5 St. Louis Designers Reveal Their Favorite Local Spots to Shop Home Décor
From the Read the Stories from the Fall 2021 ABODE Magazine series
Have you ever seen an interior designer’s latest room reveal and wondered, “Where in the world do they find these things?” Well, you’re in luck! Some of the metro area’s leading ladies in the interior design industry have shared their favorite local spots to stock up on accessories, art, antiques and more.
Cool Stuff Period
Emily Hall of Emily Hall Interiors believes basic is boring, which is exactly why she loves to shop at Cool Stuff Period.
“I honestly find it so inspiring,” says Hall of the store. “Half of the time, I don’t even know what I’m looking for. I just wait and see what catches my eye.”
That is also what Hall encourages others to do when shopping.
“Don’t be afraid to buy something that you wouldn’t typically purchase if it speaks to you,” Hall says. “Go for it! Being safe can be boring. Don’t be boring.”
Cool Stuff is often her go-to for elements such as statement console tables, accent chairs, unique lighting, art and accessories.
“I find everything there, from French mirrors to modern tables,” Hall says. “I love the variety he carries!”
Cool Stuff Period, 5707 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314-853-4181, coolstuffperiod.com
Emily Hall Interiors, 314-494-6232, emilyhallinteriors.com
Rusted Chandelier
Rusted Chandelier in Kirkwood is Megan Temple of Megan Temple Design’s one-stop shop.
“The Rusted Chandelier has the best accessories for styling bookshelves and accent furniture that is unique but affordable,” Temple says. “We usually find all our finishing pieces here when styling a client’s home. I never leave with less than a trunk full of treasures! We love that we can find so much great stuff in one place.”
Temple encourages everyone to circle the store more than just once while shopping.
“You are sure to see new things each trip around the store,” Temple says. “Also, seasonal items sell really fast, so buy them early! Specifically, their hand-painted pumpkins and holiday garlands, speaking from experience.”
Rusted Chandelier, 118 N. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 314-821-7881, rustedchandelier.com
Megan Temple Design, 214-718-4265, megantempledesign.com
CENTRO Modern Furnishings
When it comes to all things accessories, Lauren Sweet-Schuler of Castle Design seeks out CENTRO Modern Furnishings in St. Louis’ Central West End neighborhood.
“The team at CENTRO curates a thoughtful collection of accessories from various artisans across the world,” Sweet-Schuler says. “They are always working to bring in new finds, and they always know the story behind the making of each piece. It instantly makes the piece more meaningful.”
Items she shops from CENTRO often include simple and distinctive statement pieces for coffee and dining tables, consoles and more.
“I love these wooden pieces by Areaware,” Sweet-Schuler says. “I used these great wooden pieces in a contemporary family room on coffee tables and on shelves. They sit nicely on a stack of books and add some humor and ease to a space.”
CENTRO Modern Furnishings, 4727 McPherson Ave., St. Louis, 314-454-0111, centro-inc.com
Castle Design, 7707 Clayton Road, Clayton, 314-727-6622, emilycastle.com
Mark O. Howald Antiques and Fine Art
For Amy Studebaker of Amy Studebaker Design, Mark O. Howald Antiques and Fine Art on Clayton Road is absolutely adored.
“He has the most wonderful accessories, accent furniture and artwork,” Studebaker says. “Two of my favorite finds from Mark’s shop have actually both landed in my kitchen. One is a fabulous silver tray that I keep my oils on, and the other is a wonderful painting that makes me smile every time I look at it!”
This detail magnificently mirrors Studebaker’s advice for shopping for antiques.
“When searching through antique shops, always keep one thing in mind: Search for anything that you love,” Studebaker says. “Don’t worry about what is on your list. Look for things you love, and you will find a place for it in your home!”
Mark O. Howald Antiques and Fine Art, 9796 Clayton Road, St. Louis, 314-517-8242, mohowald.com
Amy Studebaker Design, 11614 Page Service Drive, St. Louis, 314-440-0853, amystudebakerdesign.com
LoKey Designs
When searching for the perfect plant for a space, Stephanie Pohlman of Stephanie Pohlman Designs always finds herself at LoKey Designs.
“LoKey Designs is my favorite for live plants and vases because [owner Laura Dooley] puts so much thought and love into each and every piece she creates,” Pohlman explains. “She has a wide range of styles and varieties to choose from.”
Pohlman adds that regardless of whether she’s searching for plants, planters or both, Dooley has the variety she needs.
“Recently, she helped me source plants for a small room refresh,” Pohlman says. “I found the cutest white pot with a beaded detail along the top, and she planted it for me on the spot! I used it on a tray on my client’s coffee table. I love using plants as a centerpiece or focal point of the room.”
LoKey Designs, 2207 S. 39th St., St. Louis, 636-299-2370, lokeydesigns.com
Stephanie Pohlman Designs, stephaniepohlmandesigns.com
In this Series
Read the Stories from the Fall 2021 ABODE Magazine
Alecia Humphreys
Alecia is a freelance writer based in the metro area. Fueled by coffee and faith, Alecia is a wifey, boy mom and fur mama to two, enjoying this crazy thing called life one moment at a time.
The fall edition of ABODE is being delivered to subscribers, but if you can't wait to read, click here for an inside look.
2021 was the year of learning how to survive and even thrive in the “new normal” created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Ladu…