Alpharetta store’s accessories make old furnishings pop

Audrey Donna Hensley had to work her way through two careers, teaching school and working for Delta Air Lines, before she finally achieved her professional dream: owning a home-décor store. For about 11 years, she was part of an antique mall where she showcased her eclectic mix of tabletop and design items.

Four years ago, she struck out on her own and opened Twigs and Lace in a new brick building on Alpharetta’s Main Street.

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H. M. Cauley / AJC Special

Twigs and Lace owner Audrey Donna Hensley encourages customers to spruce up their existing decor with accent pieces such as a bright embroidered pillow.

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H. M. Cauley / AJC Special

Birdcages, statuary and painted metal flowers can add visual appeal to furnishings already in one’s home. Hensley tells customers: ‘Don’t replace it, just update it.’

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“My vision was always to own my own store,” said Hensley. “And my mission is to get people to create their own heirlooms. I own things that are 30 years old, but instead of replacing them, I bring in something new to update them. That’s the idea behind the store.”

What you’ll find

Hensley’s approach to décor resonates with shoppers during these difficult economic times. Her store offers an array of ideas for making an existing table, sitting area or bedroom pop with a new embroidered pillow, a new set of initialed hand towels or chiffon place mats with jeweled edging. Shoppers will also find pieces to perk up their garden: wire butterflies, painted metal sunflowers, metal welcome signs. Teapots and china cups, lamps with fringed shades, serving platters, glassware and more are crowded into the store.

Best-sellers

No matter what the season, Hensley’s shoppers go for the Christopher Radko holiday ornaments. The store is already stocked with the designer’s 2009 preview pieces. They’re also fond of the line of 16 scented Tyler candles, soy-based aromatics priced from $3 to $44.99.

Other popular pieces include any sort of metal wall sconce with a large glass globe. “They’re rather hard to find,” said Hensley, who sells an assortment from $119 to $298. “But they’re great to use on each side of a fireplace or as ambient lighting in a bath.”

Trends

“People love the bling-bling,” said Hensley. “They love to take a regular lamp they’ve owned for years and hang a gemmed tassel off it, or take a sofa and add beautiful pillows with fringe. We tell people don’t replace it, just update it. You don’t have to go to the trouble of spending money on an entirely new decorating scheme.”

WHERE TO FIND IT

Twigs and Lace

64 N. Main St., Alpharetta

770-772-5136

Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday

In the area: Twigs and Lace is adjacent to the new Slice restaurant on Main Street, as well as several home and antique stores in the historic downtown area.