Essentials for Living’s Earthy, Elevated Evolution

Essentials for Living Is Making Transitional Furniture Feel Cool Again

Interior designers, we know you’re always on the lookout for pieces that strike the elusive balance between style and livability. That’s why our latest Concierge Hour featured a deep dive with Janna Villalobos, brand manager at Essentials for Living. 

Formerly known under the Star International Furniture and Orient Express Furniture names, Essentials for Living has fully embraced a transitional aesthetic that’s anything but generic. From their best-selling Loom dining chairs to the versatile Hunter sideboard, the brand nails that “elevated but client-proof” balance. (Shout-out to performance fabrics that stand up to kids, wine, and overenthusiastic dinner guests.)

Janna walked us through the evolution of the brand, from white-and-gray minimalism to richer textures, curvier silhouettes, and the occasional pop of colorful velvet. Essentials for Living is leaning into color and character in all the best ways, with earthy tones, natural gray finishes, and chunky rope detailing that’s basically begging for a beach house install.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there: the brand is dropping a new summer line and opening a jaw-dropping flagship showroom at High Point Market this fall. Think multiple stories, a rooftop deck, and a layout designed to feel like home (a very, very stylish home).

So whether you’re searching for a dining set that can hold its own in a design-savvy family’s home or just want to ogle new product lines and make your spec boards prettier, Essentials for Living has you covered.