RH COLUMBUS, THE GALLERY AT EASTON TOWN CENTER

Photography courtesy of RH

It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago we were walking through the doors of RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) Columbus, The Gallery at Easton Town Center for the first time. Little did we know that it would be our team’s last “normal” outing before stay-at-home orders went into effect, and a “new normal” set in. Finding the positives amidst a sea of challenging stories since that day has been challenging, but RH’s runaway success is a bright spot in the midst of a dark time for most businesses.

RH has seen sales and stock value soar since May, bucking the national trend in retail; banking on consumers who are ready to invest in their nest and spend their summer at home by the pool instead of jet setting across the world. Already revered for luxury design, RH is well on its way to becoming an industry giant with venerated investment gurus like Warren Buffet buying in at big numbers. Such incredible resilience and growth during an unprecedented and tumultuous time has proven that it will take more than a global pandemic to shake RH’s foothold in the design world.

Scoring an RH Gallery speaks volumes about the confidence company executives have placed in the growing Columbus market and Easton Town Center, where the massive, three-story lifestyle mecca sits as the crowning jewel of Easton’s newest expansion and the pinnacle of a twenty one year-long relationship between the brands. The new location affords terrific views from the magnificent signature RH Rooftop Restaurant and patio - one of ten in the country, and now the prototype for future galleries.

Entering RH Gallery, we were met with lofty ceilings and generous natural light glimmering off of extravagant chandeliers. Reclaimed wood carvings and stone sculptures proclaim RH’s historically-influenced, refined industrial style, while luxurious fabrics and rich leather lend to the brand’s effortless and serene vibe. We learn that the aim of the characteristically muted colors, neutral palate and organic materials is to allow the home to become a place of mental and physical relaxation.

Comfort runs an extremely close second to sophistication in the RH design world. The famous Cloud sofa is the shining star of the entrance hall, with each of the four corners of the room designed around a slight variation of this fan-favorite, showcasing the micro-level of customization available including fabric, fill, configuration, or finish. Traditional and transitional furnishings complete the first floor showrooms with strokes of individuality infused by one of a kind carvings, architectural elements and artwork specifically selected for the market (and available for purchase), giving each RH Gallery a personality and flavor of its own.

The impressive interior design atelier makes up most of the second floor and includes a massive studio available for use by architects and outside designers as well as the professional in-house RH design team. Private rooms allow RH’s clients a completely personalized experience as they review thousands of options for furniture, rugs, bedding, and fixtures while sipping champagne or lattes and snacking on small bites from the restaurant.

Up the mirrored grand staircase, guests are met by the take-away coffee bar before stepping into the light-filled atrium style rooftop restaurant. The restaurant is an elegant industrial masterpiece of glass, light, and greenery with a distinctively edgy, urban feel. During the day, sunlight brightens the restaurant unobstructed. At night, chandeliers transform the rooftop into the ultimate romantic escape. In the warmer months, the connecting patio allows diners to enjoy the view, weather, and a glass of wine or two.

A team comprised of both national and local talent presents a competitive lineup of delicious fare (offering both brunch and dinner options) and a well curated beverage program. For our visit, we sampled from the brunch menu and loved every bite. Each dish was perfectly portioned and beautifully plated. The Avocado Toast on charred sourdough was topped with egg and roasted tomatoes. A Lobster Roll with requisite Old Bay seasoning and drawn butter was complemented perfectly by the very sharable and not-to-be-missed Truffled Fries.

RH Gallery is so stunningly elegant that staff fields regular inquiries to host weddings and other events. Though many would seize the revenue opportunity, RH leadership holds firmly unwilling to sacrifice the goal of an immersive client experience. Whatever your design aesthetic, a visit to RH Gallery and Rooftop Restaurant is a feast for the senses.

RH’s Rooftop Restaurant is open from 11am to 7pm Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. You can find their menus and COVID safety protocols on their website -RH.com/Columbus.