Greenwich’s reputation for great style is about to grow stronger when design atelier Putnam & Mason opens this month.
The space will feature contemporary designs and classical antiques, while also offering design services in a showroom and workspace created to appeal to both consumers and the trade.
The owners behind the new venture are Kim Alessi of Bronxville, owner of the luxury brand KLASP home, and Robert Passal, the noted Manhattan-based interior designer.
In the midst of putting final touches on the space, Alessi took a few moments to answer some questions for WAG.
How did the idea for the Putnam & Mason design atelier come about?
“I was looking at a retail space in the Hamptons for a pop-up shop and through a friend was told about 34 E. Putnam Avenue I was hesitant to open a year-round shop just for my company KLASP home. I knew if I took the space it had to be a bigger concept. It was a dear mutual friend that introduced me to interior designer Robert Passal. I realized immediately that his talent, personality and vision made him the perfect partner.”
What goals have you set for the new venture?
“Our goal is to make Putnam & Mason a one-stop shop for consumers and the go-to trade showroom for local designers. Putnam & Mason will be filled with a vast array of sophisticated home-design products along with the ability to create custom furnishings at both retail and trade rates. We want to alleviate the instant-gratification void that exists with most design shops and vendors. Our other goal is to simplify the overall design process for clients, handling every facet of building and designing a home. We have teamed up with a select group of local vendors to take away the painstaking task of attempting to locate high-quality, reliable vendors. A few of these vendors are Phoenix Audio Video, Wheelock Kitchens, Eastridge Construction and Robert Passal Interior Design.”
What will the Putnam & Mason design atelier look like — and how will that help you to accomplish your goals.
“Robert and I are creating a new type of store that is a layered space filled with contemporary products and classical antiques paired with design services in a multifunctional showroom and workspace. The concept is a simple one — create a space where exceptional products, ideas and design services can be discovered in an exclusive environment. The atelier vibe will resemble a luxury, sophisticated home in a loft-size space — supplying high-end furniture and fabrics, audio and lighting, making it an essential one-stop-shop for your home.
“We want our vendors to use the space as if it is their own showroom, giving clients the opportunity to experience their work firsthand…. We also want to make sure all our hand-selected collections are top of the line and unique, catching the attention of our clients. Lines we will represent are Loro Piana, Romo, Chesney’s, Holland & Sherry, Brett Design, SACCO Carpets, Baker, Kravet as well as Robert Passal Wallcoverings and KLASP home. We will make sure in-stock items will be delivered within 24 hours and installation is available.”
How will Putnam & Mason stand out — and what do you hope clients will take away from their experience working with you?
“We are unique in a way that we are not just a trade showroom or just a shop. Putnam & Mason is a multifunctional space layered with products, services and workspace — a place for consumers to shop from unique collections, vendors to showcase services and a space for the trade to bring their clients and work. I believe the most unique concept will be our kitchen, called ‘The Sample Bar.’ It will basically function as a beverage station for clients to have coffee, water and wine, but the main use is a workspace for designers to lay out their projects. The island and cabinetry will be filled with various samples of fabric, wallpaper, paint and more.
“When clients enter the design atelier, ‘all our clients should feel as though they have been transported to a high-end luxury home, which is all sensory — mood lighting, personalized and romantic aroma, a place filled with beautiful suites of home furnishings and accessories in which they can envision themselves living,’ as Robert described. We want our clients to leave with the sentiment they have accomplished what they had set (out to) or at least (feel) at ease that we are here to help with all their home needs.”
Putnam & Mason is scheduled to open this month at 34 E. Putnam Ave. in Greenwich. For more, visit putnamandmason.com.
