re-launching of the Lillian August collection in 2008 for Hickory White.
In addition to throwing a big party with Traditional Home, Lillian August also transformed its Norwalk Design Center this year. The space now includes new Lillian August product, an organic mattress gallery, a new art gallery and a café.
As for the future, Weiss noted the company is “committed to constantly innovating and improving our products and services, and will continue to do so."
Currey & Company lighting
Currey & Company—25 Years
Currey & Company has gone through many changes, and much expansion since its incarnation 25 years ago.
“When we first started manufacturing home furnishings we produced primarily outdoor furniture and decorative accents including lighting, furniture and quirky items like rustic bird houses,” said Bethanne Matari, PR maven for Currey & Co. “For many years we were known for our chandeliers and lamps. Today, we offer our customers a floor-to-ceiling shopping experience with rugs, upholstery and more.”
The Atlanta-based company considers some of its corporate highlights to be opening a factory in the Philippines; opening a Hong Kong office; expanding its showroom presence to Atlanta, Dallas and High Point; and, this year, opening a new showroom in the New York Design Center.
“We hope to continue to serve our customers, owners and employees in an exemplary manner through a culture which encourages all to flourish!” said Matari. “If we can stick to these principles then our future will be very bright.”
Pine Cone Hill bedding
Pine Cone Hill—20 Years
“There are so many memorable moments—the first call from a customer, our first New York show, hitting the million-dollar mark, moving out of the house and then six more times,” said Pine Cone Hill Founder Annie Selke. “Then starting Dash and Albert Rug Company, writing Fresh American Spaces—there is so much to be grateful for!”
She said “the first 20 years went by in the blink of a (hardworking) eye,” but that she looks forward to growing the brand and discovering what products it will bring to life next. “I also look forward to continually improving what is already a lovely work environment for my employees.”
Baroncelli lighting
Baroncelli—20 Years
According to Creative Director Giovanni Corrado, the Baroncelli brand marks its milestones with great teamwork, remarkable design opportunites and a sense of humor.
Construction of the renowned Burj Al-Arab hotel began in the same year Baroncelli was born and was the first major hotel project the company worked on. More hotel projects followed, including a spot on the Four Seasons preferred vendor list.
Additional company highlights included the opening of its D&D showroom in New York; developing one-off pieces for One Cornwall Terrace, which became the most significant private home ever to be sold in London; and the first award Baroncelli received for best contemporary product.
As for the future? “We will continue to keep pushing our creativity and boundaries as a design studio and as such look for ways to design with new materials and explore advancements in technologies, in particular LEDs,” said Corrado.
He hopes to expand Baroncelli collections with new designs (look out for new product launches in Milan) and to continue working on custom lighting and installations for private residencies, yachts, clubs, restaurants and hotels worldwide.”
Serena & Lily product
Serena & Lily—10 Years
This year marks Serena & Lily’s 10th anniversary—the company shipped its first nursery bedding in 2004 and it has since “grown into a leading lifestyle brand,” according to CEO and Co-founder Lily Kanter. The retailer now offers furniture, rugs, lighting, gifts, wallpaper, fabric and original works of art.
Highlights in Serena & Lily’s 10-year history include its feature in People magazine (the brand outfitted a nursery for Jennifer Garner in 2006) as well as adding kids bedding in 2007, publishing the Nursery Style book in 2007, launching a master bedding collection in 2009 and opening its first retail locations in the Hamptons in 2013 and in San Francisco in 2014.
For the future? “Growing more, expanding to new categories, and adding more retail locations,” Kanter said.
Studio Four NYC showroom
Studio Four NYC—5 Years
Co-founder of Studio Four NYC, Kate Reynolds, has spent time reflecting on the opening of the company in 2009. Since then, the brand has gone from three employees to a thriving team.
“To me it symbolizes that we are growing and clients are ready for more Studio Four,” she said.
Reynolds also considers working on our designer collaborations with with Katie Ridder, Amanda Nisbet, Tilton Fenwick, and Carrier and Company as “amazing experiences” throughout her career as well.
Next up for Studio Four: expanding its space and venturing into new product areas. “In the past we have sold primarily custom design products, but we are going to be bringing in some extraordinary vintage rugs and decor items that I am crazy excited to share,” Reynolds says. Studio Four is also slated to release a line of wallpapers designed by four “super talented designers” in early 2015.
Have an anniversary coming up in 2015? Drop us a line and let us know!
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