Design’s New Palace

The description “huge” is accurate, though something like “tremendous” or “grand” would give a better sense of its aesthetic as well as its size. “Inspirational,” certainly. But considering its overall magnitude, attention to detail and visual impact, the most apt word for this new addition to OKC’s retail landscape might be “stunning.”

Officially dubbed RH Oklahoma City, The Gallery at OAK, the complex fills 45,000 square feet on three levels with exquisite designs and luxury furnishings from the RH collections; rare art and antiques from around the world; a rooftop park and outdoor living space; and even a sumptuously appointed full-service restaurant.

It’s a lot to take in, and an amazing aesthetic resource for local residents. RH’s President and CEO Gary Friedman shared some thoughts about the OKC gallery and the mindset behind the overall brand.

Retail concepts, dining, even private travel—what is the key to developing and executing a consistent brand through the world of RH? 

Furniture is just one aspect of the RH ecosystem we are building. The next generation of galleries supports our long-term vision to move the brand beyond creating and selling products to conceptualizing and selling spaces. We believe in creating immersive spaces that activate all of the senses: sight, smell, taste, touch and sound. These new galleries and the integrated hospitality experience position our brand for the RH of the future.

Each of the RH retail concepts in its respective city reflects the lifestyle and culture of its residents—what is the research and development process that goes into each concept?

Everything you see at RH Oklahoma City is a reflection of a hierarchy that leads to harmony. We believe the most pleasing environments are a reflection of human design; they are a study of balance, symmetry and perfect proportions. We respect the hierarchy between the environment, landscaping, architecture, furniture and decor that create harmony. Ours is a discipline of addition by subtraction, where less becomes more and calm is created through continuity. Our hope is to both integrate into and elevate the local environments we inhabit.

What excites you the most about the future of innovative retail and hospitality concepts like RH?

We believe our ecosystem of products, places, services and spaces inspires customers to dream, design, dine, travel and live in a world thoughtfully curated by RH, creating an emotional connection unlike any other brand in the world.  

Over the next two years we will be opening new inspiring galleries in Paris, London, Milan and Sydney with restaurants, Champagne and caviar bars, wine and barista bars and interior design offices. We will also be opening our second RH Guesthouse with our first RH Bath House and Spa.  

We like to say, “We have to think until it hurts, until we can see what others can’t see, so we can do what others can’t do.”

I also like to say, “Never underestimate the power of a few good people who don’t know what can’t be done.” Especially these people.  

Why did RH choose OAK for its first Oklahoma City gallery? 

First, besides having the best basketball team in the world, Oklahoma City is also the 42nd largest metropolitan market in the country, and we’ve had recent success opening new design galleries in Raleigh and Jacksonville, which are a similar size. 

 Second, we believe the OAK is an example of a next-generation mixed-use outdoor development that is reflective of how customers want to shop and spend their time. We also had an opportunity to anchor the retail development with a three-story first-of-its-kind new design gallery with a rooftop restaurant facing the central courtyard.  

 Additionally, RH Oklahoma City, The Gallery at OAK, will have 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor selling space, presenting the most inspiring collection of luxury furniture and home furnishings in the market, more than seven times larger than our Tulsa store. The gallery will also have an integrated RH Interior Design Atelier where clients can work with our designers to create the home of their dreams. 

How is RH different from other stores in its category?

Our brand is built on a foundation of great architecture and design. We either find great historical architecture and readapt it, or we build it. 

 Our design ethos dates back to the 1st century B.C. and the principles of  Marcus Vitruvius, the author of De Architectura, The Ten Books on Architecture. Vitruvius professed that perfect proportions exist in human design, and beauty is produced by the pleasing appearance and good taste of the whole. His groundbreaking ideas about the harmonious relationship between man and his environment came to life 1,500 years later in Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic illustration of the “Vitruvian Man,” which we use as a symbol of our beliefs.     

 All of this is reflected in the historical buildings we reimagine, the pieces we celebrate and the building and design compositions we create.  

 RH Oklahoma City, The Gallery at OAK, is a physical expression of our values and beliefs.  

For those unfamiliar with RH, how would you describe the gallery and the experience of shopping at RH?

We like to say we don’t build retail stores. Most retail stores are archaic, windowless boxes that lack any sense of humanity. There’s no fresh air or natural light—plants die in most retail stores, and I’m sure that’s not a good environment for humans either.

 We build inspiring spaces that blur the lines between residential and retail, indoors and outdoors, home and hospitality. Spaces with garden courtyard and rooftop parks. Spaces with restaurants, wine and barista bars. Spaces that activate all of the senses, and spaces that can’t be replicated online.

 The response we hear the most from customers when they shop our  galleries is, “I want to live here.” I’ve been in retail for over 40 years and I’ve never heard anyone say they want to live in a retail store—but then again, we don’t build retail stores.

RH Oklahoma City, The Gallery at Oak is open seven days a week—including its rooftop restaurant—at 2110 Northwest Expressway.