Local Spotlight: Pensacola’s very own Haus of Hue has recently unveiled its brand-new furniture line, causing quite a buzz in the community. We had the pleasure of catching up with Raf Simpson, the owner, who enthusiastically shared the details of this innovative venture. Simpson, along with his wife Lauren Bakarian and the rest of the Haus of Hue team aims to bring accessible, affordable luxury to the world of home Furnishings.
The inception of this project was rooted in Bakarian’s prior success with Bakarian Studio, a sought-after furniture line that catered to celebrity clients with its meticulously handcrafted pieces. While Bakarian Studio exuded luxury and exclusivity, Haus of Hue is now a collaborative effort of the Haus of Hue team, embracing a new approach with fresh ideas and designs. “We wanted to extend Lauren’s design expertise and attention to detail to a wider audience while maintaining that same sense of luxury and quality,” Simpson explains.
The transformation from Bakarian Studio to Haus of Hue involved leveraging cutting-edge technologies to produce furniture on a larger scale. Marc Verbena, a furniture veteran, was appointed CEO to help with the process. The aspiration was to preserve the handcrafted quality while making it more accessible to a broader customer base. “We’ve combined the essence of Lauren’s design with efficient manufacturing processes,” adds Simpson. The result is a fusion of luxurious comfort and aesthetic appeal, a hallmark of their European and Parisian-inspired furniture line.
The journey to Haus of Hue’s current success has been remarkable, even beyond the Pensacola community’s expectations. “Although our initial focus was to extend our reach to larger cities, the local response has been heartening, ” Simpson says. The line’s arrival has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, even in a coastal town like Pensacola, known for its traditional furnishings. Haus of Hue’s diverse range of products is now available at both their 9th Avenue and Palafox locations. Customers can also explore their offerings online at hausofhue. com. Besides showcasing their own line, Haus of Hue acts as a curator of top-notch furniture brands, such as Rowe and Interlude. The store aims to provide a holistic approach to home design, acknowledging that homeowners often blend different styles and brands to create their perfect space.
For those seeking design assistance, Haus of Hue offers comprehensive support throughout the entire process. From interior elevations to sourcing materials, the team ensures a seamless experience. “We’re here to offer turnkey solutions for design or even just provide advice for those seeking guidance,” Simpson highlights. The flexibility of their services is a testament to their commitment to meeting the diverse needs of their clients.
But that’s not all – Haus of Hue’s creative spirit extends beyond furniture. They’ve ventured into the realm of home fragrances with their own line of diffusers and scents. Inspired by global scents, including those from iconic locations like Hôtel Costes in Paris and the Edition Hotel in Miami, these fragrances add a sensory dimension to their furniture line.
Amidst their busy endeavors, the family behind Haus of Hue is also engaged in exciting projects. Their latest undertaking involves the renovation of a Beverly Hills home, showcasing their design prowess beyond furniture. Furthermore, they are on the brink of introducing a new dining experience to the downtown Pensacola area – Harry Roy. Named after Raf’s great-grandfather, a prominent London band leader who married a princess, this restaurant holds special significance. “We’re infusing the spirit of our family legacy into this project, designing every aspect, from lighting to furnishings,” Simpson shares.
Haus of Hue’s dedication to accessible luxury, innovative design, and community engagement make them a local gem to watch. As their story unfolds, we can only anticipate more remarkable contributions to Pensacola’s lifestyle scene.
