West Elm’s South Africa Collection

Continuing my appreciation for all things design-y from (or inspired by) the Continent, may I present West Elm's South Africa Collection. Launching this week, the collaboration showcases 16 South African artisans and includes an array of furniture, bedding, dinnerware, and accessories.

One of my closest friends is absolutely in love with SA. I can tell by the way she stresses the word "looooove" when referencing the country. Her reasons vary but I can hear that same passion when Creative Director Vanessa Holden explains West Elm's decision to produce the collection:

We felt so strongly about South Africa, we wanted people to be able to sit on it, eat out of it, and observe it.

Sounds like SA is the place to be! But since airfare is astronomically high (I checked), a few inspired pieces from your local West Elm store may temporarily satisfy.

The collection also includes limited-edition, discovered objects like the beaded Masai chokers and bird sculptures (shown above). Each Kuba Crescent Bench is one of a kind and covered in a traditional Congolese textile made of hand-woven raffia.

Like what you see? There's even more online!

Images: West Elm

DC Design: West Elm Georgetown

Dear Friends: I attended the opening of West Elm’s Pop-Up in Georgetown with every intention of taking beautiful photos to show the world. However, my camera had a different plan. So, I hope my words, along with a few smartphone pics, adequately capture Williams-Sonoma’s latest experiment.

The space is noticeably small – approximately one third the size of the Tysons Corner location – making each product all the more memorable. I was immediately struck by the sophistication of the company’s latest collection. Leather, tufting, sheen, and shine… There’s a product for every personality. However, West Elm made some deliberate choices based on geography like a healthy dose of bed and bath for nearby Georgetown University students as well as globally-inspired accessories for DC’s diverse community.

Despite the lack of square footage, the shop makes room for a few special touches. For example, the Design Lab allows customers to see and touch fabric options for upholstered furniture. There are also limited edition pieces like glass and plaster artwork from India. The space is perfectly styled – showcasing an array of products in beautiful vignettes throughout.

Why call it an experiment? This is not only West Elm’s first pop up shop but also its first venture in the District since closing the massive 10th and G location. With a trial period of just 6-8 months, West Elm is testing the waters in hopes that Georgetown may become a permanent home.

West Elm Georgetown
3333 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007

Image credit: The Interior Design Resource Agency, Sukio