I had gone to the Design within Reach store in Old Town Pasadena because I adore the Barcelona chair. While there, ready to buy, I felt the staff to be so standoffish. They greated me at the door from the safety of their desks, but never ventured out onto the floor to assist me despite my body language that plainly indicated I was ready to buy. Aside from me, the place was empty.
A week later, I saw an ad in the LA Times for Rezon8Living in the valley. My wife and I ventured out on a Saturday, had a little trouble finding the place (make sure to take the Sherman West exit from the 405N, NOT the Sherman East exit or you will head in the wrong direction). Once inside, though, we were both amazed. The showroom is huge, full of tons of great modern designs, and, best of all, the staff was friendly and outtgoing. IKEA give you those paper yardsticks, right? Rezon8Living gives you a complimentary chrome desiner tape measurer! I carry it in my purse and it comes in very handy.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, we bought their version of the Barcelona Chair (Rezon8Living's is called the Matisse Chair) for less than half what Design Within Reach sells theirs for and had enough $$ left over to buy an amazing dining room table and four chairs.
We're moving into a new home next month. Can you guess the first place I'll be going when it comes time to decorate?
Pros: Great people, great selection, very decent prices.
Cons: location in an industrial part of the San Fernando Valley.
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