Influenced by sustainability and beautifully built pieces, Gild & Co is the place to shop for furniture and home decor in Vancouver. They desire to see people with homes that are both beautiful and functional and source pieces with that in mind. At Gild & Co you can find both antique and local original art and furniture. We got to connect with founder and president Bonnie Wilson-Renaud to find out why Gild & Co is the perfect place to pick up the next piece you are looking for.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Gild & Co. We are an independent retail boutique selling a thoughtfully curated mix of furniture and home decor. We sell in person and online.
What made you want to do this work?
A passion for sustainability, interior design and objects that are built with people in mind. The people who made them and use them. To source items that may be antique and used for over 100 years or items that are newly made and built to be used a 100 more years.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
A unique shopping experience in Vancouver, where beautiful and functional items can be touched, sat in and seen in person before purchasing. Classic with a modern twist furniture, rugs, lighting and home decor that do not follow trends or date. Investments that are purchased with great care and displayed in a way to bring inspiration to our customers.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Generally, women aged 35-75 who have a passion for interior design, home furnishings and making their homes not only beautiful but extremely comfortable and filled with objects and furnishings that bring them and their families joy.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell bespoke sofas, special antique storage pieces of furniture, wool area rugs, timeless lighting, French mirrors, local original artwork and home decor online and in store. Many items can be customized or are available in other fabrics, colours, finishes, and sizes.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located in the leafy Point Grey Neighbourhood of Vancouver. A trip for some of our customers located around the Vancouver area, but there is always lots of street parking in front of the shop. Our address is 4415 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Where are your sofas made and how are they made? What materials are used to make them?
All of our upholstered furniture is made locally in Vancouver, in the USA or in France. Materials used are generally hardwoods, not particle board or MFD that is made primarily of often toxic glues and resins (harmful to not only the end users but the people who make the furniture). Many of the techniques to build our furniture are based of building antique upholstered furniture, like hand-tied coil spring seats. This technique of building upholstered furniture is more expensive than newer more modern furniture building but the results create a product that is very comfortable will generally last for decades. This type of furniture is not through-away furniture. It is made to be last as long as the upholstery fabric, when then it can be re-upholstered and re-loved for more decades. Foam and feather also build out comfort and we regularly upholster linens and sustainable materials made from natural, renewable resources.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Worst: Not feeling mainstream enough and encouraging people to buy better, buy smarter and investing in the objects that will truly bring joy to their daily lives. People work hard for their money and have so many competing ways to spend it. Having them believe in us and what we offer can be extremely challenging.
Best: there was a time during Covid lockdown that our customers were spending so much time in their homes. During that time I received many messages from clients saying that they would look around their home and all of their favourite objects that bring them joy are from Gild & Co. This could be a great reading lamp that works so well, a rattan basket that functionally keeps things tidy and organized, or a cosy sofa for lounging. That is the best feeling, helping people be creative and love where they live.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
How do two antique stores stay in business on a deserted island? They keep buying from each other.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram and Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There are many great independently run local businesses, many of whom I am lucky to also call their owners friends. One of my all time favourites is Rebecca Bree!
