Warm and inviting, walking into Verellen is like being whisked away to a modern woodsy refuge secluded from the world. A transformed utilitarian building brushed in all white with worn wooden shutters and sea grass rests in stark contrast to the surroundings of downtown High Point, NC.
Once inside, you’ve been immediately adopted into the Verellen family, a Belgian brew in hand. Before you’ve had the chance to take in your surroundings you find yourself at the tabletop bar surrounded by friends and family. The bar itself is a statement piece of its own – built on stacks of rocks that look as stable as Jenga pieces, secured by wire and topped with a sheet of steel that has a familiar worn-in feel.
The showroom bar doubles as a gathering place and as a showpiece.
It is only when you glance over your shoulder that you get a peek of the large, open-concept showroom – a space adorned with artwork on nearly every wall, an alluring fireplace, a serene escape. This is a space where old and new exists together, where modern and traditional find natural harmony.
Ottoman wrapped in Storm Beige leather
Verellen is the namesake of the Belgian-born husband and wife duo who built the brand, Tom and Sabine Verellen. They got their start in the fabric industry, importing one-of-a-kind wovens. It wasn’t long before the two saw a void; everything began to look the same – safe and traditional.
Sabine & Tom Verellen
They started the company in 1999, and began building furniture for a signature piece to showcase their slipcovers. At the time, not many companies were doing slipcovers so they created their first two sofa frames – Camille and Pauline – which, later, helped to put slipcovers back on the market. Details, comfort, aesthetic and style all played a role in their creation.
When referencing their slipcovers, Tom quips, “they should be tight fitting like a lady’s dress.”
They introduced their sofas and slipcovers to add a cozy element to a room full of hard goods, creating a showroom that was uniquely crafted. A beautiful display of glowing candles on oak coffee tables caught the eyes of two well-known international interior designers, who have high-end showrooms in New Zealand and Australia. Lured by the dancing shadows of the candlelight, they sat on the sofas to enjoy their wine and fell in love with the furniture.
Detailing and fit – Sette in Storm Beige leather
It wasn’t long before one thing lead to another and Verellen began creating and manufacturing their own furniture line. Their brand, defined by a specific aesthetic, craftsmanship and strict attention to detail, helped them flourish despite the past recession.
Sofa in Berkshire Wolf leather
Flash forward to the High Point Furniture Market this year and it is easy to see why Verellen has been so successful. Their tailored pieces exude timeless sophistication, silhouettes that would be buzz-worthy in any decade. Their showroom easily flows from one room to the next without much distinction, purposefully crafted this way to show how people truly desire to live in every room of the house. The feel of the furniture is modern, yet classic – a livable elegance.
Custom lamps wrapped in Serengeti Light Brindle hair-on-hide leather.
Inspired by handbags, lingerie and leather, the true secret to their success lies in themselves. “We work better as a team, we are more creative,” they say, “we bounce ideas off one another.” Both full-time designers work cohesively to select what textures and fabrics appear in their showroom. While Tom focuses on the details, Sabine sees the big picture. We get to see it all.
Find out more about Verellen here: http://verellen.biz
Slight steps made of reclaimed wood make even the stairs a visual window for products in the showroom.