Arhaus opens new Flagship store at Legacy Village

The main entrance of Arhaus’ new flagship showroom at Legacy Village invites shoppers into a world of chill serenity with live botanicals, inviting antiques and a collection of clever and amusing organic shapes.

By RITA KUEBER

Arhaus, NE Ohio’s high-concept premier furniture company introduces a total reboot of the shopping experience with a new flagship store at Legacy Village this month. The stunning 20,000-square-foot showroom – across the street from its previous location – is a unique multi-sensory event. “This will be a theatrical experience,” says John Reed, Chairman/CEO of Arhaus. “We are creating a place for customers to come and get inspired.”

From the first steps into a garden-like foyer and a working flower shop inside, to its wall of tapestries, a grand staircase and a second-story patio that showcases outdoor living, a visit to this newly conceived Arhaus is a unique and stimulating immersion in luxury and comfort. Here, no architectural detail is left undone. Soaring ceilings, dramatic framing, and windows everywhere give the space a rich, open feel that’s flooded with natural light. Designers incorporated native limestone, weathered Corten steel panels and oil-rubbed Brazilian Walnut flooring to create a setting both dynamic and relaxing.

In the showroom, grouping after grouping in carefully blended neutrals features inviting vignettes for living/great rooms, dining areas, office spaces and bedrooms. Plus, there are casual takeaways such as vases, small tables, nubby pillows and silky throws. The excitement comes from the mix of soft, touchable materials juxtaposed against firm, smooth surfaces, elevated via a bit of glam from mercury glass, sculpted bronze lighting features, a touch of frost, and a wink of candlelight.

“We use the best materials we can find. Period.” Arhaus Chairman/CEO John Reed, from an interview on WKYC TV3.

“Our story is differentiation. Our use of materials and artisans epitomizes that,” says Arhaus marketing director Kate Clegg. “We design our own pieces and we travel the world. Our copper tables are from Mexico. The dining pieces are from Italy, which has a legacy of woodworking skills. The stone and antique fireplaces are from Belgium. The upholstery is made in the U.S. by hand – there is no assembly line,” she says.

Some pieces echo the serenity of Asian art, or the organic shapes of African masks. Others look as if they came straight from a bazaar in Marrakesh. Still others could be American mid-century modern pieces, timeless in their own right. Unique antique pieces are available at stores or online from time to time, as are re-creations inspired by relics, distinguished by hand finishes and meticulous detailing. And for the apartment or condo dweller, Arhaus has that covered too, with several vignettes in the showroom demonstrating groupings just as dynamic, but on a smaller scale.

“Retail calls for constantly reinventing yourself,” Clegg says. “Once you’re out there, you have to think of the next thing. We see that in this new store, which was several years in the making. We worked with [renowned Project Designer] Philip Michael Brown to set this direction, and we thought if we were to bring it to life, we would do it in Cleveland. The timing just worked all the way around,” she adds. And now, the upcoming and relocating stores, like this flagship store, will reflect the same qualities as Arhaus furnishings.

Founded on the banks of the Cuyahoga River (literally) 34 years ago, Arhaus now has 70 stores coast to coast and a significant production facility in Boston Heights in Summit County. In celebration of its Flagship store relocation at Legacy Village, Arhaus will donate 10 percent of all sales from May 16 – 20 to Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

An inviting vignette on the upper level al fresco patio shows a sample of the outdoor accessories from tables to rugs, as well as sturdy furniture in durable fabrics.