Now I’ll be honest here. I had only heard of Westelm recently and was slightly mystified by all the excitement when the US store announced that it was coming to the UK.
Well I was mystified for about ten minutes and then I forgot all about it because the announcement was back in May and they’re not due to open until the end of the year.
But as the summer is now drawing to a close (sobs) I thought I better investigate. And reader, I like what I have seen. Here are a few beauties from the bathroom section. What do you think?
They will be opening a store on the Tottenham Court Road, in London, in a few months time. You can already buy online from the US though so perhaps it’s time to start having a browse of their products.
The store is going to be around 12,000 sq ft and is the first Williams Sonoma in Europe. It was first launched in Brooklyn, New York in 2002. Will Taylor, of the esteemed Bright Bazaar Blog is a huge fan. He says it’s a bit like Habitat and Zara home in terms of price and akin to Anthropologie for quality. So now I love it already.
He told me: “I’m delighted that West Elm are opening in London as I’ve long admired the brand for their eclectic mix of home accessories and furniture. In many ways I see them as the one-stop-shop for interiors as they always carry a core range of basics – both accessories and furniture – at accessible price points, as well as new designs that align with seasonal trends.”
Then he said: “The Parson’s desk is a fine example of the former as it’s a simple, stylish piece that offers multiple possible uses. It can be used as a desk, dressing table or entryway console unit and is just one of many versatile (and very popular!) designs that the brand carry. Then at the other end of the scale you can find more unique products from their collaborations with designers and artisans across the world. For example, you can find dishes like the Potter’s Workshop Tableware, which is a collaboration between a collective of South African artists alongside artisans in China who hand paint each piece. The designs have a strikingly unique look and feel yet start at just £6”
And then he paused for breath and added: “Plus, there’s always collaborations with local artists and designers, including a tie-up with Etsy sellers to help raise their profile and bring their products to a wider market.
“Oh, and be sure to keep an eye on their sister brand, West Elm Market as it’s a veritable feast for anyone that loves the whole general store/industrial/utilitarian look that shows no signs of falling in popularity with every passing season. I went to their premier Market location in Brooklyn earlier this year and it didn’t disappoint.
“In summary: I’m a bit of a West Elm fanboy. Can you tell?”
No, Will, we can’t. At all! Thought you were being a bit luke warm to be honest!
Click on the images to be taken direct to the store.
I love Westelm! But what I would really like to know is, are they going to have a UK-based online shopping facility? I have bought some stuff from their website before but the postage is extortionate. So, I would love it if they could ship from a UK warehouse at a reasonable price!
PS Love your site! 🙂
I don’t know, Tracy but I shall find out! Watch this space … as they say.
Thanks for the heads up on these – I’m liking a lot of this and a lot of their prices!