Transformation. Evolution. Reinvention. They’re all a part of the design process. So, it made sense when, in 2010, Richard and Maxine Corbett decided to switch gears and transform their well-known interior design firm Richlin Interiors into Richlin International, a supplier of exclusive brands for the home. In doing so, the husband-and-wife design team opened the door to a successful niche that has made them the go-to source for stylish contemporary home products in Southwest Florida. From sleek cabinetry to modern plumbing fixtures to customized interior and exterior doors, Richlin has exclusive access to materials and furnishings in clean, simple lines from global brands.
The couple hasn’t completely abandoned their roots—Richlin is still happy to design a gorgeous kitchen, closet or bathroom—but most of their business is now focused on helping members of the trade outfit their clients’ homes with pieces from respected European and American manufacturers like Poliform, Fantini and Glas Italia. “We’ve completely changed our business plan,” general manager Kelly Hall says. “We’ve been trying over the last 10 years to rebrand, but it’s hard because people get stuck thinking they know what you are.”
To solidify the rebrand, the business recently moved to a 6,000-square-foot space in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt, where they can better showcase key brands and enjoy one cohesive storefront. For years, Richlin was spread across five showrooms in the Miromar Design Center in Estero, with two connecting spaces acting as the main showrooms and employee offices. Since the team does a lot of work in Lee County, in Sanibel and Captiva, and in Naples, when they consolidated the space, they opted for a central location in North Naples.
The new location features vignettes showcasing inspiring ideas for kitchens and baths, closets, furniture, plumbing fixtures and doors. There’s also an entire library of surfaces, materials, fabrics, hardware and finishes to help customers personalize selections. The team focuses on bespoke-driven brands, such as Poliform. When designing a walk-in closet, for instance, designers can choose from various surfaces, finishes and lighting to customize storage—whether a client wants to conceal an abundance of handbags or if they want to show off an impressive shoe collection.
Many of the brands that Richlin offers are displayed at the annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile fair in Milan, Italy—the largest furniture trade show of its kind in the world. “We try to send somebody every year,” Hall says. “We go to see the latest in furniture and design from manufacturers from around the globe.” And now, thanks to the Corbetts’ pivot, all those international finds are easily sourced right here in Naples.
