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Inform Interiors
Categories: Shopping Home & Garden Furniture Stores Shopping Home & Garden Home Decor Furniture Stores, Home Decor [Edit]
50 Water StVancouver, BC V6B 1A4
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 682-3868
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
BUNK BEDS by BedCetera is a Vancouver, BC based company with wide selection of products. While our Vancouver store location is dedicated to showcasing… read more »
13 reviews for Inform Interiors
Review Highlights
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"This is a must stop for anyone interested in Design." In 5 reviews -
"Vancouver's best source for contemporary decor." In 4 reviews -
"Don't miss the roof in the summer." In 3 reviews
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13 reviews in English
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Review from Gary M.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
When I was a kid I remember walking into Inform's original store (which is still open kitty corner across the street) telling myself that one day I wanted to shop at Inform and choose pieces that were simple, elegant and lovely....
I am happy to say I was able to do this a few years back when I was still in my corporate period and I was furnishing my home. I remember working with Rupert and how he helped us create the clean look I desired within the framework of my budget. I still have every piece from that time and they all look as fresh, and feel as good as they did the day I got them.
The thing I love about coming to Inform is that it's a lovely space to partake in. The sales people are friendly and the book area is perfect for browsing and getting inspiration.
We spent about 45 minutes in here and during that time I tested out the iconic "egg chair" ($6995 on sale from $9999) as well as read a lovely book on architecture in Japan before and after the bubble economy.
cost of admission: free...
ps I now remember that Rupert helped me choose the lovely knoll chair as another option for the trendy and pricey "egg chair". I forget what the cost of the knoll chair was but I know I got 2 of them for a fraction of the egg chair's price. -
Review from Robin M.
10/21/2011
Ohlaawwd, who the effing eff shops here? Let me be the first to 'inform' you (easy, sorry) that it is *not* me.
FACT: implicit in the act of shopping is the idea of one day purchasing. As much as I'd love -- LOVE -- a brand spanking new Hans Wegner wishbone chair, my pockets just don't go that deep. No friends, I am but a reconnoiter -- satisfying my need for furniture to be as functional as they are beautiful by merely perusing Inform's modernist-loving space.
Know this: when I hit the big time, you'll find me here, showering my riches on the otherwise surreal modern luxury that is the furniture of my parallel-universe future self. -
Review from Tonik W.
Vancouver, BC
12/21/2011
This is cool contemporary corporate design that's too big, too much, too expensive and saying it too loud. It's the home depot of furniture.
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Review from Anthony C.
3/25/2011
Get it out of the way early: it's expensive. I walked in today because the bed frame in the window is beautiful. It's solid wood and not a single nail, screw, or anything else but wood is used in its construction. All joinery, all by Italian hands. I was disappointed to find out that it costs $25,000, and the mattress is from Hästens, starting at another $25,000. I didn't buy this bed. But it was really nice to look at.
The sales guy I talked to was happy to show me around the rest of the store to all the other beds, some of which were more reasonably priced. I wouldn't call anything here "affordable", but that's not to say I wouldn't buy it. Purchases here are more like investments. They take lots of thought and careful consideration.
What I liked best is that the sales guy (named Ryan) didn't scoff when I said that $25,000 is a bit more than I had in mind. I find so many salespeople in ultra high-end stores act like you should just get out if you say something is out of your price range, but not here. He showed me all the beds in the store, and then walked me across the street to the sister location to show me everything there, too. That's what I call excellent service.
This stuff is beautiful. Functional works of art. Go to look, go to purchase. Whatever. It's great fun either way. -
Review from shain r.
Vancouver, BC
8/18/2008 2 photos
"Inform Interiors features the latest in contemporary furniture, lighting, accessories, and design books. For over 20 years, Inform has been committed to providing the best quality and design excellence."
Every time I walk by I fantasize that I live in this store, and many times I have heard "Sir! ....sir!.... SIR! stop drooling on the glass I just cleaned it!" this is a little piece of design heaven plopped right in the middle of Gastown. They carry everything you could possibly want from such design gods as:
* Niels Bendtsen
* Marcel Breuer
* Campana brothers
* Achille Castiglioni
* Antonio Citterio
* Charles & Ray Eames
* Eileen Gray
* Arne Jacobsen
* Poul Kjaerholm
* Piero Lissoni
* Jean-Marie Massaud
* Ingo Maurer
* Jasper Morrison
* Marc Newson
* Isamu Noguchi
* Eero Saarinen
* Philippe Starck
* Patricia Urquiola
* Ole Wanscher
* Hans Wegner
phewf.. the list is long.
A little hidden gem about this establishment is in the summer they feature their summer collection in an outdoor setting located on the roof. Just take the elevator up to the roof and you will discover a little oasis filled with molded plastic loungers, sun shades, and little gnome stools. Enjoy!Listed in: Club chairs, sofas, lamps, oh…
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Review from Katie F.
Updated - 1/16/2010
I initially reviewed Inform a year ago when hubby and I were in the midst of shopping our house... now that my furniture has arrived, it's worth an update (most of the reviews are window shoppers).
I love Inform/B&B Italia for their style and because their pieces are all authentic... I hate "inspired" crap - if you can't afford it, don't fake it. Nothing turns me off more than walking into a place filled with Arco/Eames/Noguchi/Van der Rohe knock-offs.
I would say it's hard to furnish an entire place with this look (unless you've got a very large penthouse) since it can be cold and the pieces are quite bold/statement-like, but a smattering of pieces in the home is fabulous.
Lead time was about 14 weeks. Smooth process from ordering to delivery. The salespeople can be a bit aloof but I was happy with the product knowledge - we dealt with Edward for most of it. Great style, knowledge about leathers/materials, and how to work with our existing pieces.
Can't wait to come back - one room left to do! Only downside is the price, but that's never stopped me before :)Listed in: Furniture for the Contemporary…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/1/2009
I totally love this store. It's a great source for all things modern... and they're original… Read more »
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Review from Nadine N.
Vancouver, BC
10/18/2008
Walking through Inform feels like visiting a museum or an interactive instillation art show. The layout is spacious and the furniture is artfully displayed. The furniture is sleek, sexy, and expensive. You don't have to pay to enter, but like a museum, you probably won't be able to afford to buy these pieces or maybe I should just speak for myself. I especially enjoyed lounging on a sofa the size of a bed. Ahh, luxury, you are fun to visit. It's too bad I can't bring you home.
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Review from Victoria R.
BC
12/2/2008
Walking by Inform, I feel like redecorating everything in my apartment and living the good life. I don't even like decorating or interior design, but this place makes me want to be an interior designer. it's very contemporary, low-slung couches, flat and minimalist silhouettes in interesting colours. The lamps are really unique and they carry a lot of different standing and hanging options. From pillows to accessories, everything is for the discerning palette. It's also expensive, but most good furniture should be-it's not Ikea or the Brick.
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Review from Richard J.
North Vancouver, BC
4/8/2009
Vancouver's best source for contemporary decor. The best international designers and helpful "informed" staff. Just a visit is a treat. The recently built new store (across form their old location) is spectacular. Don't miss the roof in the summer. Sure it's expensive...but it's the BEST. You get what you pay for and this is the #1 place for fine living interior (and outdoor) furniture in Vancouver. Don't miss the B and B Italia showroom across the street and the amazing kitchen designs.
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Review from Gaile G.
Vancouver, BC
12/28/2008
Having worked with Inform for a number of years for various scaled projects, Inform Interiors is a must see showroom for anyone who is looking for modern design. Inform Interiors re-opened their showroom designed by one of my favorite local architects and industrial designers Omar Arbel. The first retailer in Vancouver to build a geothermal building with a green roof - environmental details in addition to re-using, rebuilding and recreating an amazing interior space, Inform Interiors is a destination retail space and experience that every modern design enthusiast must see when visiting Vancouver. For modern minimalists like myself, architectural features to take note of - a few of my favorites are the corian work stations, concrete staircase and the single linear frameless window of butt jointed glass on the second floor facing the alley - speechless! The space frames room settings that highlight a few of my favorite lines of furniture - for the less mainstream - PORRO ITALY, FLEXFORM ITALY, ZANOTTA, LIVING DIVANI, and local manufacturer BENSEN to the new addition of POLIFORM wardrobes. Most of the lines of furniture are considered high end however with a good design eye, there are collections that offer good value and care comparable in pricing. One thing to take note of are lead times for custom orders ranging from 12-16 weeks.
Later launching in the fall of 2008 a new flagship B&B Italia and Boffi showroom at their previous location. Gastown is the first neighborhood in Vancouver that has given us a sense of home and community. It is exciting to see Water Street transform into a destination spot for unique fashion, furniture, food - thanks to the Inform family for helping transform what once was known as a tourist spot now the modern destination like Soho is in New York ... is it businesses like Inform that help build & transform communities into destinations versus places we just pass by. Vancouver is changing every day and for the most part, it is exciting to see this transformation. -
Review from John D.
Vancouver, BC
5/27/2011
I walk by this museum regularly. It's beautiful contemporary furniture in a great space, unfortunately with price point to match. So no I won't be buying here anytime soon, but for inspiration I love it. The one irritant has been that when I go in and spend some time looking, I am rarely greeted - maybe they have twigged I am a "Lookie-Loo". (and their website drives me nuts - it's a little too flash, nothing stays still)
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Review from Justin B.
6/8/2009
This is a must stop for anyone interested in Design. I spent a lot of time browsing their fantastic library of books and walking around their numerous huge showrooms. When I hit it rich with my Taco Truck franchise I will be back to buy.
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Review from J G.
Vancouver, BC
10/13/2008 1 photo
The inform Interiors aesthetic is really not my thing; I find it excessively spare and neutral. Sometimes even, dare I say soulless? However, if you appreciate a clean line and a modern, minimalist yet tasteful aesthetic, you might fall in love with this place. They carry some top line designers, so you can be sure that the home furnishings (furniture and accessories) that you will find here are high quality and terribly au courant. You should come here if you are in the market for, say a new sofa or dining room table, and if you have a lot of money earmarked for high end, stylish furniture.
