Out and about in Charlotte

I have a great friend who lives in Greensboro and she loves to come to Charlotte to shop for interesting and unique furniture and home decor.  Everytime she has a trip planned, she asks for my advice on the 'must-see's' during her visit.   So in this post, i thought I would mention some of my favorites.

First the 'Marketplaces' - these are shops that are comprised of multiple vendor booths, many of whom are interior designers, wanna-be boutique owners, and/or artists.  The pieces are usually unique, one-of-a-kind 'finds' but sometimes there are stock pieces that can be re-ordered.  It can vary from one marketplace to the next.  These are my absolute favorite places to shop since the styles can vary so greatly from one vendor to the next.  Plus, the prices are usually very reasonable.

Here are some fantastic embroidered ottomans I found for a client at Interiors Marketplace:

And this Hickory Chair ottoman, that I purchased for another client:

Cotswold Marketplace is literally around the corner from my house, so I am constantly stopping by.  The inventory rotates pretty frequently, so I am always seeing new things.  Like these drop-dead gorgeous lamps that I bought to go with those cool ottomans:

This was one of the pricier pieces, a Turkish Tulu rug.  So interesting, and it would work in any decor:

These stools by Worlds Away are also so eye-catching:

Many of the vendors at Slate Interiors are treasure hunters who are on the lookout for one-of-a-kind, antique pieces.  But it was this fun, yellow painted console table that caught my eye:

Many of these marketplaces also sell remant fabrics, which can be perfect for throw pillows or re-upholstering small pieces.  I found 15 yards of this honeycomb fabric at Post & Gray, that I plan to use as draperies on one of my projects:

Another one of the stops on my rotation is at The Villa, on Providence Road.  There you can check out Decade, whose owners also own Darnell & Company, a to-the-trade showroom with amazing pieces.  I found that the artwork at Decade was the most striking.  My photo doesn't do this amazing painting justice:

While I'm at the Villa, I'll also stop in Isabella, which sells luxurious linens, some furniture, and accessories.  I am instantly relaxed when I walk in.  It has the most wonderful scents, and the owner Erin is always so welcoming.

Acquisitions, which also has stores in Atlanta and Charleston is another great stop.  When I was there recently, I found this blue linen chair.  I can't believe I am telling you about it, because I want to take it home!

This is the same store we found the butterscotch leather chairs for another client:

And this Hancock & Moore barstool, with it's wonderful 'Coastal' finish.  

Mrs. Howard & Max & Company is a relative newcomer to Charlotte, but what a great addition.  If you've never been, you've got to go.  They have completely transformed the old Charlotte Women's Club into a showroom that is utterly amazing.  Every room is full of inspiration and the staff there is very willing to help.

While you're over on that side of town, check out Boulevard Bazaar too.  It is a warehouse of market samples and discontinued pieces from high end manufacturers.  You will never know what you will find there, but if you aren't picky you may find a great sofa for a fraction of the retail price.

Over at Park Road Shopping Center, I love to stop into Traditions.  They have a showroom packed full of interesting furniture and accessories.  I recently bought this great velvet tuxedo sofa for a client:

Recycle Boutique is also worth a visit.  They have consignment furniture as well as new-pieces that can be re-ordered.  I thought this would make a great wall-hanging above a fireplace:

I feel like i could go on and on.  But I'll end with The Depot at Gibson Mill, an antique mall in downtown Concord, NC.  Plan to spend an whole day here.  You never know what you will find.  I loved this display of old beakers beside these red metal barstools were so charming:

And I could kick myself for not bringing this interesting white-washed chest home:

I didn't even make it through the whole place, so I will be back soon!

As an interior designer, you have got to love to shop.  I am lucky that there are so many great boutiques, furniture stores, galleries, antique stores, and marketplaces in Charlotte.   Let me know the next time you are looking for the perfect piece for your home and I'd love to help you shop for it!

Thanks for reading,
Bronwyn

All photos property of BRONWYN Designs