It's going to be an exciting week! I have a book signing this Thursday, October 11th from 11am to 3pm at Lam Bespoke, formerly Hien Lam Home, in Houston-- a wonderful store!!
I first learned about Hien Lam while writing my book and seeing their gorgeous, high quality work in client's homes - both the parent company, Hien Lam Upholstery, and their latest endeavor, Hien Lam Home, were widely cited as the places for upholstery and beautiful customized furnishings.
Hien Lam Upholstery has always been a close family business since it opened over 20 years ago. Within the past few generations, the Lam family immigrated throughout Asia, moving from China to Cambodia, and then to Vietnam as a war refuge and finally to America.
They settled in Houston in 1983 and started their upholstery business in 1990. Hien's son Patrick could be seen as early as elementary school sweeping and helping his father at the small shop!
In 2010, Patrick left his original position in the family business to start Lam Bespoke (Hien Lam Home), which opened its present retail location in April 2011. While there are a handful of amazing boutique furniture stores, Patrick felt that Houston, as large as it is, didn't have many options for truly custom, design-led furniture. They now fill that niche, providing a wide range of services and offering a "to-the-trade" look.
The upholstery shop is affiliated, as the primary upholsterer for custom, bespoke pieces, but they are separate entities. Just like Hien Lam Upholstery, the new company is also centered on family. Patrick's wife, Cathy, along with her younger sister, Lily, join Patrick at the store!
And of course, we can't forget Lily's dog, Elsa - a golden retriever, chihuahua, dachshund mix that serves as the company mascot! - and Cathy and Patrick's 21-month old daughter who helps out every evening during closing time. How cute!!!
Patrick, Cathy and Lily make an incredible team. Both Patrick and Lily have business degrees, which has certainly helped them in this entrepreneurial venture. Cathy, on the other hand, was formerly in the pharmacy industry, but has always loved design and decor. The collective customer service is really unparalleled!
At the book signing event, the official rebranding will be announced as the company changes its name from Hien Lam Home to Lam Bespoke, and Elsa's ready!!!
Upon opening the retail store, they wanted to pay homage to their roots by honoring Patrick's father as the namesake, but both Hien Lam Upholstery and Hien Lam Home would receive calls, deliveries and orders for the other company. This confusion, as well as the difficult pronunciation, has lead to the switch. "We feel that Lam Bespoke is a simple and fluid name, still honoring Hien Lam while acknowledging our specialty of custom upholstery," said Cathy.
Lam Bespoke provides so many amazing components for a well-tailored home. They have a gorgeous curated look that blends an eclectic mix of furniture and accessories! I love their work on slipcovers - they are completely bespoke, with each project having a dedicated pair of hands to work solely on that piece. Their skillful measurements and sewing creates a custom dress for furniture.
The business is known for their custom upholstery, whether it's creating a completely customized piece or revitalizing older furnishings. I'm so amazed by their selection of design-driven items in almost every style, whether contemporary or traditional!!! The craftsmanship of this tufted ottoman is absolutely amazing! 
Lam Bespoke also have a few unexpected services. They can special order beautiful, pre-washed fabrics from Rachel Ashwell's reasonably priced Shabby Chic collection including soft cotton, linen and velvet. They're also the only store in Houston representing the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams upholstery line! In the near future, they hope to offer custom casegoods to complement the upholstery offerings.
Lam Bespoke carries a large selection of designer fabrics, including hanging swatches from Duralee and books from Kravet, Duralee, Barrow, Maxwell, Pindler & Pindler, and Schumacher! This way, if you're not working with a designer, you can still special order these fabrics at retail!! Designers also love this section of the store because they can borrow these swatches and books and save a trip to the Decorative Center.
This special book signing will be a fun event with lots of prizes - I really hope you can make it!!! Lam Bespoke will not only be serving light bites and wine, but they are also giving away five $50 gift cards hidden inside my books! I'll give away one signed copy of Segreto: Secrets to Finishing Beautiful Interiors to a lucky winner!
Thanks, Lam Bespoke, for hosting this special book signing. Your custom, tailored offerings are exquisite, and I'm truly honored to take part in your official rebranding. If you're in the area, don't forget to swing by Lam Bespoke, 2032 West Alabama in Houston, on Thursday, October 11th - I'd love to see you there! Have a great week! xo Leslie