Houston has been attracting some national attention for its home decor scene: Two local stores were recognized in House Beautiful's Shop America 2015, its annual guide to the best shopping destinations in the country.
The publication, which identified mom-and-pop retailers in 22 states and Washington, D.C., included eight prime shopping spots in Texas and two are in Houston:
If you're in the market for British goods, look no further than Rice Village's British Isles, which stocks everything from elegant tableware and beautiful bronze sculptures to luxury throw blankets and fine crystal pieces. The adorably European shop features many hard-to-find brands and even carries a variety of British edibles you aren't likely to find elsewhere in Houston — and of course, don't forget to pick up a gorgeous teacup and saucer while you're there. 2366 Rice Blvd.
With four floors of incredible furniture pieces, exquisite fabrics and unique gifts, High Fashion Home's Midtown location isn't exactly your run-of-the-mill decor shop. The massive store specializes in modern and contemporary furniture that can be upholstered according to your taste and many of the furniture collections are eco-conscious and made with renewable and recycled materials. 3100 Travis St.
In a separate feature, the magazine highlighted 11 shops in the River Oaks area that are invigorating the Houston home furnishings and home decor scene. Here's what they had to say:
Area
"Armoires, armchairs, and consoles here tend to be European antiques, but the accessories are as of-the-moment as the store's new concrete facade. Sexy Alexandra Von Furstenberg Lucite bowls and Waylande Gregory ceramics are arranged with paintings by Texas artists. Also known for gift wrapping." 3735 Westheimer Rd.
Brown
"An inventory inspired by the owner's eclectic collections — old-fashioned school items, pewter, vintage pressed flowers. Regularly stocked goods include Fermob Bistro chairs and Windsor chairs by D. R. Dimes." 2940 Ferndale St.
Caught My Fancy
"The owner refreshes antique and vintage pieces with pretty lines by repainting them in a palette of soothing grays and blues. Smaller objects for sale in the shop include petite giltwood mirrors, striped linen grain-sack pillows, and La Lavande soaps." 2015-B W. Gray St.
Found For The Home
"The neighborhood's quirky, cool kid. Items such as antique finials and vintage industrial pieces are juxtaposed against Tina Frey resin tables and handblown glass from Siemon & Salazar." 3433 W. Alabama St.
Indulge Décor
"Set on a tranquil side street and filled with rigorously sourced items, including Blanc d'Ivoire furniture (the only retailer in the U.S.), Juliska tableware, and Tsé & Tsé vases." 2903 Saint St.
Kuhl-Linscomb
"More than a store, it's a campus of buildings stocked with the chic, the irreverent, and the hard-to-find. Wander for hours through the vast selection, which includes John Robshaw textiles, Hermès tabletop items, and handmade Hästens beds — and that's just to start." 2424 W. Alabama St.
Plush Home
"The destination for the best in luxe bedding, from brands like Ann Gish and Legacy Home to local favorite Peacock Alley and newcomer Tribute Goods. The selection is heavy on neutrals." 2233 Westheimer Rd.
Skelton-St. John
"In addition to the beautifully displayed, easy-to-use antique furnishings from Italy, France, and Sweden, for which this shop is known, expect to find charmingly offbeat pieces such as grotto-style demilune tables dripping with seashells. Another highlight: the impressive array of white ironstone bowls and platters." 3637 W Alabama St #450.
Thompson + Hanson
"A special home-and-garden store with a Texan sense of place. Browse the terra-cotta pots, Sabre flatware, and Dash & Albert pillows — and stop by the lovely courtyard café, Tiny Boxwood's." 3600 W. Alabama St.
Houston Beautiful also mentions two national chains as don't miss home decor places: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 4091 Westheimer Rd., and Restoration Hardware 4030 Westheimer Rd..
Within the state, Dallas has five featured stores on the House Beautiful Shop America list:
Blue Print Home. This Uptown home decor store is the expression of the five friends who founded it, stocked with furniture, antiques, art and accessories from their European adventures. Find private label home furnishings as well as contemporary art, light fixtures, jewelry and home accessories.
Coco & Dash. Mother-daughter duo Teddie and Courtney Garrigan curate a fun assortment of new furnishings and accessories, as well as Italian, French and English antiques. The pair also does an excellent job procuring lighting — including table lamps and chandeliers — accessories, jewelry and artwork, in particular the paintings of local artist Scott Kerr.
Forty Five Ten. But of course. Brian Bolke's famed fashion house also is a haute spot for one-of-a-kind trinkets, tabletop and gifts. The designer list includes Kelly Wearstler, Jan Barboglio, Waylande Gregory and Kimberly McDonald.
Mary Cates and Co. This Inwood Village shop, named for the longtime and respected interior designer, carries an offbeat blend of fine furniture, custom lighting, bedding and accessories — all of it beautiful, some of it unexpected.
Melissa Benge Collection. This store reflects the eclectic tastes — from bohemian cowgirl to romantic to urban — of the owner, for whom the shop is named. In addition to women's clothing and accessories, Melissa Benge carries architectural relics, collage art, upholstered furnishings, linens, and private label soaps and candles.
The final Texas spot on House Beautiful's Shop America list was Take Heart Shop located in Austin.
Houston's Settlement Goods was also included on House Beautiful's list, but closed its Montrose location since the list was released.
-------------------
CultureMap Houston editor-in-chief Clifford Pugh and CultureMap Dallas editor-in-chief Jennifer Chininis contributed to this article.
Houston Beautiful calls Thompson + Hanson "a special home-and-garden store with a Texan sense of place."
