From L to R: Stan Selden, chairman, Selden's Home Furnishings; Scott Selden, president Selden's Home Furnishings; Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno, Theodore Alexander; Loni Cross, Selden's Home Furnishings; Jake Cross, Selden's Home Furnishings.
Selden‘s Home Furnishings hosted the west coast retail launch of the new Keno Bros. collection on November 4 featuring acclaimed furniture experts and twin brothers, Leigh and Leslie Keno, who designed the new line for Theodore Alexander.
Attended by more than 300 consumers, the display of the collection was designed as an exhibit of fine furnishings—a nod to the Kenos‘ background with America‘s top auction houses—but with a decidedly modern flair in keeping with the furniture collection‘s design perspective. Throughout the lively presentation the Kenos showcased signature pieces, discussed the key elements common to all fine furnishings, and shared how they melded classic decorative art forms, sculpture, and even racecar design into their furniture designs. Afterwards, the brothers signed pieces of the furniture and talked with guests until late into the evening.
The Keno brothers started their Pacific coast visit with an appearance on ―New Day Northwest,‖ a popular live morning TV talk show in Seattle. Later, they held a private reception for the Selden‘s staff.
"This was by far one of the most successful private events that we‘ve had at Selden‘s," said Scott Selden, president of Selden‘s Home Furnishings. ―The draw of the Keno brothers was key to the event's success and attendance; their presentation caused a flurry of sales that night immediately following the program."
Selden‘s was the ―perfect place to kick off the retail rollout of this exciting new collection,‖ added Theodore Alexander USA President Russell Towner, who also attended the event. ―The Keno brothers are so enthusiastic and engaging, and they really connected with the audience. Their genuine love of furniture design creates an air of excitement that is infectious and enjoyable.‖
Introduced at the April High Point Market, the Keno Bros. collection is an eclectic, classically modern mix of 18th through 20th century styles. Key features include the use of exotic woods, flowing, organic shapes, fine craftsmanship, and elegant yet functional details.
"We believe furniture has to be good through and through – not just beautiful, but well made," said Leslie Keno. "People always ask us, 'what furniture is being made today that will be collectible tomorrow?' And we tell them, 'it‘s pieces that show true craftsmanship and quality.''
The collection includes dining and occasional tables, chairs, sideboards, cabinets, chests, desks, bookcases and accent items.The brothers achieved celebrity status as appraisers on the highly rated PBS show "Antiques Roadshow" and in 2003-04 were hosts of the PBS show "Find!"
About Theodore Alexander: Theodore Alexander is renowned for unmatched craftsmanship, exquisite finishes and extraordinary design. Covering a diversity of periods and styles, their collections encompass thousands of unique lighting, home accents, case goods, and upholstered furnishings. Theodore Alexander and its licensed collections, Althorp Living History and Keno Bros., are available throughout the world at fine furniture galleries and design centers. For more information, please visit www.theodorealexander.com.
About the Keno Brothers: For more than thirty years, Leigh and Leslie Keno have been the foremost experts in art and antiques. Leigh is currently President of Keno Auctions, a full service auction house based in Manhattan. Prior to Keno Auctions, Leigh owned and operated Leigh Keno American Antiques for twenty-three years. Leslie has been with Sotheby‘s in New York for thirty years and serves as the company‘s Senior Vice President and Director of American Furniture and Decorative Arts. The award-winning brothers have authored a book, written columns for popular magazines, and hosted or appeared on a variety of television shows that focus on art, antiques, furnishings, and design.