West Elm in two new store openings

West Elm doesn’t believe in cookie-cutter stores.



The home furnishings retailer will open its location in the state of Rhode Island, in Providence’s Wayland Square neighborhood on Sept. 1. The 11,473-sq.-ft. store will incorporate unique design elements that pay homage to Rhode Island’s history and coastal proximity.



The space has an overall coastal theme, with vintage fishing buoys sourced from the Brimfield Flea Market strung on ropes on the back of the customer checkout. The front of the counter is crafted from reclaimed tin ceiling panels in a unique scalloped pattern.



Also on Sept. 1, West Elm will open in Palm Springs, California. The 10,076-sq.-ft. store is the anchor tenant of the Downtown Palm Springs Revitalization Project.



Located on the ground floor at 201 N. Palm Canyon Drive, West Elm will be the first of several new retailers and restaurants expected to open in the new mixed-used development downtown. Guided by the historic architecture of downtown Palm Springs, the design incorporates influences from the golden era of modernism into the store’s unique details, including the exterior mix of glass and metal framed to complement downtown’s neighboring shops and natural surroundings.



At the checkout, West Elm partnered with local artisan Ken Mason of Long Beach, California, to create an art installation employing handcrafted ceramic tiles arranged in abstract and asymmetrical configurations. The interior design utilizes natural materials throughout the store including reclaimed and salvaged wood for the ceiling.