When Functional Furnishings closed way back in 2004, it left a hole in the Short North market for mid-priced modern furniture. Tim Friar decided to step in to fill that void when he opened Grid Furnishings in November 2010, and business has been bustling ever since.
“The biggest seller of the year is the Jane Bi-sectional in Totem Storm upholstery,” said Friar when talking about the latest trends. “Even Gordon Gee has one in his new Short North digs.”
Grid Furnishings primarily features furniture brands designed in North America in addition to works created by independent interior designers, artists, furniture makers and architects. The store also offers Ohio-made custom pieces that Friar says are affordable for being built to specifications.
“Grid customers are very supportive of buying locally,” adds Friar. “All of the non-custom furniture lines sold at Grid can be purchased through internet retailers. However customers purchase locally because Grid has made the commitment to a show as much furniture design in a small space as possible.”
In 2014, Grid will expand display of items from the Gus* Modern line and feature more Ohio-made products on prominent display.
“We plan to start having regular designer exhibits based on Ohio designers,” said Friar. “I see this as new way of looking at furniture as design and an art form. Of course these exhibits would be geared around the Gallery Hop calendar.”
Friar also recently curated an exhibit at The Riffe Gallery called “The Modern Table: Ohio Furniture Designers” which is open now through January 12th. For more information on that show, CLICK HERE.
For more information, visit www.gridfurnishings.com.
Photos by Walker Evans.