Ligne Roset, the French luxury furniture brand known for its modern designs, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability, has a storefront in San Francisco, located in the heart of the Design District. We had the pleasure of speaking with Claudine Aubonnet, owner of this independent showroom in the U.S.
Claudine takes great pride in running a women-owned business while upholding the heritage of French craftsmanship integral to the family-run Ligne Roset brand.
Originally from Lyon, she began her journey with Ligne Roset in 1997 in Boston, establishing a long-standing relationship with the brand. Over time, her career took her to various locations across the U.S., ultimately becoming the official owner of the San Francisco showroom in 2017.
Claudine shared with us how the brand is thriving in the U.S. with its dedication to French craftsmanship while standing at the forefront of the sustainable design movement. With grace and a down-to-earth approach, she also reflected on the challenges and rewards of running a showroom independently and staying true to the brand vision while allowing room for her creative expression.
Could you share how Ligne Roset began in 1860 and how it has evolved over the years?
Ligne Roset began in 1860 in the small town of Montagnieu, France, when Antoine Roset started producing wooden walking sticks. The company gradually expanded, transitioning into the manufacturing of chairs, and then more complex furniture. Over the years, Ligne Roset has evolved into a global brand known for its contemporary, innovative designs. Today, it is synonymous with high-end, modern furniture, blending craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, while still retaining its roots in the French artisan tradition.
What key values have driven Ligne Roset’s success, and how has its French heritage influenced today’s designs?
Ligne Roset’s success has been driven by the craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability of its approach to design.
Its French heritage plays a pivotal role, influencing its style with elegance, creativity, and timelessness. The brand consistently collaborates with forward-thinking designers while maintaining its foundation of expert craftsmanship, allowing it to push boundaries while respecting tradition. French design is known for its fusion of art, function, and aesthetics, which is deeply embedded in Ligne Roset’s collections.
Ligne Roset is one of the few luxury furniture brands that remain family-owned and that has kept its production in France. The brand is proud to offer furniture and seating « Made in France », with chairs and furniture manufactured in five factories in the Ain, Rhône and Isère regions.
How would you describe the style of Ligne Roset furniture, and how are your new collections meeting current design trends?
Ligne Roset’s style is modern, sophisticated, and functional. It blends minimalist lines with luxurious materials to create designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
The new collections are meeting current design trends by focusing on sustainability, modularity, and versatility, responding to the growing demand for eco-friendly materials and adaptable living spaces. The brand’s collaborations with leading designers also ensure its collections stay fresh and in tune with global trends, while maintaining the timeless quality Ligne Roset is known for.
How did your passion for interior design and home decor start?
My passion for design was influenced by my upbringing in a family connected to luxury and style in the Lyon area. My mother’s influence contributed to my appreciation for high-end aesthetics.
How did you arrive in the U.S. and start your career with Ligne Roset?
I began my career in Washington, D.C. working in travel before transitioning to design. In 1992, I opened a home decor boutique in Georgetown to pursue my passion for interior design. We then relocated to France for four years to raise our children in a French environment. When we returned to the U.S., we settled in Boston and this is where my story with Ligne Roset began.
Following my husband’s various relocations due to his work in hospitality, I worked at several Ligne Roset showrooms across the U.S., including Boston, San Diego, and Dallas. After a brief departure from the brand, I returned to manage the San Francisco store. In 2017, I entered into a dealership agreement with Ligne Roset and became the official owner of the showroom, which marked a significant milestone in my career.
How do you operate your store under a dealership agreement?
I manage the San Francisco showroom independently as the sole owner. This means I fully own the inventory and have full control of the store’s aesthetic decisions. I use my creative direction to meticulously design the showroom “vignettes” (store layouts) while fully respecting the values and brand codes that are core to the brand. I am very happy to say that Ligne Roset USA, the US subsidiary of Ligne Roset, has full trust in my work.
I enjoy the creative freedom that it gives me as an independent operator, and also enjoy working closely with the main company for logistics and marketing. Although I collaborate with Ligne Roset USA for broader marketing efforts, I handle many local campaigns on my own. Social media, magazines, and exclusive events are the main avenues of promotion that I use for the showroom.
This November, I am pleased to partner with the French-American Chamber of Commerce of California SF-LA for their annual Soirée celebrating French art de vivre, a great opportunity to showcase Ligne Roset furniture in an elegant environment.
What makes Ligne Roset so unique and successful in the U.S. market?
The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovative collaborations with renowned designers makes it stand out. In the U.S.. Despite employing over 100 different designers globally, the pieces are meant to be mixed and matched seamlessly.
Ligne Roset appeals to consumers seeking refined, modern living solutions that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality with minimalism. The brand’s ability to adapt to global tastes while preserving its French heritage, alongside a focus on durable, eco-friendly materials, has cemented its place as a leader in the luxury furniture market.
How has Ligne Roset’s journey in the U.S. unfolded, and why is the Bay Area a significant market for the brand?
Ligne Roset entered the U.S. market as demand for modern European furniture grew. The brand’s focus on sleek, contemporary design and functional living spaces has resonated well with American consumers, particularly in urban areas like the Bay Area, where a combination of luxury living and tech-driven lifestyles have created a market for high-end, modern furnishings. The concentration of design-conscious, eco-minded consumers in the Bay Area who value both aesthetics and sustainability makes it a significant market for Ligne Roset.
How did the pandemic affect your business?
The pandemic unexpectedly boosted sales as lockdowns and the rise of remote work dramatically increased demand for interior furniture and home decor. However, it also led to significant production delays, extending up to 14 months and posing various challenges.
Today, the store has returned to pre-pandemic levels, and I continue to manage a small team, balancing growth with sustainability.
How does Ligne Roset incorporate sustainability into its design and production processes?
Sustainability is at the core of Ligne Roset’s brand philosophy. The company focuses on long-lasting design, quality materials, and sustainable production practices. Ligne Roset has been actively reducing its carbon footprint by using certified wood from responsibly managed forests and eco-friendly upholstery options. Its manufacturing processes are designed to minimize waste, optimize energy efficiency, and reduce overall environmental impact.
Could you elaborate on the eco-friendly materials used and the steps taken to reduce your carbon footprint?
Ligne Roset uses a variety of eco-friendly materials, such as sustainably sourced wood, recyclable aluminum, and water-based lacquers. In terms of production, the company recycles waste materials wherever possible, implements energy-efficient manufacturing, and emphasizes durability, ensuring that products are made to last and reduce the need for frequent replacements. Shipping and logistics also incorporate green practices to reduce emissions, and many pieces are designed for easy recycling at the end of their lifecycle.
How do you think the design industry as a whole is evolving in terms of sustainability, and where does Ligne Roset fit into that evolution?
The design industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, with a shift toward using renewable materials, reducing waste, and producing durable, adaptable pieces. Ligne Roset is at the forefront of this movement, with its commitment to sustainable production, eco-friendly materials, and designing products that stand the test of time. As consumers demand more environmentally responsible choices, Ligne Roset continues to lead by example, integrating sustainability into every aspect of its business, from design to delivery.
Merci Claudine
