The long-anticipated West Elm held its grand opening at the Streets at Southpoint Wednesday evening. Not familiar with West Elm? It’s a lot like Pottery Barn’s younger brother – the one that was cuter and way better at basketball. The new location is chock full of the bright and graphic patterns that the brand is known for as well as affordable furniture staples, many of which are made right here in North Carolina (check out the video to learn more about its furniture factory).
In fact, the entire store has a very local vibe. As you move through the vignettes of living and dining rooms to more private spaces of beds and baths, you’ll spot touches of indieNC flair through the installations of Michelle Smith, including an incredible hanging textile window display.
“It’s our goal with each new store we open to develop connections with local organizations around shared causes in the community,” says Jim Brett, president of West Elm.
Located in the outdoor corner formerly occupied by Bose, our West Elm boasts the complete fall line including a new-ish venture into kitchen gadgetry, duvet covers for less than $100 and handmade crafts from South African artisans. The must have from this collaboration, in our opinion, is the aloe candleholder designed by Gerhard Swart and Anthony Harris of Ceramic Matters.
But if you have no idea about decorating with ceramic cacti or are lost on how to lay your souk rug, there’s hope. The West Elm at Southpoint also offers a full service Design Lab free of charge. Specialists can help you design the perfect space in store or in your home, working with what you already have as well as new products to compliment your space. Plus, if you flash your student ID you'll get 10 percent off your entire purchase.
In case you can't tell, we're thrilled to have new neighbors in the West Elm Southpoint location. If you’re not sold, go visit for yourself. The “living wall” of greenery, guy and gal friendly designs and local flair should all have you at hello.
