In a bold move to bring their signature California cool to the vibrant streets of New York City, design brand Lawson-Fenning has revitalized a downtown loft, cleverly merging its century-old charm with contemporary sophistication. Known for their eclectic range of furniture that began two decades ago on Los Angeles’ Melrose Avenue, co-founders Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning have reimagined their warm, welcoming vibe for the East Coast in a flagship showroom designed to be an homage to both their brand’s history and the unique character of its new Manhattan setting.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Interior Designer: Josh Greene
Co-founders: Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning
Location: Manhattan, New York City
Furniture Line: LF Collection
Inspiration: California’s natural beauty and mid-century modernism
Taking up residence above the showroom of their friend and ceramicist Danny Kaplan, Lawson-Fenning tasked interior designer Josh Greene with transforming the loft. Greene, inspired by the natural beauty of California and the aesthetics of mid-century modernists, infused the space with a dynamic blend of history and innovation. Keeping the loft’s original windows, steel columns, and cement beams intact, Greene introduced strategic walnut-paneled wing walls to define distinct areas, creating a balance between commercial allure and residential warmth.
The New York showroom spans 4,500 square feet and showcases an expansive selection of Lawson-Fenning’s in-house designs, like the Chiselhurst bed and Ojai lounge chair, complemented by pieces from a curated circle of artists and designers such as Devin Wilde, Canoa Lab, and James Cherry. This collaborative spirit not only brings a diverse range of offerings to clients but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to celebrating artistic partnerships. Custom walnut shelves lined with purchasable lamps and accessories further highlight the attention to detail and craftsmanship that pervades the space.
A unique design feature is the small eat-in kitchen designed to resemble a bar, painted in a dramatic deep purple and accented with color-matched marble. The tonal terracotta bedroom, located at the back, exemplifies the luxury of color cohesiveness, extending from walls to ceilings, creating an inviting and spacious atmosphere. Greene emphasizes that such monochromatic schemes can make rooms feel more expansive and indulgent, encouraging visitors to experience this tactile world of color and form firsthand.
The showroom effectively functions as both a commercial space and a cozy, intimate residence. With sections that include wall-to-wall carpeting and disc-shaped beds, it ensures that every corner of the area feels lived-in and accessible, blurring the lines between a showroom and a home. Whether it’s the cozy bedroom vignettes or the tailored sets like the walnut-paneled walls serving as visual dividers, each element is curated to tell a cohesive story of modern luxury intertwined with timeless design.
This strategic expansion to New York City underlines Lawson-Fenning’s desire to offer an in-person retail experience in an increasingly digital world. By drawing in East Coast patrons and fashioning a space that captures the essence of Californian bliss, they provide a tangible touchpoint for clients to engage with the brand’s ethos. By expertly merging original loft features with modern sensibilities, Lawson-Fenning’s latest venture is a testament to their evolving yet consistent dedication to design excellence.
