A leading name in American style for over 90 years, Ethan Allen has a knack for putting a new twist on classic designs. Investment-caliber furnishings from this iconic brand make modern life eminently more livable and welcoming. Ed Heraty, regional design leader at Ethan Allen, explains how their New York City Design Center brings rooms to the next level using furnishings, finishes and accent pieces that elevate any aesthetic.
Gwen Donovan: What do Ethan Allen clients like best about your New York location?
Ed Heraty: The room vignettes in our showroom resonate the most with our clients because they can experience the quality of our products and the breadth of styles that we offer – but then we let them know that what they see is only the beginning of what they can create with Ethan Allen. If they like the sofa we’re showing but they’d prefer it in a different fabric, or if they like a room vignette’s palette but feel like they have a different style sensibility, then we can show them alternate pieces of furniture, or let them know they can select from hundreds of fabrics and finishes, because most of our furniture is made to order.
GD: What are some of your most popular design trends?
EH: Many of our clients request a neutral palette, tailoring their larger investment pieces in neutral fabrics and adding pops of color and pattern with smaller pieces and/or accessories. That’s not to say you can’t have a blue velvet sectional – you most certainly can. Our job is to help clients discover their own one-of-a-kind signature look and bring it to life.
GD: Your brand is legendary, how has Ethan Allen evolved over the past 90+ years?
EH: We’ve always been known for building furniture of exceptional quality. Where we’ve evolved is in putting the interior design experience first and transitioning to a primarily made-to-order business model. Clients connect with an Ethan Allen designer, plan out any project ranging from buying a made-to-order sofa to redoing their entire home, and then place their order. The designer manages their order from idea to delivery day, and their help is complimentary – included with every Ethan Allen experience.
GD: What essential design advice do you offer your clients?
EH: Design is about telling and living your story, and in service of that goal, we give the same advice to any client: invest in core pieces, know your style and create a curated space you love.
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