Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Hurst.
Ellen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been passionate about design, but I only really fell in love with it when I was exposed to Italian design. In Italy, design is part of the everyday culture – it is lived and breathed – never an afterthought. It’s not just about beautiful materials; it’s about the smart, thoughtful care that is taken when making a product, space, or experience better.
Having been taught that a designer must work at a design firm and that the only two choices are Commercial or Residential, I struggled with changing my own course in this industry. I wanted to create good design but not willing to just choose a design category to work within. Much to the confusion of my architect husband, I switched gears and joined the contemporary furniture showroom, Luminaire. It is here where I was given a true education – an education of products from great Italian masters of design. It is here where I was first attracted to Boffi.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Opening a new showroom is never an easy task. You have to be in the right location with the correct product displayed for the market.
We are very fortunate to have been warmly welcomed by the design community here in Chicago.
Please tell us about Boffi Chicago.
The showroom opened in our new space in 2012 as one of 23 mono-brand shops worldwide. Our 2,000 square foot studio operates as a showcase and lifestyle concept for the streamlined kitchen, bath and wardrobe systems. With such a distinctive design philosophy, the Boffi brand has an aesthetic that is recognizable around the world. Two years ago, the showroom welcomed furniture solutions by the iconic Italian furniture company, DePadova, who’s design collaborations include Piero Lissoni and Patricia Urquiola. Most recently, we now offer products from MA/U studio, a young Danish company known for its very clean, contemporary modular shelving. Together, all three companies create a complete Italian environment.
Contact Info:
- Address: 309 W Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60654
- Website: www.boffichicago.com
- Phone: 312.787.2323
- Email: info@boffichicago.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boffi_chicago/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boffichicago/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/boffi-chicago-chicago
Image Credit:
Marc Woodcock
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