Exciting News for Westchester Designers: Cocobolo Expands to the Design Trade

In the past, Westchester-based designers could only connect with vendors by going into the city. And while we still love our treks to NYC, it’s also nice to know that there is a nice location in Westchester where the trade can discover an array of furniture, lighting, accessories, fabric and wallpaper for their clients at Cocobolo Interiors and the newly expanded, Cocobolo Design Center.

Opened in June 2019 by principal and owner Julie Owen, this two-level design showroom features noted design brands and emerging lines, including Vanguard, CR Laine, Palecek, Made Goods, Arteriors, Tech Lighting, Hickory Chair, Julian Chichester, Roberta Schilling, Visual Comfort and many others. allowing Westchester and Connecticut-based designers to shop high-end quality goods without having to travel far away.

Fabrics and wallcoverings are a prominent part of the trade, and designers will find a separate area devoted to each with high-end companies like Kravet, Romo, Osborne & Little, Schumacher, Holly Hunt, Zimmer & Rhode, JAB, Cowtan & Tout and Phillip Jeffries in the mix.

Additionally, designers are also encouraged to bring clients into the showroom to preview vendor items in person. Each floor spans 3,000 square feet, with retail offered on the ground level. In addition to accessories and decor, Owen has also introduced vintage, one-of-kind finds into her vignettes—the kinds of elements she uses in her own interior design projects. Read on to learn more about the Cocobolo Design Center from our latst interview with its founder.

How did the idea for Cocobolo come about?

I have owned Cocobolo Interiors for 10 years and have wanted to open a trade showroom since establishing my interior design and retail businesses. Given that I have the largest library of fabrics and wallpapers in the Westchester area and the fact that I display a large variety of home furnishings from my trusted vendors with whom I have worked with for many years, it was a seamless transition to provide a shopping destination for designers and architects in Westchester, Fairfield and Rockland counties.

How do you decide on what vendors to feature in the showroom?

I have researched hundreds of home furnishing vendors and carefully selected those with the best quality, customer service and variety of styles to be a part of my business. I visit the showrooms exhibiting at High Point Market and familiarize myself with much of the furniture that is included in each of their lines. I will not carry a manufacturer unless I have seen quality products consistently produced throughout their line whether it be casegoods, lighting, carpeting or accessories. Equally important is the comfort of their upholstery.

What is the process like when you work with your designers?

Kristin Chan, our trade showroom manager, is available to make suggestions in terms of whatever it is you may be looking for, as well as ordering samples, providing quotes, checking stock/expected ship dates, following up on open orders, etc. In addition, the designers on staff and myself have over 40 years of combined experience and are very knowledgable and always available to make recommendations and provide additional information and insight.

What can designers expect at Cocobolo?

Service, service service! We strive to provide excellent customer service and get your orders placed and to your clients as quickly as possible,.

How are you different from what’s out there?

There is nothing “out there” in Westchester county right now. It’s expensive and time consuming to travel into Manhattan to source and many of the vendors we carry aren’t even shown in any showrooms. It’s convenient to bring clients into the showroom to test upholstery from various manufacturers and select the vendor fabrics offered.

We have a large selection of fabrics and wallpapers that are available at the Decoration & Design Building, so no need to travel that far!

Anything else to add?

We truly enjoy what we do here, and strive to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with professional and efficient service!

Cocobolo Design Center is located at 37 Maple Avenue in Armonk, NY and open from Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Come visit Cocobolo in person on October 3rd from 5:30-7:30pm with our host committee, Linherr Hollingsworth of Linherr Hollingsworth, Douglas Graneto of Douglas Graneto Design, Krista Fox of Krista Fox Interiors, and Carol Kurth of Carol Kurth Architecture + Interiors to celebrate the grand opening of the Cocobolo Design Center. RSVP at nycgevents@candg.com