NATURALLY UNIQUE: Phillips Collection creates furniture from the jungles of Northern Thailand : Interior Design Blog

Back in the 13th century, Venetian merchant and adventurer Marco Polo travelled the Silk Road. He inspired a generation of explorers who transported intriguing novelties – from teas to textiles – back home to the West. Happily, such wanderlust is not just the stuff of ancient history. There’s a present-day furniture company bringing exotic finds home to discerning individuals who seek unique.

And it’s happening right here in Fort Myers, as Robb & Stucky premieres Origins from the Phillips Collection.





In the grand tradition of Marco Polo, the Phillips Collection designers and merchants found themselves in the jungles of Northern Thailand. Simultaneously awestruck and inspired, they went to work, reclaiming timber, nature’s artifact, from abandoned forests. They gave it new life in a furniture collection aptly named Origins.





Wood pieces of infinite variety comprise the Origins collection: dining tables, sundry living room tables, and benches. Each is a product of Mother Nature – with a little help from her friends at the Phillips Collection. The reclaimed wood is selected for unique grain variations, branch knots and splits. Imperfections are coveted. From such gorgeous raw materials, furniture designers and expert craftsmen create modern masterpieces.



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At Robb & Stucky, we think Origins is the ultimate in sustainability. First, the collection beautifully recycles abandoned raw materials. Secondly, Origins is built to last – and evolve. Like all natural products, variations in climate – temperature and humidity, especially – and the incumbent contraction and expansion natural to wood, will cause changes over time. Origins is an ever-evolving story.


Origins is also the ultimate in modernity. The character of the reclaimed wood is time-worn and ageless, but it takes us full circle: past, present and future. Origins makes a modern statement in a design plan, with a sculptural elegance and quiet simplicity that speaks volumes.





When’s the last time you made a big, bold discovery? The wait is over. The trade route is open, and Tamiami Trail is today’s Silk Road, leading to Robb & Stucky, of course.



ABOUT MARK STUART: Robb & Stucky Creative Director Mark Stuart is responsible for the floor plan and visual display of all Robb & Stucky stores. In his spare time, he also shops the world for accessories and engages with our amazing buying team to ensure Robb & Stucky stores enchant as a unified, beautiful experience.