Global Furniture Group

Global Furniture Group’s new showroom, located at 1045 W Fulton Street in Chicago’s Fulton Market district, reimagines the traditional furniture showroom as an open, immersive design destination. Conceived as part of a broader migration from the Merchandise Mart to a more contemporary, design-forward neighborhood, the project responds to the company’s desire for a space that feels both elevated and accessible, balancing sophistication with a sense of energy and inclusivity.

On the first floor, a concierge reception area unfolds around a central barista café conceived as a welcoming social hub for employees and guests. A newly created opening leads directly to an interior courtyard, introducing the kind of fluid indoor-outdoor relationship synonymous with California living. From here, a custom curved staircase incorporating built-in banquettes connects the two levels, transforming circulation into an opportunity for gathering and interaction.

At the heart of the project is a fluid spatial strategy that organizes the showroom into a series of curated yet flexible zones. Softened geometries and continuous circulation paths guide visitors intuitively through workplace, healthcare, and education vignettes, allowing the space to function as both a gallery and a working lab. This approach supports Global’s vision of a “high-end workshop”—a place where products can be explored, reconfigured, and experienced in real time without feeling overly precious.

Adaptability is embedded throughout, from movable rugs and flexible furniture layouts to integrated presentation areas that can shift between informal collaboration and large-scale events. Digital and physical displays are carefully balanced, with backlit panels and perimeter installations enhancing storytelling while maintaining openness and visual clarity.

Materially, the showroom draws inspiration from the language of manufacturing and assembly, expressed through layered textures, refined industrial references, and a cohesive palette of neutral tones punctuated by moments of warmth and color.

A sculptural ceiling installation—composed of suspended wood elements—introduces rhythm and movement, reinforcing the brand’s identity while adding a dynamic overhead experience. Floor and wall finishes are intentionally varied to differentiate program zones while maintaining a unified aesthetic, incorporating elements such as wood-look surfaces, soft textiles, and durable resilient materials suited for multiple industry applications.

The result is a contemporary, hospitality-driven environment that elevates the showroom typology—one that fosters engagement, supports evolving product narratives, and positions Global Furniture Group as a leader within the design community.