Design Within Reach Part 1: Its History and the Melrose Showroom Info

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Dallas Newman

7 months ago


In the heart of Melrose Avenue, nestled among the eclectic mix of boutiques and trendy eateries, stands a beacon of modernity and architecture: Design Within Reach. Its sleek storefront, adorned with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, has an irresistible charm that draws passersby. 



Design Within Reach (DWR) is a furniture and home accessories retailer known for its collection of modern and contemporary designs. 



Founded in 1998 by Rob Forbes, the company aimed to make iconic furniture designs more accessible to consumers by offering high-quality reproductions of classic pieces alongside contemporary designs from established and emerging designers.



This massive store consists of 2 stories and has its own private lot parking. 



On the ceiling, you are greeted by a clustered collection of some of DWR's bestselling ceiling lights such as Moooi's Random Light or Herman Miller's Bubble Pendants. 



Inside, the air is imbued with the scent of fresh leather and polished wood. The space is a sanctuary for design aficionados, a playground where creativity knows no bounds. From iconic mid-century pieces to avant-garde contemporary designs, every corner whispers tales of craftsmanship and innovation.



I don't get to see this Lasvit pendant often - its opaque white glass profile provides subtle illumination. 



Each day, the showroom buzzes with activity as designers, architects, and homeowners alike seek inspiration for their next project. From sleek sofas to sculptural lighting fixtures, every piece curated by Design Within Reach tells a story, a testament to the enduring power of design to shape our lives.



Design Within Reach is more than just a store; it is a community hub, a place where ideas flow freely and collaborations blossom. 



The store's in-house designers provide tailored interior design services, and you can request free swatches and samples of fabrics so that you can visualize how the furniture is going to look before placing an order. 



Design Within Reach collaborates with renowned designers and manufacturers to curate a selection of furniture, lighting, accessories, and decor that embody a minimalist aesthetic with an emphasis on functionality and innovation. 



You can expect to furnish your entire house here - it has all kinds of home goods from bigger investment furniture pieces such as bedframes and sectionals to smaller decorative objects and area rugs. 



The store's offerings have an emphasis on iconic mid-century designs by designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi or Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. 



For instance, the Barcelona Chair is an iconic piece of furniture designed by the renowned architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in collaboration with his longtime partner, the designer and architect Lilly Reich. Originally created for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain, the chair is celebrated for its sleek and minimalist design, as well as its luxurious comfort.



The Barcelona Chair features a distinctive profile characterized by clean lines, a minimalist frame, and an elegant silhouette. It is comprised of a stainless steel frame, which is hand-buffed to a mirror finish, and upholstered cushions made from high-quality leather or fabric. 



The chair's seat and back cushions are filled with resilient foam, providing both support and comfort.



Lately, Design Within Reach has been introducing more contemporary and modern pieces from designers like Patricia Urquiola and Jasper Morrison to tailor to larger audiences. For instance, this hologram glass side table from Glas Italia is designed by Patricia Urquiola. It is characterized by its magical and ethereal appearance. The way it shimmers against sunlight is simply mesmerizing. 



The store is filled with dining chairs, each with a rich design history and significance. You won't have to worry about not finding the right chair here. 



The store invites and encourages you to sit on the chairs that are on display, so you can find the one that is most comfortable and useful in your space. 



Are you ready to move on to the 2nd floor? Stay tuned for the next post because the second floor is also filled with amazing finds. 

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