For this weeks sponsored post, we're including some friendly faces and insider knowledge from the staff of Room & Board. During last week's event for Small Cool 2008 (held at the Chicago location) we ambushed five staff members mid-party for this post, pulling them aside and asking the burning question, "So, what's your favorite piece of furniture in the store?"
We figure that no one knows these pieces better - after spending plenty of time working with their clients, discussing all the options and getting the feedback afterwards, they must know what works. We wanted to know which single piece they liked the best - the one they'd put in their own home (or have there already).
Since everyone was in a party mood and very agreeable, we asked them to show off their top pick to us, grilled them (just a little bit) on the details and then held their wine glasses as we forced them into a sideline modeling career.
Scott claimed a toss up between Jasper sofa (above the jump) and the Eames Lounge (shown here). The reason why the Jasper made the list? He thinks it is a perfect mix-in piece for an eclectic room. Its lines are bit retro/deco, quite luxe and very glamorous, but not overpowering to surrounding vintage or new pieces. He says clients gravitate to it immediately and that many, after looking at all that the store offers, end up choosing this one to take home.
He also had to mention the Eames Lounge and Ottoman because it is a piece he owns and loves - he says it is super comfortable and the perfect scale. It's a piece that he knows both from work and home and he thinks the Eames team absolutely "got it right".
David's top pick is the Hutton sofa. He's pictured here sitting on the Hutton covered in an upholstery fabric called "Vance Cloud". His reason for choosing it? He likes that it looks like a great vintage piece, but is updated just enough to read as modern. He loves the upholstery fabric and says it just gets better and better over time and with regular use, wears into a great "crushed velvet" look. David also reports that he talked his best friend into getting it and she loves it (thank goodness!).
Deb's favorite piece is the Wells sofa. She's got a list of reasons why: the timeless style (its similar to a Florence Knoll look), the mix of style (low, tight back) and comfort (very lounge-y) and its versatility (it works for a family - a large size is available and the fabric is stain resistant).
John loves the entire Logic bedroom collection. He's worked at Room and Board for 8 years and these pieces are a long term favorite. Top two reasons: the traditional craftsmanship shown through the Chinese joinery techniques used and the environmentally positive use of bamboo as the material. If he ever makes the move from his fabulous pie-shaped studio (in the same buildings where our local winner, Stephanie, lives) he'll choose these pieces for his bedroom.
Steven went with a classic for his favorite. The Hans Wegner Easy Chair is on his wish list, due to it's great form - the shape and sculpture is beautiful and functional - designed for the body, he says it is super comfortable. He also loves the materials used, bringing a natural and organic feel to any room that it is used in.
Photos: Adan Torres
Big thanks to Steven, John, Deb, David and Scott for taking time out during the party to share your favorites! -Janel
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Thanks for the clever/subtle sidebar informing us that this was a sponsored post.
I agree that the Logic bedroom is rather nice, and I like the use of bamboo - Shame it's not made in the US like most other Room and Board furnishings.
view bepsf's profile
Just open one in Dallas, or anywhere in the south already! I want to spend money there if you will just open one!
view MFlick's profile
Deb looks displeased with her selection.
view amt230's profile
Hey, I see me and my coat peeking in that photo next to David on the Hutton sofa. I'm in serious lust with that piece. I want it so bad! I was impressed with how comfy it was.
view katie's profile
Is Room and Board ever going to open a shop in Toronto?
view mva1201's profile
I like Scott's thoughts about the Jasper sofa and couldn't agree more with him about the Eames team! Thanks Scott! - Dale
view daleysdose's profile
This is the way to do it. Great post.
view Gustaf's profile
I think Steven is spot on with respect to the comfort (so comfortable!), natural and organic qualities of the Hans Wegner Easy chair ..... it's on my wish list too! Thanks Steven! - Dale
view daleysdose's profile
I also like the Wegner Easy Chair, but for $2785 I'd have to be deeply in love with it.
view kyle (from toronto)'s profile
Nice handling of the sponsored post thing.
view jooly's profile
Deb are you happy? Group hug
view luvdecor's profile
I am not so happy with the Room and Board sponsored posts. The banner on the side is good, but clearly designed to blend in with the site so as not to draw attention. I missed it the first time, but as the post involved Room and Board talking about the wonders of Room and Board, I went back and sure enough discovered that it was a sponsored post. How tricky. This banner should not slink by quietly. Loud and proud. You have nothing to be ashamed of.
Now a word to our sponsor: Breathless, self serving pseudo posts like this one are worthless to everyone involved. Why not check out that film that CB2 did and use it for a little inspiration. I was really impressed with their take on the sponsored post. They provided information, not a sales pitch, and used the opportunity to showcase their wares. Room and Board sales people telling me that Room and Board rocks is inauthentic, tainted information. It's like Dick Cheney spinning the wonders of republican leadership. You just can't listen to it without rolling your eyes.
The posts as currently executed are more than a little lazy. Why not create informative posts instead. The topics you could cover are virtually endless, but the general idea might sound something like this: "5 common mistakes customers make when choosing upholstery fabric and how to avoid them". That post would offer up information that some of us might find valuable (which means we would actually read the post carefully) and would provide you with a gentle way to showcase some great upholstered pieces.
And with enough subtle prodding, we might just fall in love with that Hutton sofa after all.
view RichardinLA's profile
Good advice Richard.
view Weasel Dearest's profile
Call me a stickler for details, but I think Scott's sitting on the Clarke sofa, not the Jasper. See for yourself at the sponsor's site: http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product.do?method=get&id=522886&coll=90702214&cat=91552821
. Notice the stock fabric color matches, plus the prominent welting of the cushions versus the Jasper sofa, found here :
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/collection.do?method=get&id=91358767&cat=91552821
The Jasper doesn't have the style of welting and tufting as seen in Scott's first photo.
view Snacketeria's profile