Jayme Leffler followed the experts' advice before she plunged into entrepreneurship: She worked for three years in the industry to learn the ropes. "I always loved interiors and design and had always helped my friends with it," said Leffler.

But before she decided to go out on her own, Leffler spent three years at Bungalow, a decor store on Atlanta's west side. The experience led to the opening of her own place, Armour & Co Home Emporium in Morningside. She dubbed it with her maiden name and stocked it with some of her favorite home decor pieces.

T. Opdyke III / Special (ENLARGE)

Sofas can be custom-ordered with various fabrics and colors. On the shelving behind are a few of the store's popular lacquered boxes.

T. Opdyke III / Special (ENLARGE)

Decorative soy candles in eye-catching holders and glass paperweights with butterflies, beetles, dragonflies and spiders inside make interesting table accents.

Curtain Exchange adds the finishing touches  Tuscany Fine Furnishings has American-made old-world tradition  Lamp Arts keeps things lighthearted  Verde Home promotes locally produced furnishings  Stanton Furnishings offers the old, new, and offbeat

"I love the vintage look, so I specifically look for that, but everything I carry is new," she said. "And I'm from Florida, so I lean toward the beach themes, with light colors. I sell a lot of items to clients who have beach homes."

What you'll find

The first thing that makes an impression at the store on North Highland Avenue is the aroma. The storefront shop has the good fortune to be right next door to a San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company, so the delicious smells of the brew waft across the showroom. Grab a cup to carry you through a perusal of the store's selection of furniture, including wood dining tables that can be ordered in different sizes and finishes, from weathered wood to antique white. Sofas and chairs are also available in various fabrics and colors.

Decorate with giant crocodile palm fronds, dried and mounted for $245; oversize storage baskets; buttoned throw pillows; freestanding mirrors; coffee table books; straw place mats; cable-knit throw blankets; vases; towels; silver candlesticks; photo frames; diffusers; and candles. Lighten up with brushed nickel chandeliers with linen shades or table top lamps in a range of sizes and colors, including one with a giraffe base. Paperweights with dragonflies, spiders and butterflies captured in glass will catch the eye, as will stackable lacquered boxes in turquoise, white or beige with dark trim. There's also a small selection of glassware and china.

Trends

Buyers are moving away from dark colors, said Leffler. And they're looking for lighter shades in pieces that feature natural elements. Among the items with the natural makeup are tables of mango wood, teak and elm wood; soy-based candles; and chairs made of grasses.

"Things that are reclaimed and eco-friendly are also important," said Leffler. "We have lots of consoles, end tables and drink tables made of reclaimed wood. "

Best-sellers

Anything with the helix design is tough to keep in stock, said Leffler. Wood pieces with the twisted bases are multi-functional, doubling as end or occasional tables, but are sturdy enough to be a stool as well.

"I sell a ton of the helix stools, made from reclaimed mango wood," said Leffler. "It's so multipurpose that it can be moved around from room to room. And it's a really cool design — it almost looks like a little piece of art."

The helix tables range from $245 to $295. Other hot items include table lamps and soy candles, priced at $34.

Armour & Co Home Emporium

1198 N. Highland Avenue

404-817-3725

www.armourandco.com

In the area: The store is at the end of a small corner noted mostly for its dining options. Next door is the San Francisco Coffee Roasting Company and beyond that, Sala Sabor de Mexico. The narrow drive into the parking lot is lined with several stores and a wine bar.