Norwalk Expands Kim Salmela Collection, Unveils 4 New Pieces at LV Market

July 24, 2019  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

The expansion, featuring a modern, west coast design aesthetic, comes less than a year after the company partnered with Salmela on a collection of upholstered sofas, sectionals, accent chairs and ottomans that made their debut in the fall of 2018 and comes on the heels of the January 2019 opening of a dedicated 1,142 square foot Las Vegas Market showroom for the collection, adjacent to Norwalk’s Las Vegas showroom.  

The company attributes the quick success of the collection to Salmela’s distinctive design aesthetic that combines a young, bold and stylish mix of textiles with fresh seating silhouettes that are inspired by her extensive world travels.

 

“Kim’s unique background – which includes an undeniable west coast design aesthetic  –  has been wildly successful with both our dealers and our interior design partners,” said Caroline Hipple, president of Norwalk Furniture. “Her designs bring a fresh new point of view to our portfolio that is very attractive to the next wave of millennials who want to furnish their homes with a laid-back, modern bohemian vibe. This look, which is also very popular within the design community, continues to grow as new homes are being built and remodeled to reflect more casual, open floor plans.”

Salmela, previous owner of several award-winning home furnishings retail stores and manufacturer and designer of her own custom furniture line, 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.

“The interior design community is a key growth area for us and as we continue our efforts to engage and attract designers to our product line, Kim’s expertise has been instrumental,” said Hipple. “Her diverse background combined with her creative product designs and deep knowledge of furniture and textiles offers both millennials and interior designers the refreshing younger vibe we need to round out our portfolio.”

Highlights of the expanded Kim Salmela collection include:

Riley Chair: Characterized by a scooped back and rolled arms, this mid-scale club chair offers a welcoming convergence. The updated traditional piece’s tight back and loose seat make it particularly friendly for upholstering in a variety of fabrics.

Nash Chair: Sitting atop a natural walnut base, the low-slung chair presents an undeniable Mid-Century, Scandinavian vibe. Design details include center welt detailing on the seat cushion and when ordered in leather unique diagonal seaming on its outside arms and back to add interest from all angles.

Sawyer Sofa: A thoroughly contemporary take on a scatter back sofa, the Sawyer rests on a recessed contemporary natural oak base. With four back pillows, two large arm pillows and two small kidney pillows, the pillows can be arranged in a variety of configurations for the ultimate in comfort.

Norah Chair: Perched on long sexy legs and wearing golden slippers, this chair boasts a Mid-Century, Scandinavian look. Its modified wing chair design and moderate scaling offer an adaptable – and statement making piece – for both contemporary and traditional settings. 

The entire Kim Salmela Collection will be on display at Las Vegas Market in Building A, space 214, directly across the hall from Norwalk’s showroom in space A225.