Getting that Restoration Hardware look for your Showroom

I have such a love for the Restoration Hardware look. Being a visual merchandiser, I like to try to incorporate different looks into my store's design when I find it applicable. Lately I have been thinking about what gives Restoration Hardware their distinctive look.
But first, some background (from their website). "Restoration Hardware is a luxury brand in the home furnishings marketplace offering furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, décor, outdoor and garden, as well as baby & child products.We serve as a curator of the finest historical design the world has to offer. Our collections of timeless, updated classics and authentic reproductions provide a unique point of view and an unmatched combination of inspired design, high quality and unparalleled value. Each season brings a wealth of new ideas culled from our exclusive partnerships with the world's most renowned artisans, allowing us to showcase their unique products, passion and vision." The company was founded in 1980 to sell restored hardware (obviously). In 2001, Gary Friedman took over the company (we was formally the president of Williams Sonoma) and has reshaped the brand to be what it is now (although he resigned in 2012). The look seems loosly based on Axel Vervoordt's interiors. "Restoration Hardware has done a superb job of adapting a dash of Axel’s witty overscale sofas with a typical Belgian understated monochromatic décor with plain linen upholstery. And there’s Belgian flea-market rough-and-tumble antiques thrown in." (from this article)
So here are my tips if you want to your store to look a little more Resto too:
1. Paint-Go greige or go home. You can buy Restoration Hardware's very own (and very expensive) paint line, or you can buy their paint deck for $10 and have their Slate color matched (I've found Behr's Graceful Grey or Glidden's Wood Smoke are close matches). For a safer look, white always works.

2. For upholstery select masculine leather or tufted linen pieces. Combine with a large case good or a set of case goods behind the sofa and a picture/clock between the case goods. Remember, symmetry is always best

3. For a dining table- start with a farm table and combine with linen upholstered chairs. The more over sized the table (and the accessories on top), the better. And, of course, top with a fantastic chandelier

4. In the bedroom, remember, neutral high-end linens and oversized casegoods.

5. For art, here are some popular motifs that Restoration Hardware uses: black and white architecture photography, flags, framed letters or music, family crests, clocks, antlers, maps, architectural drawings, large mirrors, subway art, and medical art

6. For accessories- go big! Also keep with the neutral theme. Books especially tea stained ones (here's a tutorial on getting that antique book look). Accessories I frequently see RH use: cloches, small touches of nature (flowers, greenery, orchids are a sure bet), architectural salvages, large bowls, groupings of candles, candlesticks, busts, neutral pottery, trunks, and globes. Keep it simple!

 

7. Lighting- more is more. Add a (huge) chandelier , lamps, and sconces. For lamps go industrial. For chandeliers wood, metal or crystal all works you can even add two over a dining table.

All images via Restoration Hardware.
Check back next week on how I used these suggestions in my store!