There are families whose generations proudly span decade after decade of H-Town roots, and millennials seem to flock to town on the regular. There's bustling nightlife, top-tier arts and entertainment and arguably one of the best culinary scenes around. So when it comes to fashion and home décor, it's not much of a surprise that Houston houses a vast collection for every style under the sun.
Modern, eclectic and a touch of vintage are the magical combination for the impressive array of unique, locally based (and owned!) Houston home décor and furniture resources. Each of these five shops perfectly satisfies the city's constant craving for uncommon finds, carefully scouted wares and custom designs.
1. Kuhl-Linscomb
Founded in 1994 by design-loving couple Dan Linscomb and Pam Kuhl-Linscomb - he's a financial planner, and she's an interior designer - Kuhl-Linscomb is unlike anything else in the city, having grown over the years to occupy five charming bungalow-style buildings for a grand total of 70,000 square feet in the Upper Kirby District. The shop is filled with thoughtfully curated finds in nearly every category possible, from apothecary products and makeup, designer eyewear and children's toys to eclectic European furniture designs and local finds - like the super popular Vinglacé wine insulators created last year by Houstonians Colton and Alyson Haas. The stainless steel, vacuum-insulated apparatus beats the summer heat, keeping wine and bubbly properly chilled sans ice bucket and condensation. Also new: the large Windsor aluminum bench by Three Coins Cast, known for their transitional-style patio furniture that's heavy enough to withstand any Texas storm.
2418 West Alabama St., Houston, 713.526.6000, kuhl-linscomb.com
2. The Guild Shop
An authentic, vintage Heywood-Wakefield secretary desk in a beautiful classic wheat finish and a 19th century Shaker-style, custom-crafted dining table set with 12 leather upholstered Cab chairs by Cassina are just a few examples of the unique, upscale wares that find their way to The Guild Shop. Founded in 1962 by the sewing group of St. John the Devine Episcopal Church and run by more than 100 volunteers, the Montrose-area nonprofit - which supports Meals on Wheels, Amazing Place, Care Partners and other organizations that assist the elderly in need - serves as both a Christian ministry and an impressive resale shop. It occupies 11,000-square-feet with another 3,000-square-foot outdoor garden area. The Guild Shop's loyal customer base and dedicated consignors and donors result in a literal treasure trove of finds, ranging from designer handbags, scarves and shoes to fine jewelry, rugs and furniture. Frequent visits are profitable as new pieces arrive constantly, like a just-in set of four Jamaica bar stools designed by Pepe Cortes for Knoll.
2009 Dunlavy St., Houston, 713.528.5095, theguildshop.org
3. Reeves Design + Art
Formerly known as Reeves Antiques, what started as a simple business selling household goods has since flourished into a full-fledged antiques, art and modern furniture destination. Paul Reeves established the brand in 1969 alongside his brother, John, and now oversees the newly rebranded company with his son, Matthew Reeves, at the helm. They've transformed their warehouse into a sleek, modern art gallery with an impressive inventory of sculptures, prints and paintings - including local Houston artists like David Adickes and Charles Pebworth, plus international works by Luis Gonzalez Palma and Damien Hirst. Reeves still offers Persian rugs, antiques and collectables, but with its expansion comes high-end midcentury modern and custom-made furniture - a large selection also available through the 1stdibs online marketplace. A customer favorite: personalizing bespoke pieces with their choice of fabrics, lacquers, stains and hardware in either contemporary mid-century or Hollywood regency-era styles.
2415 Taft St., Houston, 713.523.5577,reevesantiqueshouston.com
4. Memorial Antiques &Interiors
An original concept born in Houston in 2006, Memorial Antiques & Interiors (also referred to as MAI) has been locally owned and grown from the start. It quickly gained popularity for its inspirational, design-savvy vignettes all over the store - which rivaled any glossy magazine setup. This past fall, the ever-expanding showroom that touts goods from more than 50 standout antique vendors and interior designers moved to a much larger, 19,000-square-foot space inside The Houston Design Center. There, customers can peruse a carefully selected variety of mid-century pieces, contemporary art, antiques, lighting and decor. An ornate French giltwood mirror shares space with a vintage gold-and-crystal Maria Theresa six-arm chandelier, while nearby a rare English faux bamboo chest sits near a collection of clear acrylic Chanel boxes. At MAI, everything is as pretty as a well-designed picture, with enough variety to satisfy any taste.The Houston Design Center, 7026 Old Katy Road, #166, Houston, 713.827.8087, maihouston.com
5. High Fashion Home
Just as its name implies, High Fashion Home stocks everything required to create a space that's as inspired as it is fashionable. Founded in 2005 and situated in an impressive four-story, 125,000-square-foot space in Midtown, this impressive furnishing emporium caters to every style. Mid-century, Asian, rustic, industrial - they've got it all covered. And we've got the scoop on what's hot, like concrete-outfitted pieces such as the Warwick rectangular dining table touting an industrial-style concrete edged top on a light espresso-finished acacia wood base. Expect to fall in love with other popular finds, like the beautiful vintage-inspired Cru mirror in aged gold cast aluminum or the bohemian-esque Justina Blakeney Fela tassel chandelier in jute. In addition to furnishings, High Fashion Home also stocks vases, kitchen gadgets, books and gifts. The brand extends across the street, too, with its sister store High Fashion Fabrics - a Houston staple for more than three decades.
3100 Travis St., Houston, 713.528.3838, highfashionhome.com
