DESIGN CONNECTION

In this time of soaring prices and a tightening economy, it’s a good feeling to come across a retail furniture store that’s dedicated to great contemporary design and price points that would prove attractive to even the most fiscally conservative and value-conscious shopper. All this, while offering custom design as well, makes EQ3, located at Town Square (directly behind the mammoth Robb & Stuckey), “a unique resource of exceptional quality for people who embrace modern living.”

The Las Vegas store (along with numerous others scattered throughout the United States and Canada, as well as major furniture galleries in Latin America, Europe and Asia), is 10,000 square feet packed with a wide variety of furniture collections for office, bedroom, dining and living spaces, as well as an enticing selection of all kinds of accessories.

When I first approached the store (and parking, by the way, is a breeze), I was immediately beguiled and intrigued—having never seen this type of advertising before—by the slogans and thoughts that had been inscribed across the plate glass windows. Some of these included:

“A relentless aim to create accessible products. Affordable modern design. Finding the best combination of resources, construction methods and manufacturers. Local and global manufacturing. Challenging the status quo. Innovative and affordable home furnishings. Divine modern product expressions from designers around the world. Celebration of culture, race and nationality.” And finally, the most unusual of all: “Canadian heritage and multi-culturalism and tolerance.” (The founder, Peter Tielman is, by the way, Canadian, I later learned.)

I couldn’t wait to go inside and see for myself what EQ3 was all about, instinctively realizing that I was in for a special shopping experience. I introduced myself to Cindy Stith, EQ3’s take-charge store manager, and I was immediately whisked away on an enthusiastic tour of one of Las Vegas’ best resources for modern design. I was soon rocking to the beat of the background music as I attempted to take it all in and keep up with my energetic and highly informed guide.

Descriptive words like “Euro, Rock, Racy, Vibe, Glam, Pulse, Provoke, Flaunt, Dare and Dance” flashed by me as we zipped from one vignette to the next, along with product descriptions like “high-octane lacquer,” “rebellious chrome,” “mustang finish” and “tough by simplicity.” This is a store truly in step with today’s fast-paced lifestyle and I gave thanks, incidentally, for having worn comfortable shoes that day.

There’s also a sense of humor tossed in here and there at EQ3 as I caught sight of some throw pillows with signage that read: “Afraid of commitment? It’s just a pillow!” I love that—for the shopper that just can’t make up his mind. Then there was the other plain-talking sign that simply says, in no uncertain terms: “Don’t fancy the fabric? Pick another!” How’s that for a straightforward approach to honest selling? I was hooked already. And that was before I discovered some of the fundamentals that truly set EQ3 apart from its competitors—of which there are few, if any.

At the core of the EQ3 philosophy is the deeply held belief that even though pricing is highly competitive—and in fact, in most cases, truly an amazing value—custom is available; and yes, even encouraged.

Take it from me, a long-time designer of furniture and interiors, this is an incredibly attractive selling feature and extremely unusual (to say the least) in furnishings selling at the price points available from this savvy and imaginative retailer.

I have never come across a store with prices similar to say, a West Elm, that will allow clients to pick their own fabrics (of which there are over 150, as well as 50 leather options) in addition to a choice of a number of leg designs. The furniture is, in essence, custom-made for the client in much the same way that higher-end designer shops work.

And like most custom-designed higher-end furniture, all seating (of which there are over 100 upholstery pieces in the line) is made with solid maple frames, Italian webbing, and with never a thought to skimping on quality. And still delivery is quoted at 6 to 8 weeks from Canada.

Other incredible values that I spied on my tour were beautiful shag rugs for $599, a $300 chaise lounge (if you can believe it) and the No. 1 seller in the store, according to Cindy, the “Crush,” a sleek, contemporary chaise for under $900—in leather.

There’s a great line called the B2C Collection which offers furniture that can either be used standing straight up or flipped on its side, and you can change the legs and the configuration as well—imagine the possibilities. And I was especially taken by a number of the bed units that feature hidden hydraulic mechanisms that allow for easy under-bed storage—what a great and practical feature. No matter the size of your home, who of us couldn’t use extra storage space that’s so easily accessible?

I could go on and on extolling the virtues of the EQ3 shopping experience, from the wonderfully bold Bossa wall unit with its sliding glass door (selling for just under $2,500—how do they do it?) to the Whooshi curtains (room dividers retailing at under $80), and everything in between—all “honest materials and strong silhouettes.”

EQ3 is the store in Las Vegas for affordable, custom-like contemporary furniture that you’ll be proud to own for years to come. As its name suggests, it’s a unique shopping experience in many ways, and its sales philosophy is founded not only on value for your money, but on the “emotional quotient” (EQ) of its appeal from the perspective of a world view: “3” is more than 1, beyond a couple, a community. EQ3 understands that today’s shoppers are greatly influenced by global trends in fashion, music and the arts, and it is committed to bringing the best and newest to our dynamic city.

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.