In anticipation of their first baby’s arrival, Pockets and Cristina Alvarez began shopping for baby furniture. They soon discovered that they were having a hard time finding what they were looking for.
“The selection of quality furniture for babies or kids was limited, and since we were already in the furniture industry, Cristina convinced me to produce a few pieces,” remembers Pockets. Shortly after their son Andrew was born in 1996, the business had found its niche.
As their family grew (Matthew was welcomed in 1999 and Elijia in 2001), so did the success of the business and their reputation for making the best quality and most beautiful pieces around. Newport Cottages manufactures and distributes a high end line of baby and kids furniture nationwide through specialty shops, boutiques and interior designers.
Their customers include Halle Berry, Minnie Driver, Tori Spelling, Victoria Beckham as well as some football celebs such as Phillip Rivers and Brett Farve’s daughter. Recently they sent a crib to Saudi Arabia for a Royal Princess.
Pockets takes great satisfaction in guaranteeing that their pieces are manufactured locally in Southern California, using select hardwoods. “We never use inferior products such as particle board, MDF or other synthetics.”
Behind the scenes Pockets and Cristina brainstorm together on just about everything. While Pockets designs and builds, and brings entrepreneurial spirit to Newport Cottages, Christina’s decorative flair and eye for design completes each project.
“I told Pockets, you cannot assume everyone likes white or brown. We need color, I love lots of color – I think that is my Latina side,” she laughs.
Newport Cottages offers 23 different finishes to choose from for each piece. “Each piece can be anybody’s personality,” Christina adds. “It’s great to be a part of helping someone create the dream room for their little boy or girl. This has to be the best part of what I do”.
Newport Cottages is available through fine furniture showrooms and retailers nationwide, as well as through their company owned retail location in Fashion island, Newport Beach.