The Bright Group at Dallas Design Center

When The Bright Group moved into its new showroom in the Dallas Design Center in June, it was a homecoming of sorts. Bright’s new 5,400-square-foot location sits adjacent to Innovations, with whom it once shared space in the International Center. And two doors down is Edelman Leather, one of Bright’s primary upholstery suppliers. “It was the ideal corner for us, right in the midst of a robust design community,” says Bright Group owner Stan Gottlieb.

Though the 85-year-old firm draws on midcentury design for inspiration, its pieces don’t feel like retro throwbacks. “We always focus on silhouette over decoration,” says Bright Chair Company design director Douglas Levine, “and will prototype something 10 times just to get the pitch absolutely perfect.”

In addition to its house line, The Bright Group represents a cache of small, independently owned American manufacturers and artisans, including Charles Loomis, who crafts ethereal blown glass lighting fixtures, and sculptor Evan Lewis, who creates hand-forged metal furniture and accessories. The showroom also features a rotating selection of local artists.

Showroom manager Yvette Gonzalez says she wants Bright’s clients to fully utilize the space. “I envision designers working and holding meetings here. I want it to be a warm and welcoming experience, where you can spread blueprints out on the large table in the center of the room, have an espresso, and tuck in,” she says. “We want this space to be a home away from home for the design community.”