Italian Design Lovers, This Scottsdale Showroom is For You
An impressive portfolio of high-end modern and contemporary Italian furnishings and accessories awaits shoppers at The Space Bazaar.
By Linda J. Barkman | Photography by Chris Loomis
HISTORY: Wilson, who grew up in Arizona, says she has always been drawn to design and knew early on that she wanted to do something creative in the arts. In 2009 she was introduced to an architect based in Milan, who in turn introduced her to high-end Italian furniture manufacturers. She then spent the next decade establishing key relationships with manufacturers and prominent designers worldwide before opening The Space Bazaar in 2019. “I believe Italian design is best; I love the aesthetic, and I saw a need for these luxury modern and contemporary brands in the Southwest,” she notes. Meeting that need has involved “a lot of hard work and dedication,” Wilson admits, happily adding that this is the first location, and it has already expanded once.
THE NAME: “We design spaces,” Wilson points out, “and a bazaar is like a market where you can find a lot of great merchandise. So The Space Bazaar just seemed to work.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY: “Our products are very visual, and we present them as a lifestyle. You come in and see environments and how they can be incorporated into the home,” Wilson explains. “The furnishings we sell are timeless,” she adds. “We’re not into trends.”
CONCEPT: “We’re 100% Italian, and we’re the exclusive dealer in the Southwest for all the brands we carry,” Wilson points out. “We offer a vast collection that provides a variety of options for the high-end market and work with esteemed clients, interior designers and architects to plan and furnish the most exclusive residential and commercial spaces possible.”
INSPIRATION: Wilson says she enjoys visiting the factories of various manufacturers in the Brianza region of Italy and finds inspiration in seeing the artisans at work, how they do everything by hand, and the quality of materials they use. “I also find inspiration in meeting people from all over the world and hearing their stories,” she adds. “I love connecting with people and listening to them share their ideas and visions.”
WHAT’S IN STORE: Showcased in a light, airy showroom that is refined, sophisticated and nothing short of spectacular is a well-rounded collection of furnishings and accessories for interior and exterior spaces, along with furniture and lighting for commercial environments. Product lines include Paola Lenti, which integrates nature with its array of earthy colors, organic shapes and natural materials; Baxter, a manufacturer of very contemporary and avant-garde pieces that Wilson describes as “pieces of art;” FlexForm, which is more transitional; and Porro, which produces custom millwork, including closets, bookcases and wall systems. “We cover all aspects of the home with the exception of the kitchen and bath, which is to come,” Wilson notes. “It’s my next focus.”
CURRENT AIM: Making high-end Italian design accessible throughout the Southwest is a continuing aspiration for Wilson, along with a growing emphasis on designing luxury closets and dressing rooms. “Our custom closet systems are manufactured by Porro and designed entirely around the client’s individual requirements,” she notes. Admitting to “a deep love for Italian fashion,” Wilson enjoys incorporating eye-catching fashion items into their closet displays. “It’s super fun,” she says.
Fast Facts
Owner and Founder: Jennifer Wilson
Opened: 2019
Location:
4147 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Size: 4,000 square feet
Hours: Mon.-Fri.,
9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Phone: (480) 900-8082
Website: thespacebazaar.com
IN THE WORKS: Wilson recently added Minotti to her showroom’s offerings, and in the second quarter of 2023, she anticipates opening a monobrand showroom for B&B Italia, which will be dedicated entirely to showcasing furnishings from this elite furniture line. “We adhere to the belief that Italian-designed and manufactured products are the best in the world, in terms of appearance, performance and durability,” Wilson believes.
