Using furniture and accessories, interior designers can transform an empty, unfinished room into a space that evokes a variety of emotions, including warmth, drama, and tranquility. While some of the furniture a designer finds is sourced from showrooms dedicated to the industry, many others are available at retail stores where anyone can shop.
In a world where so much shopping is done online, there's something special about visiting a store and being confident in your choice, so if you're thinking about giving your home a designer-approved refresh, add North Texas brick-and-mortar stores to your list.
Anthropologie
place: Allen, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Southlake | What you'll find: Stylish home goods, furniture and accessories, including curtains for high ceiling homes | People who shop here: Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design
While you might think of Anthropologie as a closet item, they're also great for other spaces in your home. “I love their prints, and a lot of their drapes have embroidery on top of the pattern, which makes them feel even more luxurious,” Armstrong explains. Plus, their drapes come in taller options.
“Anthropologie curtains are very affordable compared to custom-made, but they look their best when used correctly and hung properly,” says Armstrong. “That's difficult to do with most pre-made curtains.” Pro tip: Check online or call ahead to make sure your chosen store has your preferred curtains in stock.
Alterias Outlet
place: 1333 Inwood Road, Suite 100, Dallas; 3400 Preston Road, Suite 230, Plano | What you'll find: Stylish and modern furniture, lighting and accessories at outlet prices | People who shop here: Lindsay Mathias of Lindsay Mathias Design
Looking for great deals on eye-catching furniture and accessories? Check out the Arteriors outlet store. “Their pieces have a contemporary feel and an edgy twist,” says Mathias. “They incorporate interesting textures and shapes into each design, creating impactful statement pieces.”
With two local outlets, D-FW shoppers have more inventory to choose from, and if you need more Arterior products, there's a flagship showroom in Dallas (other showrooms are in Los Angeles, New York, and London).
CB2
position: 4510 McKinney Ave, Dallas | What you'll find: A mix of contemporary and vintage-inspired design | People who shop here: Lindsay Mathias of Lindsay Mathias Design
The sister brand of Crate & Barrel offers a wide range of products including furniture for the whole home, accessories, glassware and more.
“CB2 is a very friendly, convenient big-box retailer with a storefront in Uptown Dallas,” Mathias said, recommending CB2's online platform as another way to shop and check out products before visiting the store.
She often uses CB2 as a resource for home accessories: “I always stop by here before installing any major accessories. They have a ton of lovely vases and bowls that are one-of-a-kind or vintage-inspired, as well as dishware and seasonal decor.”
Empire Rug
position: 1695 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake | What you'll find: Traditional, Contemporary, Tribal, Antique Designs | People who shop here: Anne Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating
For both style and service, Bridgeman chooses Empire Rugs. “It's the best place to buy hand-knotted rugs in the Metroplex,” Bridgeman says. “They have great retail prices, and the customer service and personal attention is what sets them apart.” Stop by Empire or make an appointment to check out the hundreds of unique pieces and one-of-a-kind finds.
Inessa Stewart Antiques & Interiors
position: 1643 Dragon Street, Dallas | What you'll find: One of Dallas' largest and most distinctive collections of European antiques | People who shop here: Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design
Everything you see in their Design District showroom has been personally selected by Inessa Stewart and her husband John. The stock offers a range of styles, sizes and price points, and is all imported directly from Europe.
“Inessa Stewart and her husband have a great eye and are really fair when it comes to pricing for the quality of their antiques,” Armstrong says. “What's great about Inessa's shop is that she offers finish modifications as a special service, so if you love the style of a dark finish, she will work with you to achieve a beautiful custom modification.”
Mecox
position: 5360 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 208, Dallas | What you'll find: Antique and vintage finds combine with new finds, original artwork and custom pieces | People who shop here: Lindsay Mathias of Lindsay Mathias Design
This Inwood Village store (which also has locations in Houston, Napa, Palm Beach, and the Hamptons) sells great furniture and interesting accessories; Mathias is particularly fond of their coffee table books, and she adds that if you're looking for something new and quick, it's a great place to start. “Mecox offers fast delivery, making it a great place to find 'need it now' furniture or accent pieces,” says Mathias.
Slocum's Muse
position: 1201 Slocum Street, Dallas | What you'll find: A mix of antique and second-hand furniture, accessories and lighting | People who shop here: Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design
“Muse has an incredible variety of traditional, high-quality pieces,” says Armstrong. “The owners have a great eye for quality and have handpicked some unique pieces. You'll find everything from small vases to large armoires.”
Armstrong recalls purchasing a pair of Ferrell Mittman “Bergere” chairs from Muse on Slocum and having them upholstered in a magenta Peter Fasano fabric. “Having a few pieces from Muse in your home will create a sense of luxury and unity and will definitely add style,” she says.
