Discover Our Story
The influence of owners, Niki Cheng and Shaokao Cheng, resonates across New York City, emanating from their Calligaris, Camerich, Ditre Italia, and now Eichholtz stores, shaping the interiors of countless homes. Their business endeavors are overseen by the "18th Street Design Collective," a company they founded to unite their various design ventures under one innovative brand.
Since opening New York’s first BoConcept store in 2003, the award-winning business partners have ascended to the top of Manhattan’s design and lifestyle scene. Over the years, they have opened, owned, and operated over 15 stores throughout the Tristate area, becoming key figures in the region’s design industry. By 2007, they began transforming their stores into cultural hubs, hosting events like charity benefits, intimate concerts, fashion shows, and exclusive launch parties. Today, their clientele includes prominent names including celebrities like Patti Labelle, Lucy Liu, Susan Sarandon, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, and many others. Their work has been featured in top publications like the New York Times, New York Post, Wall Street Journal and The Observer, and has appeared on shows like The Real Housewives of New York City, Million Dollar Listing, and in several films. Niki has also been a featured design expert on NBC’s Open House NYC.
Niki and Shaokao view furniture as a medium for storytelling, constantly surprising and engaging their clients. “Furniture should evoke emotions and spark conversations. By weaving together elements of music, literature, fashion, and art, we create spaces where each piece narrates its own tale.”
In 2017, they launched New York City's first Calligaris store in Soho, which quickly became a success. This led them to convert all their BoConcept stores to Calligaris, Camerich, Ditre Italia, and most recently, the prestigious Dutch brand Eichholtz. Eichholtz is celebrated for its luxurious, timeless furniture, lighting, and accessories that blend classic elegance with modern flair. “We are thrilled to introduce Eichholtz to New York,” says Niki. “Eichholtz stands out for its exceptional ability to combine luxury with livability. Every piece is designed to make a statement while being functional and comfortable. This brand aligns perfectly with our vision of offering our clients not just furniture, but pieces that tell a story and enhance their lifestyle.”
Shaokao adds, “Incorporating Eichholtz into our Design Collective was a strategic decision to offer our clients a broader range of styles and price points. Eichholtz brings a touch of grandeur and elegance that completes our offering. Our goal is to provide something for every design taste, and Eichholtz helps us achieve that.”