My life is all about design – it always has been. Having been in my chosen profession for as long as I have (but more likely as with any God-given talent – it chose me) by this point I’ve learned through experience (the best teacher) to recognize what is real and what tries to pass itself off as just something clever that screams “hey, look at me.” And that’s the kind of design that I personally find difficult to take very seriously.

So imagine my delight when I came across a showroom where design – good design- is really happening and that is actually giving serious thought to the end-user. A company that offers a line of original products, well-made and with pricing that actually makes sense in a world where costs seem to be spiraling out of control.

Brownstone Furniture is one of the original tenants in Building “A” of the World Market Center and believe me the Las Vegas design community was graced with a tremendous resource when it opened its doors. Their mission statement is true and a succinct summation of what is reflected on their showroom floor:

“Brownstone’s mission is to create quality anufactured furniture with innovative and timeless designs at an affordable price . We pride ourselves on insuring that the highest quality standards are met when building our furniture. We select the finest grade environmentally- friendly woods and use only American-made finishing materials. From bedroom collections to dining and occasional pieces, Brownstone’s signature is to artfully blend the classic look of traditional furniture with the clean lines of contemporary design. Brownstone’s intention is to offer our customers high-design furniture that endures the test of time and is uncompromised in quality.”

What is it about Brownstone that resonates so well with me as a designer of furniture and interiors? Bottom line is it must be the integrity of each of their design groups. From dining tables and chairs, to bedroom suites inspired by different style periods and ethnic influences – all is clear, clean design minus the gimmicks. Undoubtedly, it is furniture built to withstand the test of time.

For example, the “Gramercy” bedroom collection stands out in my mind for several reasons. Brownstone describes its proportions “as elegant and graceful, reminiscent of the mid-century modern era.” And though it’s obviously an example of a current style in design, it’s roots are based in classicism and the beds are available in a choice of a rich mahogany crotch veneer (one of my favorite finishes, by the way) or a “supple, cotton upholstery with a luxurious sateen sheen.” Either way, the bed is quite handsome and so are the accompanying highboy, six-drawer dresser or gentlemen’s chest.

I’d like to point out that as with many of the Brownstone designs, the scale of the Gramercy is wonderfully suitable for many of the new high-rises and smaller homes and apartments where large-scale furniture is just too over-sized to be considered. With this in mind they have cleverly created a “swivel wardrobe with mirror” as part of this collection and as they refer to it as “a perfect remedy to small, cramped living spaces with the dimensions of 20” w x 20” d x 74” h – so it can fit in almost any room!” Very clever design if you ask me and a superb example of the golden rule: form must follow function.”

The “Bancroft” dining server is “inspired from a variety of sources such as American Mission, Asian and Mid-century Modern” and these influences are clearly reflected in the design. I call your attention to this piece as a wonderful example of the craftsmanship that goes into the construction of the Brownstone furniture coupled with the extraordinary value for the money that one receives.

The top and inner drawer faces are in straight grain, oak veneer with solid mahogany framing. (By the way most of the Brownstone furniture is constructed of solid birch or cherry wood.) The drawers are dovetailed (wow! – this is real craftsmanship seldom seen these days) and have high-end, soft roller slides with a pop-back mechanism typical of upscale cabinetry. The shelves on each side are conveniently adjustable. The dimensions are 70.5” w x 21.5” d x 35” h – and it retails at an amazing $1640!!!

You’re probably wondering how they can sell this quality piece of furniture at such an attractive price point. There are several factors that allow them to do so: custom is not available, finishes are lovely but limited (the server is available in a choice of two finishes: black cherry or a two tone warm brown and espresso) and the dimensions are unalterable. But for me as a designer, these limitations are more than compensated by the fact that all designs are stocked locally for quick-delivery and all are wonderfully well-made and incredibly priced for true value which will impress even the most discerning of clients.

The success of Brownstone furniture is a reflection of its creators and management team. The background of its principals is as solid and as impressive as the materials they use to fashion their furniture. Chris Kingsley as founder and President of Brownstone brings a remarkable amount of manufacturing, design and marketing experience to the company. He runs the company along with his younger brother, Reed Kingsley, who is Vice-President and co-founde.r He also once worked for the family’s lumber company that was in business for 90 years before being sold.

It’s a closely-held family business and very hands on, with manufacturing begin done in Asia. It doesn’t hurt a bit that Chris at one time lived in Indonesia for a fourteen year period where he absorbed the culture and learned to speak both Indonesian and Mandarin Chinese. Reed lived there for a three year period as well. These gentlemen are truly well-versed in what it takes to design, manufacture and market their exciting line of furniture and are continuing to expand the Brownstone name.

Currently, there are three showrooms in the United States (San Francisco, Las Vegas and High Point, North Carolina) that will very soon offer compete home furnishings and accessories. This positions Brownstone to become one of the leading furniture companies in the world – a position that they richly deserve.

I might add that a visit to the local Brownstone showroom here at the World Market Center will not only introduce you to a great line of furniture but also to a wonderful lady, Alicia Simmons showroom manager., She stands ready and willing to help one and all in any way that she can to navigate the Brownstone collection and will graciously share her in depth knowledge of the product to ensure you a worthwhile and profitable shopping experience.