During the recent High Point Furniture Market, I was invited on an Inner Circle tour of Currey & Company, led by Cecil Adams, their vice president and creative director.
As a Vermont interior designer, I like doing business locally, so Hubbardton Forge will always have a place in my projects. The forge is just a few miles down the road…you can’t get more local to me than that! But a designer can’t live on Hubbardton Forge alone, so Currey is another favorite.
The Origins of Currey & Company
The company began when a highly successful businessman got bored in retirement. Robert and his wife Suzy Currey sold their retail chain, Storehouse, and Robert became a sourcing scout for large retailers, including Crate & Barrel (the power of a good eye!). One day, Crate & Barrel told him everything he brought them was wonderful, but then they had the difficult task of getting it manufactured. So they posed a question that started it all: could he just make it for them?
That became the Garden Source, which made wrought iron garden benches. The same metalwork turned out to be perfect for chandeliers, so in the 1990s they pivoted, and Currey & Company was born.
Robert’s son, Brownlee, is the president, and he said his leadership style is to find people who make magic and stay out of their way. He said that’s the “and Company” in the name.
Two things that make Currey & Company special.
What Makes Currey & Company Special
First, their use of unique materials: natural shells and stones, reclaimed wood, recycled glass, rattan, bamboo, and driftwood, all responsibly sourced. This isn’t an accident; it comes from their commitment to sustainability. They’ve been members of the Sustainable Furnishings Council for over 15 years, and one of their first initiatives was to implement a paperless warehouse.
Brownlee said the industry has “miles to go before we sleep” on sustainability. I respect a CEO who puts their money where their mouth is…they welcomed us with cocktails in real glass (not plastic like most showrooms at High Point). The box lunch was recyclable and compostable, and the meal turned out to be fully organic!
Here’s a designer favorite: this colorful fabric-wrapped chandelier. The wood beads and the fabric that wraps them are both recycled. It’s absolutely stunning in person!
Recycled glass can be seen throughout their line. Some pieces are less obviously recycled, while some intentionally keep the essence of their former life, like the glass from wine bottles.
The second thing that makes Currey & Company stand out is their love of whimsy. Everything from marble Birkin bag sculptures to monkey side tables.
What Caught My Eye
Here’s an example of a sconce that has been on my moodboard…just waiting for the right project!
Something they’re known for is what they call critters, which are unique one-of-a-kind sculptures in varying sizes. Some are of real objects, like this terra cotta dog. And others are simply born from someone’s imagination.
They also make a full range of fabric shades and cordless lights – be still my heart!
An interesting tidbit: I’ve been to the Dallas and High Point showrooms, and they both have several established bonsai trees. Brownlee has grown them since he was 12, and his collection is more than 100 trees!
