Interior designers can use furniture and accessories to transform an empty, unfinished room into a space that evokes a variety of emotions, including warmth, drama, and tranquility. They source some of their products in industry-specific showrooms, but many others are available in retail stores that we can all shop at.
And in a world where we buy online so often, there's something special about visiting a store and feeling confident in your choice. If you're ready for a designer-approved home makeover, here are some North Texas brick-and-mortar spots to add to your list.
Anthropology
place: Allen, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Southlake | What you'll find: Trendy homewares, furniture and accessories including curtains for homes with high ceilings | People who shop here: Kim Armstrong Interior Design Kim Armstrong
You might think of anthropology as a resource for your closet, but it's useful for other spaces in your home as well. “I love the prints his Anthropologie offers, and I feel like many of their drapes have embroidery on top of the pattern, which makes it look more upscale,” Armstrong said. I will explain. As a bonus, drapes are available for taller people.
“Anthropologie drapes are very affordable compared to custom made, but when used correctly and hung properly, they look very beautiful,” says Armstrong. “This cannot be achieved with most pre-made curtains.” Pro tip: Check online or call ahead to make sure your chosen store has the curtains you want in stock.
interior outlet
place: 1333 Inwood Road, Suite 100, Dallas; 3400 Preston Road, Suite 230, Plano | What you'll find: Stylish, modern furniture, lighting and accessories at outlet prices | People who shop here: Lindsay Mathias of Lindsay Mathias Design
Looking for discounted furniture and eye-catching accessories? Visit the Artteriors outlet store. “Their work is contemporary with an edgy twist,” says Mathias. “Each design incorporates interesting textures and shapes to create impactful statement pieces.”
With two local outlet locations, Washington D-FW shoppers have more inventory to choose from. If you need more decor fixes, we have a flagship showroom located in Dallas. (Other showrooms are in Los Angeles, New York, and London.)
CB2
position: 4510 McKinney Avenue, Dallas | What you'll find: A combination of contemporary and vintage design | People who shop here: Lindsay Mathias of Lindsay Mathias Design
Find furniture, accessories, glassware, and more for your whole home with this Crate & Barrel sister brand.
“CB2 is a very friendly and convenient big box retailer with a store in Uptown Dallas,” Mathias says, adding that it’s another way to shop and check out products before you go to the store. We recommend CB2's online platform.
She tends to use CB2 as a resource for home accessories. “It's a place I always stop before setting up any big accessories, because it's full of tableware and seasonal decor, as well as cool vases and bowls that look unique or vintage.”
empire rug
position: 1695 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake | What you'll find: Traditional, modern, tribal and antique designs | People who shop here: Anne Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating
For both style and service, Bridgman buys Empire Rugs. “This is absolutely the best store in the Metroplex for hand-woven rugs,” she says. “They have great retail prices, and their customer service and personal attention really sets this store apart.” Check out Empire's hundreds of unique pieces and one-of-a-kind finds Please stop by or make a reservation.
Inessa Stewart Antiques and Interiors
position: 1643 Dragon Street, Dallas | What you'll find: One of the largest and most distinctive collections of European antiques in Dallas | People who shop here: Kim Armstrong Interior Design Kim Armstrong
Inessa Stewart and her husband John personally select everything you see in their Design District showroom. Our inventory comes in a variety of styles, sizes, and price points, all imported directly from Europe.
“Inessa Stewart and her husband have a great eye and their pricing is really good for the quality of their antiques,” Armstrong says. “What I love about Inessa is that she can change finishes as a special service. So if you like the dark finish style, she can work with you to achieve beautiful custom changes. .”
mecox
position: 5360 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 208, Dallas | What you'll find: A mix of antique and vintage finds, modern finds, original artwork, and custom pieces | People who shop here: Lindsay Mathias of Lindsay Mathias Design
This Inwood Village store (other locations include Houston, Napa, Palm Beach, and the Hamptons) has great furniture and interesting accessories. Matthias especially loves coffee table books. If you're looking for a quick update, start here, she added. “Mecox offers fast shipping, making it ideal for 'need-it-now' furniture and accent pieces,” says Mathias.
Slocum's muse
position: 1201 Slocum St., Dallas | What you'll find: Combination of antique and used furniture, accessories and lighting | People who shop here: Kim Armstrong Interior Design Kim Armstrong
“Muse has a great mix of truly eclectic, traditional and high-quality pieces,” says Armstrong. “The owners are discerning and carefully select high-end, one-of-a-kind items. You can find anything here from small vases to large cupboards.”
Ms. Armstrong recalled when Muse on Slocum purchased two Ferrell Mittman “Berger” chairs, which she salvaged in magenta Peter Fasano fabric. “Having a few pieces from Muse in your home gives it a luxurious, collected feel, and it definitely takes your style up a notch,” she says.
