There are probably two men behind your sofa. And their names are Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, the two forces behind their namesake furniture company. They’re also the next subjects of the AT interview series.
What would Aters like to know from — or about — these tastemakers, workplace pioneers, advertising risk-takers, dog lovers and all-around dashing duo? We're taking your questions below...
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has been providing furniture to leading retailers like Crate & Barrrel and Pottery Barn for years. Now their empire and household-name recognition are growing, as they open their own stores, add new lines, and promote their unique brand of comfort-based style with “Let’s Get Comfortable”, their brand-spankin’ new book.
- Patrick (the other one)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
The blue on that ottoman thinger is SO BLUE it's toxic.
After being on an exhaustive sofa search for the last year and a half, I have found my dream sofa. It's the Reese sofa at Crate and Barrel, but it is made by Mitchell Gold. I have viewed (online and in person) so many sofas - many of which I thought were perfect until I sat in them. The Reese finally hits a home run for me because not only is it EXACTLY what I was looking for in terms of form, tailoring, etc, but it sits beautifully and comfortably. I want to know how design and comfort are reconciled (by them or the industry) and how they road test for comfort?
Btw, I am having this Reese sofa upholstered in another Mitchell Gold fabric (the Cafe Cannes)and can't wait for it to arrive!
Thanks, Patrick! You're doing a fab job with the interview concept - loved the first one!
I have no intelligent question to add to the mix. Only that, I love the way their little pug is sleeping so peacefully in the picture.
When is the new DC MG+BW store opening?
Some advice on what sofa shoppers should be looking for in terms of interior construction, quality, etc. would be great. And for people who are shopping online, what proportions (in terms of depth of seat, height of back, etc.) are more likely to be comfortable, if it's even possible to say? Plus what their own design inspirations are!
If you're on a very limited budget and sofa shopping, what are the most important things to consider in terms of finding the highest quality for the lowest price possible?
That sweet little creature is a bulldog :)
what do they consider a reasonable lifespan of a couch? and maybe break it down by cost range?
I second the questions on construction/quality and educating the consumer about what we're (should be) paying for when we pay $1000 or $5000 for a sofa/chair.
And maybe a question about forecasting future style trends...
Erica,
I hear they're opening in DC in April, but don't quote me on it.
What was the turning point for their business--the thing that started propelling them to their current success?
If you want some good sofa construction information, Google it instead of asking MG; their construction (IMO) leaves a lot to be desired. I managed to find a very well-made sofa from Lee Industries that had everything I insisted on (8-way hand-tied springs, kiln-dried hardwood frame, and numerous other quality points I consider critical) for about $1800. I thought the MG construction was terrible by comparison (even the sales person admitted they aren't well made). If you only want your sofa to last five or ten years, then MG is great, but if you want real quality and something that will hold up well for a long time, look elsewhere.
i would love to know what the BEST fabric to get is when you have a 100 lb dog that lies on the sofa AND a cat with claws. i've only managed to find out what doesn't last :-(
My questions... 1. What was up with all the homoerotic photography in your earlier ad campaigns? They "read" more like cologne or underwear ads. Was that your intention? 2. Re: lifetime warranty of construction on goods purchased through authorized showrooms. How does one take advantage of this warranty? Specifically shipping furniture to NC? 3. Why should we buy your book? The general buying public knows you more as furniture manufacturers than lifestyle marketers.
We have a Mitchel Gold couch in our condo in CT --it hasn't worn well, and it's not very comfortable -- we would not but from them again.
OOPS! -- would not BUY from them again . . .
Sorry to be a negative nelly here but I think MG sofas are overhyped and overpriced.
Obviously these guys know the furniture business inside and out, but I think their true genius is in their branding and marketing.
However, there are three things that put me off MG sofas
1. Despite having a million style choices the size choice/style combination factor never seems to work for what I need. Apartment sofas/loveseats are too small to be comfortable and regular sized sofas too big for a small space.
2. The price for the quality is outrageous. I think the consumer ends up paying a huge overhead for MGs intense, and no doubt deep, advertising budget.
3. The Store (at least here in Portland, Oregon) had to be one of the coldest, snottiest, and unpleasant furniture shopping experiences I have ever had. Not just once, but a few times. It felt like they wanted me to beg them to sell me a sofa. And I would have been an easy sell too because I was ready, already had sofa picked out, and had cash in hand, but ended up walking out due to their lack of customer service.
Sorry, but I just am not that impressed with MG. Honestly the best sofas I've bought are second hand that I've then taken to the Portland Upholstery School where for under 1000 dollars (including fabric) they will restuff, fix webbing, springs, and frame if they need it, add new cushions and reupholster.
What are their thoughts on “green” furniture (i.e. furniture made with sustainable wood, non-toxic glue, organic fabrics, etc.) with respect to their own company as well as the industry in general? Do they see this as becoming a trend that will be affordable in the near future?
Um, Lizzy, how exactly would you like me to frame that in a question?!
And did you know they now have a program that lets you buy sofas by the inch, between certain dimensions?
The younger one never looks "comfortable" in the photographs (ads). How does he feel about being in the ads?
Tony G.
Which is the "young" one? and how do you know?
The one with the jet black hair is the young one. Isn't it obvious?
Good Luck Patrick!
Tony G.
Patrick, sorry, I guess I was ranting...
Ok, here are my questions for them:
"What is your retail philosophy with customer service? What kind of experince do you want the customer to have when they walk into a MG retail store?"
Also, "tell me why I should choose MG over other sofa brands - What makes MG better?"
Patrick, How's That? More diplomatic, and an actualy question, n'est pas?
Tony G., ever hear of Grecian Formula? or going prematurely gray?
Patrick, I'd like to hear their take on the state of the domestic furniture manufacturing industry. Do they think they can keep jobs in the US given expanding global economic pressures?
Lizzy--
THERE we go!!!!
Tony G--
*I* have PREMATURE SILVER hair. Hair color ain't no age indicator, baby!! :)
Nor, I might add, is age an automatic indicator of anything, either!
Is there room in their heart for a wayward child? I'm available to be adopted. Will they design, build and sell me a chesterfield sofa with dark chocolate (or dark plum red) mohair fabric for like $850? Hah! I thought not, but a girl can dream. Kisses, love them.
I believe I ranted here before about my horrible experience with MG customer "support."
My first urge was to go off on another rant (not unlike Lizzy), since apparently I still harbor bad feelings in my heart.
...but, we're here to heal, not to rage. ;)
so, I suppose I'll second Lizzy's question about customer service. or maybe,
"what do you think is more important for your brand: making pieces that will stand the test of time, or staying on the cutting edge of style?"
Since the company (Richter Furniture) that was making the upholstery for Pottery Barn has gone out of business, is MG now manufacturing for them? I heard that they are, and they are making it in China. Is this true? And where is their main factory?
As an aside, I say this as an industry insider, their prices are not outrageous. In the past few years all of the raw materials, from wood to springs, have gone up in price, not to mention shipping! A lot of NC furniture companies are closing their factory doors because they can no longer compete with China. When the consumer demands cheap stuff- they get it. The stuff coming out of China is made of pine wood and cardboard. This is why I ask about the Pottery Barn pieces. Keep your eyes on the quality over there!
A desent sofa should be at least $3000. A good one $5000. Best $7000 and up. These sofas will last you longer than you'll want them and yet most of you are willing to pay $2000-$3000 for a new computer every couple of years and not even think about it. $400 for shoes you'll wear one season, but something that should last generations you want to pay rock bottom prices. Don't Wal*Mart our furniture industry! Accept the price and keep it in made in the USA!
Tips for testing the quality:
1. Squeeze the arm. If the arm is round and you feel the wood inside - not a good sign. You'll feel it in a sq arm, but are the corners sharp? Sit on the arm. Does it feel secure?
2. Push on the outside side and back. Does it feel like it's hollow with just a covering of fabric? Then there is nothing in there. And there probably is not much in the rest of the sofa either.
3. Under the seat cushion, next to the arm, push down on the deck. Does it sink far far down? Then the springs aren't tied to the arm and that seat is probably going to sag.
4. Kiln dried hardwood is a must! This means that the wood won't warp.
5. Whether the springs are 8 way hand tied, or no sag, the quality depends on the gauge of the metal used in the springs and the number of them used. A $500 sofa can have 8 way hand tied springs. At a quality retailer, you might want to upgrade to 8 way if you're putting in some use- big uncle Fred, a rottweiler, and 4 jumping kids. But if it's you and the cat, don't bother. And it won't make any difference in a cheap couch.
If you need a disposable couch Ikea and Bo Concept (also plywood and cardboard- talk about outrageous pricing!!) are great.
Still living with roommates or children who will probably destroy your stuff - Crate and Barrel, MG , Pottery Barn, William Sonoma
You're a grown up, you want quality but affordability, try
King's Road Home in Soho. They'll completely customize- length, style, anything- here's you apt sized sofa! I love this store and their salespeople are super friendly and helpful.
Good sofas, fun colors but limited in choices, Jonathon Adler
Ready to spend some money, Classic Sofa (made in NY, remember, they pay NY rent too- but two week turn around can't be beat) and George Smith
Have a designer and a budget, Baker, Holly Hunt, Ralph Loren, anything Italian, etc etc
Expensive because of the fabric made in Europe? Remember, you're paying for the shiping, customs, taxes, etc. Not a better couch.
Dog and Cat? Get a leather sofa either without a polished finish and love the old bomber jacket look you'll get. Or with a super polished finish that won't scratch. Other wise, look for a tightly woven fabric like cotton twill, not chenille or linen, and have it slipcovered so that you can have it cleaned/ and or replaced.
Happy sofa shopping! Good luck with the interview!!!
Well, I think they're terrific, and I wouldn't say they're over-priced. We have a simple, rumpled sort of sectional from them and it has worn well, is insanely comfortable, and is good-looking. Oh and it's white, slipcovered and survived a small-ish fire (don't ask) without having to be shipped off to the cleaners. Pretty incredible actually.
I guess my one question, not knowing anything about furniture history, is: why the spindle tables? I like them and know they're traditional something or other but find them odd, and don't really know what to make of them, since the silhouette is so interesting compared to the rest.
I guess I think that MG&BW is terrific for comfortable basics that won't compete with other furniture.
The trouble with quality construction questions is that there exists two firm schools of thought in the industry: 8-way hand-tied springs versus sinuous spring. While 8-way hand-tied springs ARE the traditional way, not everyone agrees they are still the best...
Anybody picked up the book yet? Would love to get more questions about the book...
Can we get advice on finding dog-friendly, attractive, affordable sofas? I would love to get a real sofa, and even the dog is getting tired of the futon. But I can't imagine spending much money on something that will soon be covered in fur...