West Elm putting down roots in Calgary
Pick up any North American home and design magazine, and you’ll probably find a reference to West Elm.
One of North America’s hottest home and accessories stores, the American company has been a purveyor of cool home stuff — art, chairs, cushions, lighting, sofas and more — since the first store opened in Brooklyn, New York in 2003.
Previously, Calgary fans had only two options: order online or shop in another city.
But now, West Elm is opening a 9,000- square- foot store in the newly renovated Mount Royal Village on Aug. 20.
Part of the Williams- Sonoma portfolio of brands, West Elm now has 77 stores around the world.
Here, West Elm spokesperson Nicole Sutliff talks about the top five trends she’s seeing for homes this fall:
A nod to the past. In this case, that means the 1950s and ’ 60s, when simplicity, natural wood and Scandinavian design became so influential.
Stay close to home. West Elm’s selection includes art and goods by several Calgary artisans and craftspeople. They include Mtharu furniture, Rural Creative ( signs from reclaimed wood), Big City Designs ( coasters made with “upcycled” recycled wood), Brown Eyed Suzy ( cotton twill cushions with playful nature themes), Medicine River Soap Co. ( all- natural, handcrafted soaps) and The Paper Lover ( cards, postcards, prints).
Go global. Find inspiration in creations from international artisans and craftspeople. For example, West Elm’s embroidered pillow covers and vases designed by Peruvian artist Carla Peters Chulucanas.
Cool colours. Every season brings a slew of fresh new colours to brighten and modernize your space. This fall is no exception, Sutliff says. “One of our biggest colour crushes for fall is sage. It’s a greenish- grey hue that softens up an industrial modern space and is a calming colour.” Inject a pop of fresh colour with velvet pillows, vases, decorative boxes or trays.
Rugs rule. This season’s biggest hits include distressed wool and Moroccan shag. “An area rug is an easy way to delineate spaces in your home,” she says. “Choose a rug that works with your pre- existing decor or go for a statement piece that serves as the room’s focal point.”