After two and a half days at the furniture market, we had to get out in the city and see some of the permanent design destinations. No, not the Forum Shops at Caesar’s, but The Arts District near Fremont Street and modern-design mecca Unica Home. More on that shortly.
Attending the Vegas market was an eye-opening experience. To the casual observer, the retail experience is just about one store and its product. However, there is so much more that goes on in order to make it possible. The buying process isn’t just about choosing product, it’s also about finding good value, determining trends but staying true to your concept, forging relationships with reps and exhibitors and taking the time to travel to places like the World Market Center. Diane and I covered what seemed like miles on foot every day—an exhausting process even to the most seasoned of market-goers. Though, we were happy to walk down every undiscovered corridor in hopes of stumbling onto great design. All that is even more reason to support your local business owners—they put in a lot of work for you!
One of the highlights of the trip, for me, was meeting Bobby Berk of Bobby Berk Home. We were in the same showroom when I glanced at his name tag, and so I had to introduce myself. Berk lives in New York, where his first store opened (he is now in four states), and his company doesn’t seem to be slowing down! He couldn’t be nicer, and I will continue to read his blog and search the new products on his site for inspiration!
On the local front, we ran into Amir Radwan, owner of Couch (1230 Western Ave., 206-633-6108). He was there looking for some accessories to go into his store. We will look forward to those, and meanwhile, go check him out!
Here are some photos from our trip to Unica Home—any modern-design lover would go crazy:
Alessi display
We also sought out the Arts District, and found a fabulous, funky vintage shop called Retro Vegas. Here are some photos:
Orange sofa from a neighborhood model home from the ’50s.
An entirely salvaged pink retro kitchen!
I love the chrome bamboo and lucite-base coffee tables.
Only in Vegas!
Other highlights from the Arts District were The Funk House, The Attic and Brett Wesley gallery.
Well, Vegas was fun, but I’m glad to be back in the Northwest. Although I saw some great places for design, I don’t think it compares to the fabulous talent we have here in the Emerald City. Stay tuned for photos of KOAP Home after Diane receives all the fabulous new pieces she found at the show!
Thanks for stopping by! From Unicahome
It was a pleasure meeting you as well! Keep in touch