Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Norwalk Partners with Designer Kim Salmela
September 26,
2018 by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Industry 
Norwalk Furniture and Los Angeles-based designer Kim Salmela have entered into a partnership to create a line of chic lifestyle upholstery products with a modern bohemian vibe, inspired by Salmela’s extensive world travels. The collection combines a bold and stylish mix of textures, colors and patterns with fresh seating silhouettes to create a distinctive aesthetic targeted towards a younger audience.
The collection of 35 upholstered sofas, sectionals, accent chairs and ottomans will be launched at the Fall High Point Market, along with 50 signature fabrics. The pieces will also be available in any of Norwalk’s 800 fabrics and dozens of nail head trim and finish options.
Salmela has been the owner of several award-winning home furnishings retail stores and a manufacturer and designer of her own custom furniture line. In addition, she is a multi-faceted designer, working with clients ranging from commercial to residential interior design projects. She also has a background in designing spaces for social events, including set and costume designs. She got her start in design as the creative director for the entertainer Prince.
“We have been looking to add a younger, west coast vibe to our product line, and we found that in Kim,” said Caroline Hipple, president of Norwalk Furniture. “Her eclectic background and impeccable ability to mix colors, patterns and texture combined with her deep knowledge of furniture and textiles will add a new point of view to our product line that will enable us to reach a new consumer.”
“I started my own manufacturing facility in Los Angeles so I could control quality, production levels and experiment with new designs,” said Salmela. “I love having my factory, but it's time for me to grow. The idea of taking on more overhead, hiring more employees and running multiple or larger factories would leave me with little time to do what I love and what I do best, which is to create. Norwalk’s incredible facility dedicated to producing quality, customizable furniture and the company’s drive to continually grow, combined with my ability to bring a new perspective – and perhaps introduce a new customer – along with a willingness to experiment and push the design limits was a perfect fit for all of us.”
The collection includes layers of texture, color and pattern on pattern fabric applications in a variety of European and ‘70s color palettes including evergreen, vibrant mauve, bluish lavenders and pink hues which are layered upon neutrals of ivory, black and camel.
Highlights include:
Annelise Sofa: With its flared legs, contemporary arms and fun fabric application, the Annelise presents Kim Salmela’s boho vibe.
Fes Ottoman: Perfect for extra seating, this pouf-style ottoman is characterized by its jumbo welt and button detailing.
Palisades Swivel Chair: This scoop arm swivel lounge chair is mounted on a walnut swivel base. Suitable for the living room or bedroom, the base is also available in any of Norwalk’s wood finishes.
Somerset Sectional / Sofa: Available as a sectional and a sofa silhouette, Somerset is characterized by its deeply padded and rolled front rail that support its inset seat cushions, giving the impression that the cushions are floating above the frame. Its cylinder shaped legs and rounded arms and back rail give it a fresh, modern feel.
The Collection will have dual presentation at the Fall HP Market in the Norwalk showroom, IHFC, Main 108, and also in space G-6055 of the Salon in the Suites at Market Square.
The company will celebrate with a launch party on Saturday, Oct. 13, 5-7:00 p.m. in the Norwalk showroom and a launch brunch on Sunday, Oct. 14, 11:00-1:00 p.m. Salmela will be interviewed by Fashion Snoops on Monday, Oct. 15, 5- 7:00 p.m., in the Norwalk showroom.