By: Amanda Huntsman

In the world of home furnishings, few names carry the legacy and vision that Essentials for Living does. Based in Foothill Ranch, this family-owned and operated business has spent nearly five decades creating stylish, transitional furniture that blends comfort, quality, and timeless appeal. What began in 1977 as Star International Furniture, focused on contemporary designs, grew with the launch of Orient Express Furniture in 2003. As both brands gained popularity, the family made the strategic decision in 2018 to unify their identity under one name: Essentials for Living.

The result is a thoughtfully curated collection that beautifully blends traditional and modern elements. Each piece is crafted with attention to detail, offering customers versatile furnishings that elevate everyday living and reflect personal style. While the corporate headquarters is not open to the public, their furniture is available locally and nationally through trusted retailers, interior designers, and online partners. Customers who work with a designer can also visit the brand’s showroom in Foothill Ranch by appointment.

Essentials for Living stands apart from many other wholesalers thanks to its infrastructure and logistics capabilities. The company owns and operates bi-coastal distribution centers—each over 100,000 square feet—giving them a significant logistical advantage. This allows them to stock a wide range of products and offer quick-ship capabilities to customers. Beyond the product itself, Essentials for Living is invested in the people behind the product. The company supports skilled team members across many avenues, including design, sales, and logistics. Many employees have been with the company for 10 to over 20 years, reflecting the consistency, reliability, and strong work ethic that define the workplace. The team members’ experiences and dedication are essential to maintaining the high standards of quality and sales experience that the Essentials for Living customers have come to expect.

Essentials for Living is led by a tight-knit family team of four owners who have built the business together over the last two decades. The company was originally founded by Anders Johnson, an immigrant from Sweden who once visited Laguna Beach and made it his dream to one day live here, and his wife, Helene Gaudreault-Johnson, originally from Quebec, Canada. Today, their children, Carl Johnson and Anna Schweiss, help lead the brand into the future—the four work collaboratively across every aspect of the business.

Anna, a lifelong Orange County resident, infuses much of the brand’s aesthetic with the relaxed sophistication of Southern California. “Much of our style comes from our love for SoCal,” she shares. “We’re often described as ‘California Transitional’ or ‘ California Coastal,’ and we take that as a tremendous compliment. We love where we live, and that’s reflected in the style of our furniture.” From clean lines to calming palettes, the brand captures the essence of indoor-outdoor living that defines life in this region.

Anna attended Chapman University for business before earning her degree in interior design in Newport Beach. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, attending design tours, and watching her daughter ride horses in San Juan Capistrano, continuing a personal passion she enjoyed for many years. She and her husband also love exploring local open houses and appreciating the craftsmanship and trends seen in the homes of the community.

Looking ahead, Essentials for Living is preparing to open a new flagship showroom in High Point, North Carolina, this fall. Designed in collaboration with a local architect and design firm, the 23,000-square-foot space—complete with a rooftop deck—will serve as a showcase for the brand’s transitional collection. Every element has been considered to reflect a refined residential feel, allowing the furniture to be presented in a way that truly highlights its quality, versatility, and design.

Community involvement is also an important part of the company’s mission. Through their outreach initiative, “Essential Giving,” the team partners with trade professionals and nonprofit organizations to provide support for individuals and families in need. From donating essential items to volunteering their time, the company is dedicated to giving back and creating meaningful impact beyond the showroom.

As Essentials for Living approaches its 50th anniversary in just two years, it continues to evolve from a small local business into a national lifestyle brand. From elevated design and customer-first logistics to community-driven values and long-standing craftsmanship, Essentials for Living continues to define what it means to live beautifully.

Essentials for Living
19511 Pauling, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
Phone: (949) 858-2100
Website: www.EssentialsForLiving.com
Instagram: @essentials_for_living
Facebook: essentialsforlivingfurniture