Steven F. Elton
Steven F. Elton, chief brand curator of Brown Jordan, transformed the outdoor furniture category with his keen eye for textiles and contemporary design. Over the course of his long career with Brown Jordan, Mr. Elton played a key role in expanding the company’s storied reputation as a producer of heirloom quality and innovative design into its current position as the world’s most recognized outdoor furnishings brand.
Inspired by the Brown Jordan brand as a young furniture salesman in the Northeast, Mr. Elton discovered his passion and talent for design and merchandising while living in New York City. Starting as a regional sales representative in 1990, Mr. Elton’s role at Brown Jordan steadily grew to encompass a broad range of product development, sales and brand management activities. As chief brand curator, Mr. Elton directed the introduction of a steady stream of fashion-forward designs, forging collaborations with leading industry designers and high-end fabric sources. A passionate brand ambassador for Brown Jordan, Mr. Elton elevated the entire casual industry through his creative use of photography, catalogs and showroom display. He also led high-profile design projects at The White House, Smithsonian Gardens and Winterthur, among many others.
A gifted mentor and educator who is always listening and learning, Mr. Elton is a true evangelist for the outdoor furniture category who loves sharing his enthusiasm for fabrics, finishes and colors. Over the course of his career, Mr. Elton has appeared on Bravo, The Style Network and HGTV, as well as in a variety of leading newspapers and design-related magazines. These appearances and articles raised the public’s awareness of just how beautiful outdoor spaces could be and positioned outdoor living as an extension of beautiful indoor home design.
Mr. Elton received the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Casual Furnishings Association. He has served as chairman of ICFA and board member of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and WithIt, is an active member of the International Society of Furniture Designers and a longtime supporter of the Savannah College of Art and Design.