British gentility, some Danish curve, and a Belgian palette: it's the continental feel, and unique point of view that is Ochre. Ochre is an offshoot of the London-based design group of the same name, created by Harriet Maxwell McDonald and Andrew Corrie.

Their chic and charming store on Broome Street is their one and only US outpost. It's full of what they're known for: custom lighting (like their signature Arctic Pear chandelier) and a spare but elegant upholstered collection that has stood the test of time nicely. Many of their pieces extend their unique handling of materials like blown glass, horn, chain mail, linen, patina'd bronze and polished nickel to door and drawer hardware, soft goods and table top, both of their own making and gathered the world over.

Ochre emphasizes high quality materials and expert craftsmanship, with much of their U.S. offering now made here in the States. Ochre "creates objects of style and beauty which are both timeless and contemporary." Prices reflect the quality of their merchandise and the unique, rich materials from which they're constructed.

The Soho store also carries selection of antiques and vintage pieces from the UK, France and Italy that complement the new Ochre pieces.

Updated on 11.29.11 by Patrick Hamilton from a post by Cambria Bold on 11.18.08

Images: Patrick Hamilton

---

Store History

• Founded: 1996
• Founded by: Joanna Bibby & Harriet Maxwell Macdonald
• Headquarters: Clerkenwell Close, London
• Sister stores: Ochrestore.com, Canvas

Ochre is a small design company founded by two British women with enough ideas in common and enough independence to inspire each other to start a company which continues to grow organically, whilst staying true to its underlying principles: to use high quality materials and flawless craftsmanship to create objects of style and beauty which are both timeless and contemporary. <br/><br/> Joanna Bibby and Harriet Maxwell Macdonald met at art school and were inspired to put some of their ideas into practice for their debut at 100% Design in London in 1996. The first creations were exquisitely crafted gessoed lamp bases, which were delicately coloured, water gilded and perfectly balanced with simple shades. The recurring themes of Ochre’s work – proportion, texture, contrast and finish – were all in place. The simplest of lines describe pieces that perform the most necessary of functions, and do so with style, honesty, and understated elegance. <br/><br/> Ochre is admired for not only creating perfect forms – but also the use of colours: those of heather, bracken, wet and dry stone, water, and sky. This quiet beauty has become a signature for Ochre. Ochre’s work has the rare ability to serve more than its primary function, leading to a quietly powerful presence, often sculptural, always elegant, and invariably speaking of harmonious, intelligent design.

Mentions

• Dining Inspiration: Horchow's "Natural" Dining Table
• Ochre

Around the Web

• O C H R E [Facebook]
• Ochre Obsession [{me}longings]
• Ochre [New York Magazine]

Website

ochre.net