Lori and Ray Carter have had their Cumming home on and off the market for years. But after a recent visit to the new I.O. Metro store, they have opted to stay put.
A walk-through of the bright store in Cumming gave them some ideas. But a follow-up consultation with one of the store’s in-home designers convinced the Carters that updating their space was a good move during a sluggish economy.
“We have an odd-shaped living room, a tired '90s look and four children,” Lori said. “We needed help on what to buy and where to put it."
The busy couple appreciated that the non-pushy store designer worked within their budget and considered their lifestyle when choosing kid-friendly fabrics and furnishings.
For their “new” living room, the Carters purchased a custom, three-cushion sofa with a neutral textured fabric ($999), two accent chairs ($499), a rattan floor lamp ($299) and matching table lamp ($169), plus two pieces of wall art.
“We are getting a custom look without the custom price,” said Lori, a service coordinator for Babies Can’t Wait, a statewide program. “The key was having the (design) help to pull it all together.”
Like the Carters, many metro Atlanta homeowners are looking for ways to update their homes while keeping costs down.
Bette Raburn, a past president of the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, agrees.
“Some are remodeling,” said Raburn, owner of the Interior Motive and The Works store in Roswell. “Others are refurnishing to make their homes more comfortable and livable.”
That’s good news for home furnishings and accessories stores. While some home stores and furniture retailers in the greater Atlanta area have closed or struggled in the weak economy, others have opened in the last year. Here are a few to visit:
CB2
The contemporary offshoot of Crate & Barrel, the shiny Midtown store offers mid-century inspired accessories, classic barware, gifts and modern sofas in warm, textured fabrics. Many furnishings are scaled to fit small spaces. The sleek Swig Mini Bar, equipped with a wine rack, bartending drawer and ample shelving, is $399. The basket-weave placements are $2.95 and available in four colors. The white square dinnerware ranges from $1.94 to $4.95. This is CB2’s first store in the Southeast.
1080 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, 404-894-3763, www.cb2.com
Home Grown Living
Located in Roswell’s historic downtown, the shop offers a variety of new, European and antique accessories. Find a vintage wooden ice box, glass bell jars, urns, mercury glass mirrors and candlesticks. Prices range from $15 for glassware to $3,500 and up for your own home greenhouse. The shop also offers garden and landscape design.
96 Bulloch Ave., Roswell, 678-381-1088, www.homegrownliving.us
I.O. Metro (3 locations)
Located in the popular open-air shopping centers, the new-to-Georgia stores are a one-stop shop for transitional home décor. Find entertainment centers, sectionals, accent tables and wall art. Or, scoop up bedding, lamps and pillows in a variety of fresh colors. A driftwood cocktail table is $499.95 and a large turquoise vase is $39.95. The stores offer free design services and lots of customized options.
The Avenue West Cobb, 3625 Dallas Hwy., Suite 360, Marietta, 770-425-0405.
The Avenue Webb Gin, 1350 Scenic Hwy. 124, Suite 112, Snellville, 770-978-9780.
The Avenue Forsyth, 410 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 324, Cumming, 678-455-6945.
Refined Home Boutique
The open and airy Westside store is filled with new and vintage pieces. Find custom sofas, found objects, organic linen bedding and a seven-foot, eco-friendly dining table ($1,754) by Tritter Feefer. A Lillian August crystal chandelier from Atlanta-based Currey & Company is $590. Glass vases are $11 and up. Treat yourself to a beautifully packaged KOBO soy candle ($33). Planet-friendly, the candles can burn for 70 hours.
887 Howell Mill Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, 404-815-7250, www.redefinedhomeboutique.com
Room & Board
Housed in a reclaimed building on Atlanta’s Westside, the sleek store features furniture and accessories on three floors. Most (85 percent) of the company’s merchandise is made in the United States. Find sofas and solid wood dining room tables alongside modern classics, such as Eames chairs and George Nelson pendants. One-of-a-kind African masks range from $129 and up. A Nest baby crib with a cherry finish is $699. The company specializes in custom sizes and finishes.
1170 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, 404-682-5900, www.roomandboard.com
Scout for the Home
With its fresh, clean look, the boutique features lots of customer favorites. Find luxurious linens and bedding by Matteo, plus Moroccan glasses and hand-thrown pottery from N.Y.’s canvas collection. A custom-made, king-sized iron bed is $6,000 and a bamboo salad bowl (think wedding gift) is $36. For many, it is the first stop for hostess gifts.
18 E. Andrews Drive, Atlanta, 404-816-2325, www.scoutforthehome.com
Suite Spot
Whether you like classic Southern or modern trendy, this shop has a good selection. Find Annie Glass (table art that’s durable), accent furniture, French tea towels, metal ware and super-soft towels in 25 colors and six sizes. Stylish and comfy BedHead pajamas are $89 and up. A queen-size set of bamboo sheets is $425. In-house monogramming available.
1465 Chattahoochee Ave., Suite 450, Atlanta, 404-891-1000, www.suitespot.net
The Store at Grant Design Collaborative
Located in downtown Canton, the shop showcases a variety of recycled and “reimagined” products by its award-winning design firm. The evolving mix of goods includes home accessories, furniture, contemporary rugs and seasonal merchandise. A Jaipur 5-foot-by7.5-foot indoor/outdoor rug is $365. Handmade seasonal cards are $4.50 each. Open limited hours Thursdays-Saturdays or by appointment.
121 E. Marietta St., Canton, 770-479-8280, www.grantcollaborative.com
The Works
Besides cutting-edge kitchen and bath remodeling products, the one-stop store also offers accessories, lighting and furniture. A Wolf dual fuel 36-inch pro range with a griddle is $8,769. Legacy Linen’s extra-long, ready-made shower curtains start at $169. The shop also offers design services for every budget.
10800 Alpharetta Hwy., Suite 240, Roswell, 770-649-9993, www.ILOVETHEWORKS.com
