Champions of CHANGE
Boxwoods Home
Boxwoods could take over all of Buckhead, kudzu-style, and Atlantans would continue to come in droves. Owners Dan Belman and Randy Korando recently expanded the boutique to a third house on East Andrews Drive. The house, formerly occupied by Susan Lee women’s apparel, is next door to the original Boxwoods—including the garden shop—which is connected to the gift shop. After renovating the new-to-them two-story house, Boxwoods Home opened its doors this fall. Customers can venture from room to room, discovering all things entertaining and tabletop. Each room has its own theme, such as Country French, transitional or al fresco dining, and wares run the gamut from invitations and serving pieces to a wood-beaded chandelier.
The famous garden shop still boasts pre-made and custom floral compositions, planters and to-die-for orchids. The remainder of Boxwoods concentrates on gifts, keeping the children’s and women’s areas—along with its fabulous mix of vintage, antique and new decorative accessories—as is. Navigating your way through Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts was already an adventure, but the addition of Boxwoods Home makes exploration that much more satisfying. (404) 857-1335; boxwoodsonline.com
OwenLawrence
It isn’t always necessary to move or expand; sometimes a simple renovation will give a space that certain panache. Such is the case at luxurious home decor gallery OwenLawrence. The store’s revamping included replacing carpet with hardwoods, moving cabinetry and adding lighting, all of which not only increased display space but also brightened the mood. According to store manager Fio Pichardo, a little purging allowed room for an entire Ralph Lauren Home line, plus a better flow among classic favorites such as Hermès and Lalique. “We have many price points, but all of our merchandise is of the finest quality,” Pichardo says. From a Baccarat glass that takes five people and 24 hours to create to a Nest candle by Laura Slatkin, the wares are undeniably top of the line. (404) 869-7360; owenlawrence.com
Maison Atlanta
Curb the road rage. Maison Atlanta is doing its part to help lessen the frustration caused by Atlanta traffic thanks to huge windows that make it impossible for commuters to miss the showroom when they inevitably get caught at Howell Mill and 14th Street. The store’s perpetually updated vignettes feature such eye-catching palettes as yellow, turquoise and red with chocolate brown, graphite gray, even tangerine and white. “We are constantly bringing in new pieces, from traditional to transitional to modern,” says sales director Crawford Bray. The more glamorous rooms sit in front of the store, while the back rooms have a neutral feel; the rooms in between are transitional. (404) 892-3553; maisonatlanta.com
Kathryn Leach Home
This boutique has moved from Piedmont Road to a new 25,000-square-foot space on Pharr Road. “We love the neighborhood, easy access, plentiful windows and large space,” says owner Kathryn Leach. “The positive response from our customers has been tremendous.” More space equals more inventory, of course, and Leach now has room for Agraria home fragrances, Gianna Rose soaps, Lafco candles and Kumikookoon washable silk linens. Also new are Ann Gish robes, nightgowns and slippers to match Ann Gish bed linens. Devoted customers and soon-to-be brides can rest easy knowing that favorite lines Arte Italica and Bella Bianca are there to stay. (888) 667-5174; kathrynleachhome.com
Maudlin et al
It’s kind of East meets West,” laughs Jennifer Van Galder, describing her partnership with William “Bryan” Rose. Van Galder and Rose joined forces to open Maudlin et al, an all-inclusive retail showroom and wholesale warehouse where customers can order custom draperies, upholstered furniture and lighting, even pick up an unusual antique or have the interior of their own abode designed from top to bottom. Van Galder, a Californian, opened the original Maudlin almost 20 years ago in La Jolla. Meanwhile, Rose—a native Atlantan—traveled the world in search of antiques, industrial furniture, architectural salvage and other objects of interest, filling the needs of his wholesale clients. Over the years their paths crossed many times, often when Van Galder purchased some of her favorite pieces from Rose. Each admired the other’s work, but it was when they worked together on a project a few years ago that they realized they were a design team meant-to-be. “When I saw custom furniture Bryan made utilizing antique components, it cinched it,” Van Galder says. (404) 355-5526