Oomph is a line that is easy to love! Tailored yet fun, simple yet stylish, the oh so versatile collection of pillows and furniture comes in an irresistible array of colorful designer fabrics and 16 high lacquer colors!! And yet there are so many more reasons why Oomph has been on my radar since they launched three years ago.
Last week, I finally hopped over to their cheery light-filled office to have a chat with the founding partners. Friends Louise Brooks, Patty Hoppel and Amy Rice raised their children together in New Canaan, CT, all the while involved in the local design scene – Patty and Amy in interior design and Louise in architecture.
You would think as empty nesters they would be thinking about winding down. But creative energy knows no age, and one vacation, over drinks (a recurring theme) on their favorite Harbour Island beach, an idea was born – an idea for a “spirited” collection of pillows and small occasional pieces representing their distinct design sensibility.
With a shared love of classics, tweaked with a clean modern twist and a “just do it” mentality, they launched their new venture with those pieces they could never seem to find for themselves, like their best selling Tini (as in martini) Table, in front below – the perfect little piece that goes anywhere!
The concept was that every room can use a little oomph. With just three elements (chairs, accent tables and decorative pillows – all coordinated to work together), a space can be instantly transformed. But not with just any pieces. Oomph’s offerings ooze with charm and personality, whether a simple yet distinctive side table like the popular Edgartown shown here in their driftwood finish
or the snappy backgammon table, color coordinated down to the dice
or the versatile slipper chair (clearly everyone’s favorite)
their line is not just good lucking and practical but fun, with a cheeky twist on traditional.
But the trio was also determined to produce exclusively in the U.S., locally whenever possible, with eco conscious methods. Only poplar grown in renewable forests and water based paints are used. The tables are all custom built in their Connecticut workshop, the chairs hand-made by a multi-generational family of artisans and the pillows hand-sewn locally with a fastidious attention to detail, like the new Bali 2 Fireworks below.
Having close relationships with their workrooms, the business is also very flexible, with the ability to offer bespoke pieces, custom made to clients’ specifications. With good turn around, great customer service and a quick ship program, Oomph is a designer’s dream and the group has in fact worked with practically every prestigious firm around. As they have slowly expanded into other decorative pieces, travel informs much of the line with design details from the past updated for a modern whimsical feel, as seen in this Newport mirror
or a clear winner, the new Hobe Sound Lantern, their first foray into lighting. Available in all 16 lacquer colors, I predict we’ll be seeing a lot of this stylish fixture.
Their booth at High Point was a fabulous explosion of color with luscious lacquers all around.
Many of their classics were looking great such as the Nantucket nesting tables with their unique and playful shape and fabulous details.
And speaking of Nantucket, one of my favorite all time pieces is the Fenwick Chart table. This one is fitted with a map of my favorite isle but can be customized to include your ideal destination as well!
The small upholstered pieces are charming conversation starters like the Gossip chair and Tini loveseat.
The new scalloped slipper chair has great scale and style. With great detailing, it would be at home as easily in the dressing room as by the fireplace!
Their first headboard has classic lines that offer infinite customization possibilities
New lacquer pieces for spring include, among others, the Charleston coffee table, shown here in Club Navy with natural raffia
and the handsome Charleston mirror, a play on classic Chippendale style.
Affordable, stylish and flexible- three of the many reasons why you should be looking to add a little oomph to your spaces. And expect expanding categories from these three dynamos – they have no end of great ideas.
Stacey I absolutely Love, Love all of these pieces from Oomph!
I am so excited to let you know that you are the winner of the $100 Gift Card from Soft Surroundings! Please email me your info at kalbert1@kc.rr.com
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Adore oomph! Their offices are about 5 min. from my house..next time your in the neighborhood give me a shout!:) And congrats again on trad home!
I started hearing “oompa loompa” in my head as soon as I began to read the post and it’s still going strong. Will probably be humming it all day now :)
I have been feeling the need to purge again and was thinking of getting rid of most all of my pillows and now I’m coveting these, hmmm.
Welcome back color! I love it and their scalloped slipper chair it’s like a breath of fresh air!
XX
Debra~
I will take one of ..everything! I adore oomph! A great concept, beautifully executed and perfect for my house! Love it!
I’ve been following this line..and so glad to see all the new pics from High Point. Oh, the color! Fabulous! and kudos to them for staying within the U. S. for sourcing and manufacturing…
Love Oomph! The pillows are so happy, and the lacquer pieces so chic, but I think I like their story as much as I so their line. So nice to see evidence of the fact that creativity knows no age.
Have a lovely week, Stacey.
Love those map tables and the colors of that backgammon table are fab. Great concept all around.
Fabulous! Great color and design – traditional with a fun, new twist!
These are fantastic pictures, thanks so much for sharing. I love OOMPH, and am envious of you seeing it in person! I’d love to visit their store.
Have a great week.
Nancy
Where is OOMPH! available at retail? love!
Hi Noelle – I think they may have a list on their site but if not, just write them directly – they are very responsive!
Have seen the mirrors, but there is so much eye candy here, Stacey!! Bookmarking this.
Keep the images going!
Teresa
xoxo
Have been dying to get over there and have not had the chance yet. Love your pictures and the story behind the brand – everything they do is so fresh and fabulous!
xxoo
Great post! We recently became a retailer for oomph, and everyone really does love their pieces. The bright colors, playful finishes and shapes are all so perfect right now. Beautiful photos, and you’ve summed up their philosophy so well!
Love that scalloped slipper chair and the lacquer! Those pillows are so pretty and perfect to add some color any room!
I’ll have to try the Oomphtini ;) – tini table
leslie
Fab!!!!!!! Love those nc girls with style and smarts!!!!!
I agree–their booth at market was a showstopper! Sorry our paths didn’t cross. We’ll have to compare notes soon!
I love their fun sense of style! Usually you get bright colors or sophisication in design, but not both…they do it beautifully!
Stacey I wanted to be sure you could contact either me or Jim ( jam@softsurroundings.com.)
He will take good care of you! I know you will find some wonderful items! Just put Winner Art by Karena in the subject line.
let me know!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Love so much of this and how sweet are those tiny oval side tables? Congrats Stacey for your Trad Home feature!
xo mary jo
I love this company! Their designs bring a smile to my face. The slipper chair is sweet and compact, the lantern is certain to be a classic and the map table is a winner! Paris map for me, please!
Thanks for sharing.
Barbara Elza Hirsch
Stacey,
I have loved Oomph since I first laid eyes on it! I loved meeting these 3 partners and talented women at the NYIGF, and love their newest items you’ve highlighted here. I hope they continue to vacation and dream up great products. Something tells me they will!!
~ Elizabeth
What a fun and colourful post! It’s times like these when I wish I lived a little closer to the mighty USA !! They seem to have captured a sense of fun with a traditional twist!. Lovely !
Jenny (Australia)