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.
-
I'm Obsessed With This Potted 'Mini Meadow' Idea for Filling a Small Container Garden With Beautiful Flowers
You don't need sprawling lawns to give your garden a meadow-style feel — all you really need is a container garden and some choice plants
-
People Don’t Write Songs About Just Any Sheets — These Egyptian Cotton Ones Live Up to Their Legacy
Here’s what makes Egyptian cotton sheets so special (and the sets that warrrant the hype)
-
The 12 Best Silk Pillowcases — From A Style Editor That Packs At Least One in Every Travel Bag
Silk may be a beauty secret, but it’s also a design detail. Here’s why the most beautiful beds (and sleepers) never go without
-
The 13 Best Dinnerware Sets to Impress Your Most Discerning Guests — and Elevate Your Everyday Rituals
Hot restaurants have them customized. Great hosts collect them. These are the dinnerware sets that do more than just serve food
-
Parachute Just Dropped a Collection at Target and It's a Guaranteed Sell Out — Do Yourself a Favor and Don't Miss Out
High quality bedding and bath linens just got a lot more accessible. Parachute's signature effortlessly chic style is now available in over 200+ pieces at Target
-
Now Serving: Jewelry for Dinner — Alighieri Brings Its Signature Raw Beauty to the Table
Alighieri CASA is what happens when a jewelry house designs your cutlery — and yes, it’s just as fabulous as it sounds
-
I Can't Believe The Exact Rug I've Been Eyeing From the Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Collab is on Sale Right Now
It's got an eye-catching pattern and soft wool finish. But the best part? It's almost 50% off right now
-
Slub Weaves and Silver Sardines — H&M Home Makes a Case for a Summer Edit That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Somehow, they’re both having a moment — and H&M Home knows exactly what to do
-
The Weighted Blanket That Doesn’t Make You Sweat (and the Eye Mask to Match)
Luxury has weight. And apparently, volcanic minerals
-
NYC's New Rules Forced Me to Find a Chic Compost Bin — Here's 7 Options Significantly Cheaper Than the $300 Fine
Composting is now mandatory in NYC. Here’s how to do it stylishly