Increase the style quotient of your living room with Indonesian end tables or a Japanese floral design. Adding dimension with global accents is the specialty of the Mount Kisco, New York, ebhome showroom, which offers furniture, accessories, art and interior design by owner Everick Brown.
Brown’s designs aim to broaden furnishing options by providing elegance and comfort, blended with artistic individuality. Offerings run the gamut from bathroom and kitchen fixtures to tiles, lighting, and carpentry. “I pay attention to how my customers want to portray themselves in their homes and present designs that reflect that,” says Brown.
ebhome offers an eclectic mix of old and new: a 19th century Chinese hutch coexists with Japanese iron pieces, while West Coast sofa designs are enhanced by handblown glass from Italy, incorporating intriguing concepts such as the Japanese philosophy of wabi sabi-finding beauty in imperfection. “Think of the beauty of the half moon as opposed to the full, or dried flowers instead of fresh ones, or handcrafted pieces where the beauty lies in the distinctiveness of the expression,” Brown says.
During his 20 years in the retail industry, the former general merchandising manager at J.Crew traveled to several continents, gaining exposure to indigenous cultures and primitive art, all helping to build the foundation for his boutique, which opened in January 2002. “I [also] attended trade and art shows and met local artists I wanted to feature.”
In all his research Brown found a consistent theme, one that he emphasizes in his creations. “The pieces may be from France or Germany, but what appeals to me is ethnic, primitive artistry. From colors to textures-they all have roots in Africa.”
Brown says there are multiple ways to augment your space without the hands-on assistance of an interior designer. First: “Think of colors, patterns, or shapes that best reflect your personal taste and style.” An alternative starting point is designing around a favorite or treasured item. “You can make that the centerpiece and build from there,” he explains. Brown says that magazines continue to be a great source of inspiration. “Collect tear sheets,” he suggests. “This is the easiest way of conveying your ideas.”
ebhome is preparing for a busy year, with the launch of a new, 8,500-square-foot store in South Norwalk, Connecticut. The showroom was also chosen by Knoll last month to distribute its furnishings. “Passion for my work continues to inspire me,” Brown says, “The designs may change, but I try to stay focused on my original vision-modern class with a global perspective.”