Photograph by Christina Wedge
If Phipps Plaza newcomer Arhaus sold clothing instead of furniture, it would be Anthropologie. It’s got the same impossibly clever merchandising (like an entire elaborately carved Indonesian house inside the first floor), the same delightful riffs on classic forms (like a hand-planed, Amish-made table with one wild edge), and the same diverse influences (from painted Swedish consoles and Balinese Buddha heads to wooden carts from North Carolina textile mills). Every item is artisan-made and exclusive to the Cleveland-based chain—which means that, though merchandise reflects current trends such as nailhead trim, tufted upholstery, and hammered copper, the mix feels fresh. Numerous one-of-a-kind antiques and vintage artifacts add character.
Since the company was founded in 1986, it has been dedicated to conservation. Products incorporate recycled glass and metals, reclaimed wood, and sustainable timber like bamboo, mango, and teak. “We were green before [the term] was even coined,” says Gary Babcock, senior vice president of fashion and merchandising. “We use all-natural materials, no resin or plastic. If it looks like wood, it is. If it looks like a marble table, it is.”
Arhaus, which got its Danish-inspired name from early sourcing in Scandinavia, has thirty-nine stores from New Jersey to Naples. Pricing is moderate (sofas start at $1,499). If you’re not ready to buy furniture, take home a Lily wall sconce/vase ($25) or a Lotus candleholder ($18).
This article originally appeared in our December 2011 issue.
