An interview with Modern Planet by Gabriel Ross owner and president, Ross Taylor, on his appreciation for Gus* Modern's designs, environmental commitment and appeal to a wide selection of customers.
Q: With Modern Planet’s history of selling higher-end furnishings, how and why did you decide to become an online GUS* dealer?
A: GUS* has been on our radar for some time now. The fact that they have a strong environmental ethos only helped to cement this decision to offer this line to our US customers, through Modern Planet by Gabriel Ross. For the first time this year, the whole line is accessible to anyone across the US who appreciates the clean lines of this design and wants to make it a part of their homes.
From Jan 9-26, 2020, we're excited about the #Growmodern event, which offers our customers 15% off the entire Gus* line.
Q: What can you tell us about their environmental ethos?
A: When I bring anything new into my home, I want to know if there are any nasty chemicals used in the manufacturing process, and how this might affect the air quality in my home?
I think it’s important to say that, in this price point, environmental standards are usually not part of the equation. So, if someone is trying to decide between GUS* and some other brand, I think GUS* does a great job.
Fire retardants are at the top of my deal breaker list. GUS* furniture meets the California TB117-2013 Fire Safety Standards, and they do this without using flame retardants.
They also strive to be California Air Resources Board Phase ll Compliant.
GUS* exclusively uses FSC-Certified woods, so you can be assured that their woods are all sourced in environmentally and socially responsible ways.
Another initiative they’ve taken on is the use of synthetic down which is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. This alone helps prevent over 600,000 bottles per year from entering our landfills.
Q: What can you tell us about their designs?
A: It’s well known how I feel about authenticity in design. After all, our tagline is: Always Authentic... so I love that their designs are their designs.
Beyond that, GUS* designs can feel at home in almost any setting. They have a little of something for everyone, and that also means they have a lot of everything for some people, too!
GUS* has a full range of products that includes sofas and lounge chairs, dining tables and dining chairs, credenzas, beds, night tables, lighting and home accessories. They even have some amazing area rugs.
Q: Are there any pieces in the line that stand out to you?
A: There really is a little bit of something in every category.
The Jane 2 Bi-Sectional has always been a client favourite and the Jane 2 Sofa is also on that list.
In the lounge chair category, I like the Truss chair. It has a solid wood frame, and although it’s smaller in scale, it has quite generous seating.
For dining, you really should take a look at the Wychwood dining table. It’s available in walnut or black ash and is perfect for that smaller space. This table would pair very nicely with the Lecture Chair. Even better with the Upholstered version.
For good reason, the Carmichael Bed continues to sell well. This is one of those beds that crosses the line between contemporary and traditional, so it appeals to a broad range of clients.
If you’re looking for a decent sofa bed that can sleep two people, it is pretty hard to beat the Flipside Sofabed. It’s priced so well, and makes a nice sofa and a great spare bed.
Beyond that, everyone should really go through the line and see if there’s anything there that has personal appeal.
Q: Will Gus* do well with your customers?
A: I think that there is tremendous room for growth, especially in this market. We’ve been selling sofas, from a variety of manufacturers, online for 20 years now – back then, most people thought we were crazy to think anyone would ever buy a sofa online. But in this Amazon world, that’s changing fast, and I think that GUS* hits a lot of marks for a lot of people. I think our 21st year of selling furniture online is going to set new records and I think that GUS* is going to play quite a role in that.
