By Lauren Heskin
18th Nov 2017
18th Nov 2017
Excitement isn’t the right word to describe the reaction to West Elm’s launch in Arnotts. Frenzied euphoria is probably more accurate. The American homeware brand has finally landed with their own store within Arnotts, hosting around 100 of West Elm’s most beloved pieces. We got a sneak peek of the range and sat down with Alex Olsen of West Elm to find out more about the collection. Here’s what we learned…
They were doing mid-century since before it was the trend. Danish and modern mid-century has almost fully taken over from the purist nature of the Scandinavian styles by now, but West Elm always loved those shapes and complemented them with brass hardware. “Mid-century has been a huge influence for West Elm since we launched in Brooklyn in 2002,” says Alex. “We like to mix and match our materials as well to add some fun, like the Carlo Mid-Century Chair in a beautiful olive velvet with these funky brass feet.”
The Carlo Mid-Century chair (€699), the Ladder Shelf Storage unit (starting from €299), the Axel Leather sofa (€2,899), the Mid-Century Pop-Up Walnut Coffee Table (€799).
They like to work with local makers and designers. West Elm are a fair trade company and aim to collaborate with as many local artists as possible. Since launching in the UK in 2015, they’ve collaborated with textile designer Margo Selby for a beautiful range of bed linen, made of 100% organic cotton. As well as this, they’ve also got some beautiful exclusive pieces, including a gorgeous sculpture from their makers in Haiti, made entirely of recycled materials.
The Penelope Acorn Narrow 5-Drawer Dress (€1,199), Mid-Century Acorn Bedside unit (€349), the Mid-Century Bed Frame (starting from €899), Margo Selby Logan Duvet Cover (starting from €169).
We basically gave them no choice about coming to Ireland. “We launched in London two years ago and it was such a huge success,” explains Alex. “One of the reasons we wanted to team up with Arnotts was because the reaction was so strong and there were so many Irish orders coming and paying shipping costs, that is just made sense.” Plus with everything now stocked in Ireland, delivery times won’t take as long. They picked the selection with apartment living in mind. Larger items like the Mid-Century Acorn bed collection and Axel leather sofa will be available at Arnotts. However, so many items like the bookshelves come in narrow options that can be used as separates or teamed together to fit your space. “We like to see you mix and match our pieces and build your own personality,” says Alex. Even the Andes Sectional Corner sofa can come apartment and is narrow enough to fit through tight doorways and staircases.“We’re from Brooklyn so space is paramount for us too,” laughs Alex.
Hemming Leather Swivel Armchair (€1,199), Marble-Topped Pedestal Coffee Table (€799), Andes Sectional Sofa (€2,699).
They’ll be refreshing the collection often. Expect to see a few fun velvet touches come January and then an entirely fresh space come next summer. So even if you haven’t spotted that side table you really want, don’t worry it’ll probably land soon, and if you’re considering a piece, know that stock will rotate often. And if we had to pick a favourite…? Alex’s pick is the exquisite walnut and marble Delphine buffet side table with its brushed brass handles. However, we are quite partial to the Mongolian Lamb stool because it’s unbelievably soft and fluffy. Us, children? Never.
Mongolian Lamb Footstool (€479).
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