A crowded field grows, actually, better. Williams-Sonoma Home arrived at our offices last week and we have been dipping into it with excitement. While the second thing you might notice is that the prices in this catalogue are roughly twice to three times higher than the regular old home furnishing catalogue you get in the mail, the first you will definitely notice is that these rooms are MUCH CLASSIER and MORE SOPHISTICATED than the usual shite.
(call for catalogue at 888.922.4110).
Williams-Sonoma Home's gambit is that there is a large population of wealthier shoppers who are eager for "aspirational" furniture that is better than C&B and PB, but below the price of, say, Ralph Lauren. We think they are on to something. Couches at C&B and PB are roughly $2,000. Here they are $3,000.
ps. If anyone knows why the pinapple is in the logo, please tell. Doesn't make ANY sense to us.
Two things about the pineapple and WS. When you have something gift-wrapped there, I believe there is a sticker or something with a rendering of a pineapple. Perhaps it is a company symbol.
Also, pineapples are a symbol of hospitality, a vestige of Colonial times. See this link for a little background: http://www.levins.com/pineapple.html
Pineapples are apparently the symbol of "welcome". I learned this on a tour of London where a pineapple is often part of the sculptures which adorn buildings.
You rock, Doug, and too much coffee on my part kept me from looking in an obvious place....
Still the pineapple seems so TROPICAL....
You know, I was very disappointed in the catalog. I was expecting so much more. I felt that there's nothing outstanding design wise. The catalog layout was the same basic layout you get from everyone else. I guess I was over-hoping for wonderfully designed products in a sophisticated, cleanly designed catalog. I was let down. Nothing exceptional and nothing that stood out. The catalog was bland, and the product selection a let down.
I like the catalog but was semi-surprised by the sticker prices, and I am NO bargain shopper, by any means! Also hoping for maybe a few more modern designs here and there...
Still, most of the items, room set-ups and photo styling are all pretty gorgeous, and I will swoop down feverishly upon any future issues in my mailbox. Just makes me wish I had a lovely, empty Georgetown brownstone to furnish... and sugar-significant other to write the checks.
Not sure of the specific history of Williams Sonoma's pineapple, but the pineapple is a traditional symbol of hospitality. That's why you see it in the facade detail of some Victorians here in San Francisco, where W-S is based.
Here is quote from Chuck Williams (founder)-
"When I opened the first store, I designed a logo using a woodcut illustration of a pineapple. Pineapples have been a symbol of hospitality since the days of the American colonies. When sea captains returned home from voyages, they would spear pineapples onto their fence posts to let neighbors know that their homes were open to visitors. To this day the pineapple remains an important part of our identity."
Chuck Williams
W&S is probably using the symbol because it is a "universal" symbol of hospitality. That's why many homes have wrought iron gates with pineapple decorative accents -- to welcome visitors. By the way, I love the website.
The pineapple was a symbol of welcome in American colonial days. Here is a basic explanation.
http://www.waterburyregion.com/visit/pineapple.html
Sorry - I have to disagree with your comments concerning Williams Sonoma's entry into the furniture market - the prices are much too high and tell me that this company, which I supported before, no longer wants me as its customer.
A couch is a couch is a couch.
The pineapple is a traditional symbol of hospitality
Since I feel my positive spin on WS's new Home line needs some defending, I will say that I expected nothing from WS and so, therefore, I find myself pleasantly surprised.
Here is the rub, however, I expect that for these higher prices, the furniture is going to be MUCH better made, ie it will last longer, look better, and not need to be replaced or repaired in five years like everything from Pottery Barn. As someone who looks forward to being "aspirational" sometime in the future, I would pay more for better furniture - but it's got to be that much better. M
I just received some items (nothing huge like furniture) from the catalog and everything is gorgeous and great. But I think they have a thing or two to learn about packaging form C&B, Martha by Mail or Red Envelope... for such premium items, the packaging was pretty standard (sub-par, even). Everything arrived unscathed, but I was pretty underwhelmed, and would think twice before having them ship a gift directly.
The WS prices seem very high.. . i agree with the person who spoke about pottery barn...the stuff is junk...scratches so easily and doesnt hold up very well
ac
ACtually, a couch isn't a couch. Cheap, glued frames with foam pillows can't compare to joined frames with down pillows. But I'm sure this stuff is all made in China. Some of their accessories are at Z Gallery.
I like that it's not as massive as PB and C& B--some of us don't live in tract mansions with "great rooms".
How can I get a Williams Sonoma Homes catalogue? The internet says that it won't be out until fall, but I know designer's that are receiving it.
How can I get a Williams Sonoma Homes catalogue? The internet says that it won't be out until fall, but I know designer's that are receiving it. I'm getting ready to design a new home.
Check out the new website! Launched on 8/10/06.
I personally do not like it. It's a carbon copy of Ralph Lauren Home, and it is not surprising since the head of Home design at Ralph Lauren left for Williams Sonoma two years ago and took all the ideas with him...