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Artek debut at "FORM Contemporary Design Show"

Artek was founded in 1935 by four young idealists: Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl. The business idea of the company was "to sell furniture and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means." The founders of Artek believed in a grand synthesis of art and technology (art + tech = Artek), and wanted to make a difference in town planning as well as architecture and design.

Today Artek is renowned as one of the most innovative contributors to modern design, building on the heritage of Alvar Aalto. Functionality and timeless aesthetics are the essential elements in the creation of every product that bears the Artek name. Artek’s comprehensive furniture system is based on the original idea of standards and systems, which has its origin in Alvar Aalto’s L-leg component. The standard and system thinking makes the furniture range versatile and allows it to be customized for individual projects. Artek’s furniture can be found in various types of spaces; from public spaces to homes, museums to schools and hotels to offices.

Centro proudly introduces the Artek collection to St. Louis at the inaugural FORM Contemporary Design Show, organized and hosted by the Luminary Center for the Arts, on Friday, August 13th and Saturday August 14th.  Tickets for Friday's VIP preview are $25 advance / $30 at the door, and Saturday's exhibition are $7 advance   / $10 at the door.

Rome was not built in a day.  The same can be said for the interiors of our personal dwellings.  While the vast majority of Centro's clients agree that it's worth waiting for what they want, there are those who "want it yesterday".  Eleven of Centro's most popular vendors now keep their US warehouses filled with their best-sellers, allowing us to fulfill QUICKSHIP orders in 10 - 21 days.  Think about it:  a designer can now meet a client's demand for a B&B Italia CHARLES Sofa in time for a visit by the client's in-laws.  Or an architect can suggest that their client order Fritz Hansen EGG chairs for their newly-renovated lobby in time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.  Or a newlywed couple can order the Cassina MIR Dining Table before they leave for their honeymoon, and have it waiting for them upon their return.

Good things come to those who wait. For those who can't, a visit to the new QUICKSHIP section of our online Virtual Showroom is mandatory.

Designed by architect Preston J. Bradshaw and completed in 1931, the Chase Park Plaza has played an important role in St. Louis entertainment and society ever since.  Notable celebrities including Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole performed there, and "special occasion" meals continue to be celebrated at the infamous Tenderloin Room.  Having recently been converted to luxury residences by developer IFC, Inc, Centro was invited to play a supporting role in the marketing plan to sell the final phase of the The Private Residences at The Chase Park Plaza .  Centro store manager Steve Schuepfer, working with the photographer and stylist, furnished Residence #1902 with designs from B&B Italia, e15, Kasthall, Zanotta, Kartell, and Artemide.  The pairing of Centro's simple, modern designs with the Chase's traditional architectural detailing (and those views...don't forget those views!) resulted in an excellent marketing tool for the Chase to attract the sophisticated, well-travelled client who can appreciate the benefits of living high above the heart the Central West End.  Residences from the $400's to $5+ million are available. 

One of St. Louis' best-kept secrets is the growing abundance of great dining establishments.  This phenomenon has spawned several foodie blogs, review sites, and the highly-respected Sauce Magazine.  Last week saw the launch of the city's newest monthly, FEAST Magazine .  Owned by Lee Enterprises (parent company of the Post Dispatch) and published by Catherine Neville (co-founder of the aforementioned Sauce), FEAST will cover the best in the St. Louis food scene, from restaurants, kitchen supplies, cocktail culture (a Centro favorite), entertaining, and lifestyle. For the debut issue, FEAST asked several local furniture stores to select a table to pair with Vitra's VEGETAL Chair, designed by the Bouroullec Brothers and available exclusively in St. Louis at Centro.  Centro's suggestion for a fine complement to the VEGETAL Chair: Zanotta's PETALO Table by Dominique Mathieu.

Grab a copy of FEAST (for free) at your favorite St. Louis grocery store or restaurant, and turn to the last page for the full article.

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