Store Furnishes Savings : Charles Barone’s line of pieces for the home is sold factory direct.
The words factory outlet or factory direct signify bargains to most of us, because we realize that the chances of finding a deal are good when dealing directly with the manufacturer.
When I spotted the words Factory Direct on the sign of The Barone Collection store, two bells rang: “bargain” and “Charles Barone.” Internationally known for his designs of wall coverings and fabric, Barone sold the wallpaper company and retired a few years ago. But he has resurfaced, creating stunning furniture designs and selling them factory direct.
Because Barone does not sell to retailers and hardly any of the inventory is sold elsewhere, comparison shopping is difficult. But anyone who knows what is available in the marketplace--and at what price--will realize the bargains here.
For instance, a stunning dining table, 44 by 84 inches, made of Mactan fossil stone inlaid on marine wood and set on a pale green wrought-iron frame, looks like it should cost at least $2,000. Because you are dealing directly with the manufacturer, it is a reasonable $786.
Fossil stone has the look of marble or travertine, but allows more flexibility in shape and design because of its lighter weight. It comes in several shades (Mactan is yellowish beige) and is found in the mountains of the Philippines. If you don’t see exactly what you want on the floor, you may custom order color combinations in various designs.
There are many unusual wrought-iron and glass pieces, often coupled with brass or silver insets. A black with gold-finish iron and one-inch beveled glass-top cocktail table, 38 inches round, is $326. The matching console, 12 by 40 inches, is $286.
Barone recently fell heir to a collection of rattan furniture, not of his own design but of excellent quality and offered at better than competitive prices. Handsome whitewash rattan armchairs are $265, and easily compare to some that have been spotted for $375. This should be good news to those of you disappointed at the demise of Rattan Distribution Warehouse, featured in a May column.
Decorators are discovering this new source for unique designs at factory prices, which has been open only a few months. The fabulous urns in the window display have stopped traffic on Sepulveda Boulevard.
WHERE TO SHOP
What: The Barone Collection, 1888 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Cards: MasterCard, Visa.
Call: (310) 477-7525.
