Celebrity Style: Tennis Superstar Maria Sharapova Serves Up An Elegant Collab With Vancouver Furniture Company Rove Concepts

by Laura Goldstein

As one of only ten women athletes in the world to attain a career win of five Grand Slam tennis titles in the history of the sport, Maria Sharapova, 34, is not resting on her laurels. Recently retired, the Russian-born, U.S. citizen has embraced her love of design, architecture and nature through an exclusive, limited edition furniture collaboration with Vancouver’s online furniture company, Rove Concepts. “Through travel, I was able to find my passion for art and architecture especially an appreciation for the simplicity of Japanese design,” she explains.

 

The statuesque champion worked with Rove Concepts to create a distilled collection of multi-functional, Mid-Century Modern pieces that seamlessly convey relaxation and respite- a perfect adjunct to her new L.A. digs she shares with fiancé, British art dealer, Alexander Gilkes. Combining natural fabrics in subtle shades “with a warm neutral palette in mind, we added substance through the layering of textures and organic shapes,” says Sharapova.

 

“I wanted a sofa where I could have friends and family over to enjoy beautiful moments,” confides Sharapova of her minimalist designed Maria Sofa composed of walnut frame, chic brushed brass legs and plush velvet fabrics in soft desert shades of blush, olive green and pewter. A textured off-white weave and brushed grey felt are also available. Now that’s the love-love match a winning tennis player can relax on!

 

The Maria Bench is a sophisticated, slender upholstered piece that is a companion to the Maria Sofa; perfect for extra seating in a living room, at the foot of a bed or in the foyer.

 

Sharapova’s hands-on dedication to perfection and entrepreneurial savvy are visually apparent throughout her intensive research designing her Los Angeles home – “I had a hand in every detail,” she laughs.( That even includes the basement bowling alley! ) Her preference for clean lines, sculptural, organic elements gathered from nature and her love of cool concrete with warm juxtapositions of fabrics and paintings nearby all inspired her final design of the Maria Coffee Table and Maria Side Table.

 

The Maria Lamp’s gentle silhouette is a neutral contrast to the curvaceous Maria Coffee Table and Maria Side Table. Constructed with a linen shade on a walnut pole it is anchored with a sculptural concrete base that references the tables.

 

Composed of natural woven hemp in a delicate raised fringe design and available in various sizes, the Maria Area Rug pulls any room together giving a cohesive and cozy look to the entire furniture collection.

 

photos: Rove Concepts