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Annie Elliott Design, Washington DC

Annie Elliott Design

Greater Washington DC

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Dear Restoration Hardware…

Annie Elliott | February 5, 2011

Sigh. I debated, Gentle Readers. I debated whether to violate my “say mostly nice things” policy and write this letter to Restoration Hardware. Ultimately, I decided that in the same spirit I provided Pottery Barn and Target with some, ah, constructive criticism in the past, so too might Restoration Hardware benefit from a friendly chat. I mean, wouldn’t you want to know what people were saying behind your back?

Dear Restoration Hardware,

I am a former fan who is worried about you.

Have you by any chance seen the comments that my Gentle Readers – an incredibly smart, savvy, well connected group of people (and let’s not forget SUPER RICH with LOTS OF DISPOSABLE INCOME) – left in response to bossy color blog’s most recent post?

Restoration Hardware's Aviator Wing desk

No?

Let me share:

“I now put the Restoration Hardware catalogue right in the recycling bin when I get it because it is just weird . . . and ugly.”

“Not sure who is running the ship at Restoration….some of their pricepoints are just crazy and I think they are losing their core/market consumer.”

“I can’t even page through an entire catalog anymore because I get so bored. And I won’t set foot in their store. Just depresses me. Where is the color???”

“Are we allowed to say “fugly” on here?”

Let’s cut to the chase, Restoration Hardware. By what means did you determine that your core audience is now chateau-dwelling,

Restoration Hardware bedroom

nighttime-fearing,

Restoration Hardware lamps

chronically late

Restoration Hardware clock

 

members of the Amelia Earhart fan club?

Aviator Wing Desk

We beg of you, Restoration Hardware: please take a step back and reconsider your approach. Color is your friend. Goliath has plenty of floor lamps. And many – many – of us refrain from zooming our staplers and pencils through the air like fighter pilots when we work.

Just a thought.

Love, Annie

With much thanks to you, Gentle Readers, who are all of the wonderful things I said in this post and more. This letter wouldn’t have been possible without you. But just so you know: Diet Coke stings when it’s coming out your nose. So please think twice before leaving your next comment. Thank you.

Category: Furniture + upholsteryTag: Aviator Wing Desk, Restoration Hardware, Restoration Hardware catalog, unpopular furniture

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