Shop Local To Find Home Decor Treasures

When you’re remodeling or designing your space, chain stores are certainly a convenient place to buy some of the necessities.

But there’s nothing as satisfying as stumbling across that perfect accessory, side table or rug in a local shop or vintage market.

As a designer, I make it a habit to visit as many local boutiques and privately-owned shops as possible. I share the treasures I find with my clients, and often use them in my designs.

I believe you are much more likely to find one-of-a-kind, special elements in boutiques, markets and hole-in-the-wall shops than you would in a big box store or large chain.

Lately, I visited some pretty fantastic shops in the St. Louis-area that I’d like to share with you.

In my area, I frequent Luckenbooth Consignment Gallery in O’Fallon, Ill. The great thing about consignment shops is that their stock changes almost daily so you never know what you might find on any given visit.

Elements Off Main in Columbia, Ill., also has an eclectic variety of consignment and new home décor and furnishings. At these shops, you can find just about everything from vintage furniture to modern art and one-of-a-kind vases and accessories.

We’re very lucky in this region to have some fantastic shopping districts within driving distance. Some of my favorites are St. Charles and Rosebud, Mo., and Springfield, Ill.

I loved the eclectic variety of upholstered pieces, light fixtures and artwork at Designs by Ave in downtown St. Charles. Merchant House in Springfield, Ill., is also packed full of vintage accessories and unique antiques.

Whenever I’m in Rosebud, I make sure to drop by Rachel’s Rustic Room & Boutique, Risses Pieces and Junky Treasures, and Relics.

More locally to the Metro East region, Waterloo has two home décor and antique shops I need to visit more often – Mill Street Treasures and Patty and Gary’s Home Décor, both located on Mill Street.

I also can’t wait to check out Roseberry Farms, an antique shop in Columbia, Ill. They feature a large selection of unique antique furniture and “smalls” from around the world. According to their website, they have stepback cupboards, vanities, European mule trunks, school desks, 19th century Asian trunks and more. I can’t wait to explore!

Antique lovers like me can hunt for hours in Alton, Ill., at shops that line the streets of the historic riverside city. Personally, I think Prairie Peddler and Red Barn Antiques sound like they have the most to offer in terms of potential home furnishings – but antique hunting is always fun!

I love the flea markets and vintage markets they have at the fairgrounds in Belleville and frequent many of the shops in neighboring towns as well.

If you know of a great shop, boutique or market I should visit, please send me a message at jill@myjsbdesigns.com. And as always, please let me know if I can help with any of your design and decorating needs!