Yesterday I was invited to take a tour of the newest West Elm store. Without skipping a beat,  I was there, 2:30 p.m. on the dot.  With bells on actually, practically pressing my nose against the freshly polished glass doors ( I'd so much rather spend a late afternoon, basking in the glory of good design, rather than work on 5th grade math. )



The store is an absolute wonderland of design. Housed in what was the former, Blueprint store. The space looks nothing like its former self. Structural beams cross beneath the rough hewn, vaulted ceiling, giving the feeling of urban 'warehouse'  gone chic + sophisticated loft. You immediately begin imagining dinner parties with friends and evenings reading, curled up on one of the many sofas showcased in the staged vignettes, throughout the shop.

a close up of their living wall. yes. those plants are real. just try, to keep your hands at your side, and touch with your eyes. impossible.

  

The centerpiece of the showroom, literally, is an area designated by iron framed multi-paned partitions that are 20 feet if not more. 





This is where you'll find the seasonal shifts with handmade items and small gift pieces.

 

 

 



Fans of West Elm will see what we've all come to expect of the brand, such as collaborations with smaller artisans, reinventing and giving their work a fresh perspective while creating price points that are more, big box realistic.



And of course, as always, the incredible line of lamps that range from 'Figural' bases to those with a more ' Scandinavian' voice.

one of the 'Figural' lamp bases. So chic and charming.

The bedding is always a great bargain for the design value, allowing the consumer to buy foundations and choose layering to season.

beautiful, handmade from saris and at a terrific price point of $99.00. every one, unique.

detail of the sari throw Can you tell I'm transfixed?

 

Some other great new features, are the movement of the store into 'Kitchen' (yay, you can now register at West Elm!) the monogramming services ( which, I love ) and finally the design center where you can work with your own designer or one of the in store specialists.

It really was so hard to walk through and not make a mental note of everything I NEED to have not to mention buy as gifts for friends and family. If you're in the area today, do stop by, they've worked so hard for the grand opening, and if only to walk through and ooh and aahhh, it's worth every moment.

West Elm - 8366 Beverly Boulevard (at Kings Road).

not for sale, but need to be. Don't these remind you a bit of Confetti System? I think a collaborative effort needs to be on the books.