Teak NY winds down its LA Pop-Up on Monday
Author:Abigail StoneIt’s often said that travel can alter one’s life. Certainly Teak NY founder, Caitlin Maestrini can attest to that. The former high school art teacher hopped on a plane for a tour of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland during the semester she spent abroad while studying for her masters in art business. “I came back inspired to redo my apartment in Scandinavian style,” she remembers.
But her plans were thwarted by the dearth of Scandinavian-made pieces available in the U.S.. Her solution was to launch an e-commerce business importing the furniture, lighting, decor, beauty and wellness products, fashion accessories, and other fun, giftable finds that she’d fallen in love with. Her online marketplace quickly turned into a pop-up, then a 600 square foot store. It’s now morphed into a 4000 square foot space in Brooklyn that opened last July, showcasing over 70 brands designed and created in the Northern Peninsula — Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland. “I hand-select and curate every single object that comes in,” she stresses. “We don’t sell anything unless I’ve seen it in person and can verify the quality and the craftsmanship.”
A pop-up on Robertson Boulevard, which opened at the end of January and winds down its stay on Monday, showcases some of the store’s most popular brands and pieces. That includes OMHU’s Teddy sofa, exclusive to Teak NY, a modular sofa with machine-washable covers which morphs into a comfortable conversation pit (there are also ottoman and chair versions); Montana Furniture, a Danish heritage brand; Mass Productions, a contemporary Swedish company (“the 4 pm table is actually made from offcuts from the 4 pm lounge chair,” Maestrini points out); String Furniture, also from Sweden, a modular legacy brand; and FOLK Reykjavik, whose pieces, like its Airbag Cushion, are focused on sustainability.
“We chose things that are cool and popular but also that are quality, heritage designs,” says Maestrini. Surprisingly, many of the pieces are available in bright colors and rich jewel tones. “We’re trying to get away from the idea of Scandinavia being only neutrals!,” she laughs. But even in vibrant tones, the through-line is pieces that are functional and adaptable. “There are a lot of modular pieces that can change and grow as you and your decor changes,” she points out.
The store has also been helping those who’ve been impacted by the city’s fires: you can drop off essential goods and in-store donations will be matched by the brand and donated to fire relief organizations.
Teak NY, 114 S Robertson Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90048, Thursday-Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
