DESIGN CONNECTION

Those of you who are regular followers of this column know my enthusiasm for our great World Market and its Las Vegas Design Center. On numerous occasions I’ve written about its remarkable growth in a short period of time (now totaling more than five million square feet) and its generous contributions to not only local designers and deserving charities, but to the Las Vegas community as a whole with its wonderful twice yearly Pre-Market Inventory Clearance Sale.

But I have never felt more excited about the Design Center and its showrooms than I do now after the Summer Market which heralded the opening of the incredible Building C and the spectacular debut of the new Robert Allen/Beacon Hill showroom located on the first floor of that building in almost 30,000 square feet of design wonderland. This new addition is really something to see.

As an interior designer and ardent supporter of what the Las Vegas Design Center has been trying to achieve, I have long bemoaned the fact that it lacked one of the most basic drawing cards for the designer—namely, a major source for fabrics. I have observed how in other major design centers (e.g., the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles) that no matter how bad the economy might be, there are always designers looking for fabrics to reupholster a client’s sofa or replace old, worn drapes—even when the furniture showrooms might be virtually empty. And I know from my sources that the Design Center management here has been aware of this problem from the get-go.

But with the opening of Robert Allen/Beacon Hill it’s a problem no longer, and local designers and their clients can rejoice in the fact that a real West Hollywood-type showroom has finally come to our fair city. And this grand space not only features drop-dead gorgeous fabrics and trims in its elegant, contemporary setting, but furniture and decorative accessories as well, making it a virtual one-stop design destination. The thought that I will no longer have to get on a plane and travel to Los Angeles to shop for designer fabrics and furnishings is almost too good to be true.

“We’re delighted to be opening a showroom at the Las Vegas Design Center.” says Jeff Cordover, president of The Robert Allen Group. “We believe that this has become a key market for the design industry and will provide our customers from all over the world with a convenient location to see our products.”

And judging by the comments and response from not only Market attendees but local designers as well, everyone seems to be just as thrilled and delighted as Mr. Cordover is to have this new design source in our midst, as it’s the largest of the company-owned and operated showrooms located throughout the United States and internationally. And that’s really saying something—not only for Robert Allen, but for the belief that Las Vegas now is truly on its way to becoming a major design and furniture hub nationally and internationally as well. What a stupendous achievement in only a few short years.

And just what will designers find in this comprehensive showcase? As Robert Allen’s Web site accurately describes it, “A working environment and level of service reflective of the luxury of our offerings. The showroom provides an extensive sampling of fabric and trim in an inspirational and intuitively designed setting.”

Their description of what is offered goes on to say that “Showroom products encompass Robert Allen, Beacon Hill, Robert Allen Contract, and Robert Allen Home branded fabrics, along with a complete array of fine home furnishings and decorative accessories from a selection of the world’s finest craftsmen.” Personally, I think this summation is far too modest judging by what I’ve seen on display.

By the way, there’s even a full line of eco-friendly fabrics made of sustainable fibers such as alpaca, bamboo, mohair and wool, as well as organic and recycled fibers.

Even those of you only peripherally familiar with anything involving interior design should probably recognize some of the great and time-honored companies that are now represented so gloriously at Robert Allen/Beacon Hill showroom here at Las Vegas Design Center. They include:

Get the picture? Make your way down to Building C, Suite 101 as soon as you can (you can’t miss it as it’s directly in front of you as you enter the main foyer) and see the results of what more than 70 years in the fabric and design industry has produced, surpassing even this seasoned designer’s expectations.

Stephen Leon is president of Soleil Design Intl. Inc. and has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years, along with his accomplishments in interior design. He has served on the board of directors of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Stephen can be contacted at soleildesign@cox.net.