New Furniture Shop Keeps Grand Rapids History Alive

Baronessa Home Furnishings and Accessories is a high-end antique, vintage, and custom made shop, which blends period fabrics, pieces, patterns, and colors to create timeless spaces by evoking glamour and appeal.  After spending three years in academia, Grand Rapids native, Vanessa Ann Claus decided to pursue her dream of becoming a business owner.  On September 12, 2013, Vanessa and her mother, Nancy Claus, opened their 1000-square foot shop in the heart of Heritage Hill.  The store is located in the Lyon Building, which is one of the oldest buildings in Grand Rapids. 

The store’s grand opening aligned perfectly with ArtPrize, which allowed Vanessa and staff to explain the importance of Grand Rapid’s furniture to many city visitors.  In the process of talking to visitors, the staff soon realized that many people, regardless of their geographical background, owned Grand Rapids made pieces.  Vanessa said, “Grand Rapids has a rich history.  Our city was once known as the furniture capital of the world.  Quality furnishings and accessories stand the test of time… Our showroom is tribute to this fact.”

When Baronessa initially opened, employees noticed a pattern… Customers bought quickly purchased showroom pieces that read, “Made in Grand Rapids.”  For those unfamiliar with Grand Rapids’ rich history, it is important to note that at the turn of the 20th century, furniture companies such as Baker Furniture, Berkey and Gay, Forslund Furniture, Stickley Brothers, and many more established their headquarters in Grand Rapids. 

Vanessa said, “One of my goals, as a business owner, is to foster relationships with Grand Rapids natives who have a strong connection to our furniture history.  Our city, which emphasizes the importance of local commerce, should be purchasing pieces that are reflective of the quality of our past.”  Baronessa has been fortunate to gain access to the residences of many collectors, thus offering the owners and staff the opportunity to hand select unique pieces.  Maria, one of Baronessa’s interns, notes, “Each of our showroom items are sold with a unique story.  Our Berkey & Gay table, which is one of my favorite local pieces, was the first factory cut marble tabletop made (late 1890s).”

We look forward to sharing a piece of history with each visitor and bringing Grand Rapids made furniture back home.  For more information about Baronessa, visit our website at http://www.shopbaronessa.com/.