|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Photos by Ty Wyant
|
Home&Garden feature articles
A fter decades of catering only to interior designers, architects and builders, the Denver Design District opens to the public. There’s a rumor floating around and it’s true. Now homeowners can shop the 40-plus high-end showrooms at Denver Design District. Need new furniture to fit a certain décor? You’ll find it at Denver Design District. How about lighting, flooring, plumbing, window treatments, mirrors or planters? Ditto. Looking for statues, artificial plants, mantels, wall coverings, screens, rugs, entertainment centers, accessories, art, antiques, cabinetry, tile or stone? They’re at Denver Design District, too. For the past two decades, the district (also known as Denver Design Center) has built a reputation as the Rocky Mountain region’s premier wholesale-to-trade source for custom home and office furnishings. In fact, you’ll find almost any home item in the latest styles at the district. Only one of 15 design districts in the United States, Denver Design District has items for those “who want a unique look, or a few custom pieces to enhance an existing look,” says Jean Gordon, the district’s marketing director. But there is a caveat: “We’re not IKEA; you won’t -furnish a home for $1,000 here.” However, you will find more than 1,500 product lines, including Ralph Lauren, Samarcand, A. Rudin, Bain Ultra, Sub-Zero, Sonoma, Swarovski, William Switzer, Charles Pollock, Royal Dutch, Wolf and B. Berger. And savvy customers can sniff out deals on floor items. Until last spring, only interior designers, architects and builders could purchase the district’s furnishings and fixtures for clients. Now, with a minor qualification, the facility is open to the public. “A consumer can’t purchase on their own; a designer must facilitate the purchase,” Gordon explains. If you don’t have a designer, Denver Design District offers a designer-on-duty every day to assist customers. Although an appointment is highly recommended, the public can utilize the designer-on-duty’s services or shop with their own industry professionals. To encourage public participation, the district offers the Design Connection program that entails a free hour-long consultation with a designer, a tour of the design district (which encompasses two large buildings and outdoor mall-type shops), and a discussion of a client’s specific needs. With 25 designers involved in the program, it’s an excellent opportunity for those needing design advice. The program allows potential customers ”to be proactive in the design process,” Gordon says. “We’ve found many consumers want to be more actively involved in their interior design.” For people who don’t have time to shop with a designer, the district still offers inventory to professionals serving clients throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
“Bring in favorite pictures, sketches and colors,” Gordon advises. That will allow the district to pair you with a designer who specializes in the styles you prefer. “Many consumers don’t realize what’s possible, and the designers really help them discover more options.” More and more homeowners are becoming hands-on participants in the design process, especially since they’re paying the bills and can learn their cost and style options firsthand. “It’s all part of a learning experience,” Gordon says. “Consumers have a lot of questions and we’re here to answer them.” Denver Design District is located at 595 South Broadway (near I-25) in Denver. For information, call 303-733-2455 or visit www.denverdesign.com. Go to top   
|
 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
