“They saw a picture in a magazine but couldn’t find that piece in Calgary. Margaret saw this as a great business opportunity featuring high end contemporary furniture.”

“Calgary is maturing.  It’s evolving with a greater influx of young money.  People are traveling and seeing new things and being introduced to new designs. Their option then was to buy it abroad, but now, Inside brings it to Calgary! Our whole business model is based on authentic Italian branded product.”  People who shop here are those “who understand design and have a sophisticated taste in the contemporary look,” adds Anil.

Inside opened their doors in January 2006. As customers step into the tastefully recently renovated 1960’s warehouse, contemporary is what they will find.  Hanging from the ceiling at the entrance, is an ethereal light fixture, with “sails” around each light. Walking amongst the many furniture groupings, featuring Minotti, Bontempi, Former, Casa Milano, and soon offering Armani Casa and Edra, floor hugging sectionals, low-profile couches and chairs are evident throughout the open spaces.  Glass topped chrome coffee and end tables, modern dining suites, are also found.  Lush, cushy area rugs define each grouping.

Sprinkled around the large floor area are pieces of art, such as signed lithographs by Picasso, Dali and Chagal, gracing the walls. “We’ve just added a vase line by Arcade in the last couple of weeks,” says Anil.  “They are hand blown and of artisan quality.”  They are part of a series – some of 300, some with 40 and others, only 20 in the world.  “The name of the artist is etched at the bottom of each piece!”  Babette Holland is another line of vases carried by Inside, made from hand spun aluminum with some having blown glass fused to the bottom.  “Look for a few more surprises in a couple of more months,” suggests Anil.  He is proud to state that “all products carried at Inside are exclusive to Inside.”

In the popular Minotti line, individual pieces allow each sectional to be unique to the purchaser, using different esthetics and different fabrics.  Joined in the grouping is a low Calder coffee table made from lacquered ebony wood with chrome frame, two Passmore armchairs, made from deep brown woven leather and a distinctive black Cesar table.  The Kidassia (goat hair) rug ties the components of this grouping together.

In what Anil calls the “bachelor pad” grouping, an Archipenko Holder – a hand lacquered cabinet – made by one person, from start to finish, a black leather couch with Bontempi red leather and chrome arm chairs plus a free form glass table on wheels, are all anchored by the lovely two-tone grey and red carpet.

A very interesting, yet practical red glass topped Ten table for six by Bontempi, expands to seat 8. These tables are also available in black, white, clear, sandblasted or in combinations of wood and glass. The white leather Asia chairs and Moonscape rug are combined beautifully with the table and this arrangement would be perfect in a space with a strikingly bold feature wall.

Anil says the “most traditional” grouping found at Inside features furniture by Montbel.  Two comfortable chairs and loveseat, surrounding simple, yet elegant glass tables to maintain openness and showcase the accent rug, called Zen Garden, are anchored by leather wrapped lights for ambiance.  “People just love this and how it looks.” This arrangement is perfect for a den or smaller living space, often found in today’s condos.
Described by Anil as “an architectural sculpture”, the splendid Penta light is to be used for ambiance.  There is a hand blown Murano glass inside.  This light is a stand alone magnificent piece of art!

Molo Design Walls are featured in various locations on the showroom floor.  They are manufactured here in Canada, and have won the Index Award in Denmark for their ingenuity and design.  Two different heights are available.  These flexible, compressible and expandable walls are unique and can be used as screens in lofts, room separators in open plans – their application is limited only to one’s imagination!

A client’s satisfaction is at the forefront of the service provided at Inside.  When the client has selected the piece of furniture desired, for example, they are invited to enjoy a cup of cappuccino or a glass of wine while they peruse fabric samples.  They can select from the privacy in the meeting room up the stairs in the showroom’s centre mast, sit at the bar, or relax in one of the stylish furniture groupings.

Delivery times are explained:  “We had a client who wanted a bed.  We brought it in within ten days from Italy. We use a forwarding agent and ship our product by cubic foot and that helps guarantee our product will be here on time.”

Come inside and see how your dream designs for a contemporary interior can become a reality!   CL

Click on http://www.insidedesigns.ca mid-May for more.  Inside can be found at 3419 – 8 Street SE in the new Centre on 8th complex, just off Blackfoot Trail.  Hours are 10-5 Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays.