Crate & Barrel’s New Home
Written by Robert Leleux | Photographed by Crate & Barrel
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Brought to you by Our Friends at Crate & Barrel
The brand debuts its New York City flagship.
The new Flatiron flagship at 881 Broadway.
Entering Crate & Barrel’s new flagship store, which opens today in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron district, is like stumbling upon an exclusive New York City boutique—that just happens to occupy 23,000 square feet. Located in a historic 1868 building (which was once the city’s largest department store), this expansive, two-level structure will be the brand’s “first-ever immersive design store.” That means, among other things, that thousands of items in the store are customizable. From home furnishings available in a staggering variety of wood finishes and fabrics to monogrammable bed linens, customers can head home after having a bespoke retail experience. Even the handmade volcanic ash tiles on the walls are shoppable, as are the sculptural chandeliers (which are available in an assortment of shapes and configurations). There are artisanal products available exclusively at the Crate & Barrel Flatiron location, such as Jono Pandolfi’s handmade, kiln-fired dinnerware pieces and Marie Michielssen’s intricately crafted vases and vessels. Plus, the store provides a remarkable array of “only in New York” service features, from a design desk staffed by up to thirty NYC-based designers to a botanical shop with on-site styling by an expert floral arranger.
The flagship’s building is bound to become a design destination. Its interiors, designed by a staff headed by Sebastian Brauer, Crate & Barrel’s Senior Vice President of Product Design, Visual, offer a soothing urban respite. The store has a neutral palette rich with textures, and is flooded with natural light. Soaring neoclassical columns, original to the building, were preserved, and traditional elements have been artfully paired with modern features such as a suspended glass-and-steel staircase. The overall effect is one of “warm and accessible luxury,” says Brauer, and the shop has modern landmark written all over it.
Several special happenings are planned to celebrate the flagship’s opening. The store will be hosting, for instance, the Flatiron Food & Design Festival, with events presented by “design and food partners” including Athena Calderone and Molly Baz. And for those who can’t make it in person to Manhattan, an interactive tour of the store is available here.