New kid off the Elm block: It sounds like Chicago’s Elm Street has a namesake in town. Not quite. West Elm is the chic home furnishings mail-order franchise–the brainchild of Williams-Sonoma Inc.This stylish newcomer, which made its debut last summer, offers the kind of designs that make you go “hmm”–but in a good way.
(The looks are so stylish that they will be the centerpiece of a New York comedy stage production called “Loose Knit,” the story of five New York women in their 30s and their friendships.)
Our favorite designs include the woven coffee table made of pine with open-weave rope ($299); and the single futon lounger ($99 for frame, $150 for futon mattress), with its sassy chaise styling.
Other winning looks include: textured linen or sheer cotton window panels in shades of chocolate, celery, sunset orange, avocado, flax and basil ($14 to $49 per panel depending on width and length).
While West Elm is owned by the same parent company that owns Pottery Barn, products from the new venture can be distinguished by its slimmer furniture style and more modest prices. The designs, often Asian-inspired, are free-spirited and full of energy. With their lower price points, they’re great choices for those feathering a first apartment to empty-nesters with forever-young attitudes.
For a catalog, call 866-428-6468.