Brigette Romanek Just Invented the Coffee Table 'Canyon' — And It's My New Favorite Way to Display Books
The designer’s latest Crate & Barrel collection turns storage into statement, starting with a coffee table that makes your best-looking books part of the display


It’s not every day you reinvent the uninventable. A desk, a chair — once a piece has reached peak function, what’s left to upgrade? (There are only so many cup holders and hidden compartments you can add before things start looking… questionable.) But Brigette Romanek, designer to the stars, may have just pulled off the impossible with her new Crate & Barrel collection — specifically, a coffee table with a built-in “canyon” that transforms book storage into an intentional design moment.
“The nook was designed as a place for a beautiful coffee table book — something that inspires you, sparks creativity, or simply brings you joy,” Brigette tells Livingetc. “I love the idea of making a book part of the décor itself.” As you might guess from its iconic namesake, the Hollywood Hills Travertine Resin Rectangular Coffee Table draws inspiration from "the natural landscape of California, with its rolling hills and valleys,” an abstract reference paired with one a little more literal: a vintage magazine rack. “That connection to nature and form is something I always try to bring into my designs," she explains.
And it shows. Beyond the coffee table — no doubt a new coffee table trend will start now — the 54-piece collection is a study in sculptural silhouettes, organic materials, and thoughtful design — like the Up Travertine 2-Taper Candle Holders, which cleverly double as bookends. “Functionality is something I think about constantly — I can’t help it!” says Brigette. “I’ve lived in all kinds of homes, from studio apartments to larger spaces, and no matter the size, pieces need to work for the way we live.”
Rose bouclé upholstery gives this pair of curvaceous Iso Accent Chairs a romantic touch. Meanwhile, the Laguna Beach End Table — striking in tadelakt-style finished concrete — lends a sense of sleekness.
That philosophy runs throughout the lineup, from statement bed frames to floor lamps (which Brigette calls “the exclamation point at the end of a sentence”). Materials are rooted in nature — travertine, bleached wood, and sun-warmed hues inspired by California’s golden light. “At sunset, there’s this incredible pink haze that washes over the landscape — it’s so soft and romantic, and it really influenced the palette for chairs and fabrics,” she explains. “You’ll also see shades of celadon, rich chocolate browns, and earthy, cozy tones that create a sense of warmth and ease.”
At its core, the collection embodies everything that has made Brigette a go-to for the likes of Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow in the first place — a marriage of elegance and ease, or as she puts it, ‘livable luxe.’ “Everything should be beautiful but also truly useful,” she muses.
Ahead, are six Brigette Romanek-designed pieces that bring a fresh perspective to everyday living.
Price: $49.95
These travertine candle holders do double duty — substantial enough to hold their own as bookends, yet sculptural enough to style solo. Their geometric cuts play with shadow and light, making them a natural fit for an empty console or an off-kilter stack of art books.
Price: $999
The best accent chairs are worth lingering in. With a curved silhouette, pillowy seat, and soft rose bouclé, this one balances form and function without trying too hard. The hidden swivel is a quiet flex (delightful for your inner child), adding just the right amount of movement to an otherwise grounded piece.
Price: $299
Stacked linen cubes give this floor lamp an architectural presence — like a deconstructed skyscraper with a soft glow. Whether it lands in a living room or an entryway, it blurs the line between lighting and sculpture.
Price: $199.95
True luxury is tactile, and there’s no mistaking the depth suede brings to this sculptural tray. A muted green hue keeps it sophisticated, while its curved-meets-angular form feels both modern and effortless. The perfect stage for your coffee table books, candles, or whatever odds and ends deserve a little elevation.
Price: $1,799
Naturally, we had to include the collection’s statement piece: the Hollywood Hills coffee table, designed with a built-in book “canyon” as a nod to its namesake landscape. The faux travertine finish is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing — except it won’t require a team of movers. A sleek contrast to the collection’s plusher elements, it’s the kind of centerpiece that makes everything around it look more considered.
Price: $299
Deep, tailored folds in a rich burgundy velvet give this ottoman a couture-like quality, underscored by rounded, sculptural feet. While jewel tones are the obvious pairing, a softer palette — petal pink, warm cream — leans into the romance of this exclusive collaboration.
Brigette Romanek lounges on the Malibu Sofa, a unique deep-seat silhouette made even richer with chocolate brown chenille.
From Beyoncé’s kitchen to yours, Brigette Romanek’s Our Place collaboration offers a taste of her signature A-list style.
Be The First To Know
The Livingetc newsletters are your inside source for what’s shaping interiors now - and what’s next. Discover trend forecasts, smart style ideas, and curated shopping inspiration that brings design to life. Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.

Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.
-
5 Types of Loft Conversion Every Homeowner Should Know About
We explain everything you need to know about the most common types of loft conversions to help you make an informed decision
-
"New Prints on the Block" — Caroline Z Hurley Just Made Your Bed the Coolest Canvas in the House
The Brooklyn-based artist trades paint for pillowcases in a breezy Brooklinen drop made for mixing, matching, and musings
-
"New Prints on the Block" — Caroline Z Hurley Just Made Your Bed the Coolest Canvas in the House
The Brooklyn-based artist trades paint for pillowcases in a breezy Brooklinen drop made for mixing, matching, and musings
-
I Just Found a Stylish Wireless Pendant Light That Makes Your Garden Look (and Feel) Like a Living Room
This rattan-like pendant light is wireless and rechargeable — making it a functional and stylish choice for your outdoor space
-
I Tried Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Viscose Comforter — Is It Really Worth the Spend?
I spent two weeks back in my childhood bedroom — armed with a new comforter and high expectations — to find out
-
Is Good Taste Hereditary? This Mother-Daughter Duo (and Their Recent Homewares Collaboration) Suggests So
Louise and Sophia Roe talk shop, sentiment, and the serendipity of turning a shared eye into a cult-favorite collection
-
Butter Yellow in the Kitchen Just Makes Sense, but This Stylish 18-Piece Cookware Set Seals the Deal (and It's Less Than $100)
It includes two frying pans, two sauce pans, a sauté pan and so much more, all in the delectable shade — what could be better?
-
Is the 'Croissant Plate' the New Secret to a Parisian-Style Breakfast Table? The Trend Making Your Morning Rituals Feel Special
A plate for your croissant, or one shaped like a croissant... the design world seems hungry for croissant candles, plates, and decorative accents right now
-
Icons Only — Novogratz x Momeni Debuts an Indoor-Outdoor Rug Collection Inspired by the Most Influential Art Movements
Gallery looks + patio-to-parlor durability = icon status
-
I'm Predicting This Editor-Favorite H&M Outdoor Chair Will Sell Out This Weekend — It's On Sale (and the Price Was Good to Start With)
H&M Home doesn't drop a lot of pieces designed for the outdoors, but the ones that it does, are perfection