Forward Space Showroom and Offices – Wood Dale
Kuchar was engaged by Forward Space, a Steelcase dealer, to design their offices and showroom located in Wood Dale, Illinois.
Forward Space, the preferred Chicagoland Steelcase dealer, sought to combine three office locations and a warehouse into one combined facility. The chosen location is warehouse space with 30 foot ceilings an industrial park outside of O’Hare airport. When we started the design for the project, the three main goals were to create an unexpected design experience within the industrial surroundings, to make them standout against their competitors and to celebrate the woman owned business.
The space acts as both a showroom, office, mockup area and warehouse creating the ultimate service center for their employees and clients. Connecting each space is a soft palette and curved architecture that layer upon each other as you move throughout the showroom. The most dynamic space is named the Sandbox which is meant to be a place where clients can pick from many different types of furniture to create their own customized mockup. A large furniture display was designed to feature items to be used. Within the display, each cubby is accented in different ways using paint colors, mirror and wood and each of them highlighted with accent lighting.
We did not shy away from the feminine aspect of the business- using a soft palette and curved architecture. Upon entering the showroom, visitors are greeted with a soft gray marble and brushed brass bar that is layered with a pink plaster backdrop. Overhead, a warm wood ceiling gives the warehouse space a high-end look while keeping the high ceilings. In the employee WorkCafe, mint colored velvet sofas are set against a pink Kvadrat, double height drapery. The lighting was used as “jewelry” in the space, an accent that adds interest in a dramatic way. One installation was inspired by a necklace which drapes over a lounge area within the showroom lobby.
Design: Kuchar
Photography: Christopher Barrett Photography
