What began as a part-time hobby quickly morphed into a full-time job for Jon and Rachel Sawyer as their shop, Kit Interior Objects became Calgary’s go-to place for classic modern furniture. Demand for mid-century design has only grown since the couple took over the business from a friend in 2005.
Located on 11th Avenue Southwest in the Design District, Kit was the first shop to bring Herman Miller for the Home to Calgary and the first to house many of the mid-century modern classics all under one roof. “We sell brand-name, designer, modern furniture from the likes of Herman Miller, Knoll, Fritz Hansen and Cherner,” says Jon. “It’s all original. No knock-offs.”
On top of classic mid-century pieces such as the world renowned Eames lounge chair from 1956, Emeco’s Navy chair from 1944 and Saarinen’s pedestal table from 1956, Kit carries objects by contemporary designers such as Tom Dixon and Jonathan Adler. The works of a few local artisans such as Room B and Loyal Loot as well as Canadian furniture maker Speke Klein are also available at Kit. “At any given moment, we have 50 distinct brands in the store,” says Jon.