Home Meridian Intl. Showroom, High Point, N.C.

As one of the largest case good supplies in the country, Home Meridian Intl. Inc. wanted to renovate its 90,000-square-foot showroom in High Point, N.C., to incorporate individual showrooms for each of its divisions into one cohesive location.

Martin Roberts Design LLC (New York) started this transformation process by interviewing key executives and studying company functioning to determine how a high-tech, modern space would serve this multi-branded company. Asian influences, which permeate the company, were also to be celebrated in the new design.

The new entryway welcomes guest with a grout-less tile flooring, dark gray carpeting and bold red wall near the reception desk. A white palette with red and black accents creates a sense of cohesiveness throughout the space, from the glass-walled executive offices to the internet café and individual showrooms of each division. Illuminated cubes in the same color palette also form a chandelier in the atrium.

Subtle Asian design cues include large white textured wall panels that mimic the parallel lines of a freshly raked Zen sand garden and multi-bar, stainless-steel railings on the staircase, which reference Asian bamboo.

“The new space with its grand staircase enabled our design team to illustrate how HMI is both one entity with a very strong identity with five operating divisions, each with a strong, distinct style and brand personality,” says Martin Roberts, president of Martin Roberts Design.

By bringing the divisions together under one roof, furniture buyers are able to review new lines and products and make purchasing decisions, says HMI ceo George Revington. “The space also provides quiet areas to relax, connect with their stores or conduct other business.”

Photography: Mark Steel Photography, Columbus, Ohio