My boyfriend, Josh, who works at a high-end lighting shop on Lincoln, is always sharing anecdotes about the people he encounters through his job. He was always saying, "Corinne is the best” or “Corinne is so cool." And I was like, "What?! Who is this Corinne chick? Why is she so cool?"
Turns out, Corinne Weber is the founder of The Hängar, a beautiful showroom adjacent to his shop that features a large selection of eclectic industrial, contemporary, boho-chic and traditional furniture, as well as decorative objects and even vintage clothing!
Corinne was born and raised in Switzerland, and moved to the States when she was just shy of 20. She studied and pursued a career in Marketing and Business Development. She has always been passionate about design, specifically in curation, and how the arts bring people together. To know her is to love her. Her fiery, outgoing personality is engaging, and her bright, kind energy makes people feel like they’ve known her for years. I for one would totally watch The Corinne Weber Show, full of all the crazy and inspiring chapters of her life! Today, we’ll get an insight into one chapter in particular: her baby, The Hängar.
Q+A with Corinne Weber
What is the Hängar?
The Hängar is a local furniture store and so much more. It is a community space where artists can showcase their works and people gather for a wide variety of events including music and comedy shows, sip n’shop Sundays and art exhibitions. People love “the Hängar vibe” and feel comfortable just exploring, chatting, or getting inspiration. There’s no pressure to customers to buy something, we just want them to enjoy themselves. Everyone is welcome, even the dogs. We always have treats ready for our four-legged friends, and feature a wall of Polaroid pics with names of all the dogs that visit. Dogs have priority over human customers... not really... but kind of.
What inspires you the most?
People who are authentically themselves, show dedication and pursue their passions, like someone who wants to learn ten languages, artists fully dedicated to their crafts, or people who turn their lives around for the greater good like Scott Harrison, the founder of Charity Water (check out his story for a feel good read).
Who is the Hängar client?
Most of our clients are young couples and young families, and we have clients from all walks of life. Sometimes people fall in love with a vignette and purchase the whole set up just as we’ve displayed it, while others visit without an idea of what they’re looking for, and then we work together to curate an aesthetic specifically for them and their home. We often work with interior designers, stagers, or decorators for TV shows like “This is Us”. No matter the client, we always have fun working with them to find the right fit, where person and piece click and sparks fly.
What is special about the Hängar?
I opened The Hängar because a store like it doesn’t exist, and I thought it should! I wanted people to have access to a place that offers a large selection of beautiful, unique and affordable furniture, home accessories and art, and still feels personal and communal. We don’t hover over our customers, but we’re ready when they need us for assistance. Many stores are simply showrooms where people can browse, but not purchase on the spot. Whatever is purchased at the Hängar can be taken home, or we can deliver, often on the same day of purchase. The Hängar inventory is refreshed weekly, so our showroom is ever evolving.
Another awesome part of the store is original artwork from local artists displayed on our walls. Customers are able to meet artists as they often stop by to hang out for a bit. We also showcase curated vintage clothing and jewelry by Lulu Flippin Vintage, spanning the 20th century with a focus on the 1970s.
If you get a free minute, how do you pass the time?
I scroll through @thedodo feed on Instagram. It's heartwarming and often makes me laugh.
What was one of the most fascinating stories you read lately?
That there's potentially life on Venus. I find that insane and intriguing at the same time.
Do you have any ridiculous goals in life?
I have collected ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs from hotels all over the world for many years. I always envisioned that I would plaster an entire wall in my house with this collection.
When have you felt your biggest adrenaline rush?
It’s been many years, but definitely the best rush: downhill skiing in Zermatt.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“I’m your Man” by Leonard Cohen... for so many reasons and I will leave it up to the reader to wonder what they are.
What is the reason for you to come to this store every day at 10 a.m.?
Well, most of the time it's 10:10 am. The Hängar feels like a home away from home. I love spending all day in a cozy space inspired by new designs and surrounded by art. But mostly, it’s my customers, many of whom are repeat customers who recommend the store to other family members and friends. It’s nice to know that we are the first stop (and often one stop) shop when families expand or redecorate a home. I love hearing personal stories... everyone has a story and sometimes people just look for a safe space to share. Buying furniture can be very intimate and is often the first step of a new chapter in life. The ways a couple selects furniture together reveals many clues about their relationship, so pay attention in the process (smiles).