Dress the Nest

Platt Home (pictured above)

In WNC, the name Platt may be synonymous with architecture. And indeed, the full-service architecture firm started by founder Al Platt and now directed by son Parker Platt is known for creating homes that are warm and inviting. But in recent years, the company has expanded to include construction, interior design, and now retail. “We spend a lot of time making the building and interior finishes attached to the building,” says Parker, “but until a house has a meaningful interior, it’s just not a home.” Co-owned by Parker, Business Director Curtis Greenwood, and Interior Design Director Katie Jackson, PLATT HOME opened last spring in Brevard, selling a mix of contemporary, antiques, found objects, and one-of-a-kind furnishings and accessories. The boutique showroom, the centerpiece of which is a 150-year-old, 22-foot French cobblers table, also carries a signature collection of custom upholstered furniture made in North Carolina. {214 S. Broad St., Brevard; (828) 630-9500; platthome.us}

Abode Modern Home

For Asheville-based interior designer Kelly McCullough, curating a space is all about cultivating a nourishing environment. It’s an aesthetic developed through her world travels, and one that shines in her latest venture: Abode Modern Home, a décor retail space and base for her design service in downtown Asheville. The store is an oasis, beautifully showcasing an array of home décor accouterments, most of which she thoughtfully sources directly from artists in Bali, Africa, Turkey, and India. From exquisite handmade pillows and woven baskets to lighting, carved figurines, locally made jewelry, and more, the shop presents a mix of price points, cultures, textures, and materials. Abode also carries plants, books, candles, and other items that help transform a space into a sanctuary. {29 Page Ave., Asheville; (828) 713-3087; abodeasheville.com}

Enza Home

Though the Enza name may be little known here, that may not be the case for long. The Turkish manufacturing company of furniture and upholstery has around 600 stores across Europe. As of September, Enza’s first retail operation in the United States opened in Arden by David Madora, who has 40 years of industry sales experience. When Madora discovered the brand, he was very impressed with the high quality and mid-range prices—a point he notes is possible due to the company’s high volume of production and the lower costs of shipping from Turkey. He saw a void in the Asheville market.

The 7,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse carries an eclectic mix of furniture, case goods, and lighting in a variety of styles, including contemporary, farmhouse, mid-century modern, and industrial. The store also sells bedding and mattresses and promises quick-as-a-wink delivery too. {S25 Long Shoals Rd., Arden; (828) 844-8100; ehasheville.com}

3oak Handcrafted

What began in 2018 as a small showroom featuring heirloom-quality furnishings by three skilled woodworkers has grown into a 5,000-square-foot retail space. Located in a former auto body shop in Brevard and open since last spring, 3oak Handcrafted sells furniture for every room in the house, plus rugs, pillows, dinnerware, even accessories like jewelry and totes—all of which is handcrafted.

In addition to selling the furnishings made at the in-house woodshop (which is on view to customers), the company has partnered with dozens of artisans from near and far as well as numerous companies specializing in handcrafted home goods.

While the 3oak’s online store was developed out of necessity during the pandemic, it’s proved to be a boon for business and for many of the partnering artisans. Consumers can shop their massive inventory online and have it shipped anywhere in the US. {US. 222 S. Broad St., Brevard; (828) 237-3417; 3oakhandcrafted.com}

Dog & Pony Show (pictured above)

Open since July, Dog & Pony Show in downtown Asheville carries an eclectic mix of curios for the home, including found treasures culled from estate sales, antique shows, and auctions. There’s also locally made art, unique artisan-made jewelry, as well as funky and fun décor gifts and accessories, from hip and handsome dinner and barware to thick-woven throws, stylish rugs, artsy accent pillows, and even luxury dog beds.

“It’s the sort of place where if you want it, you should get it, because it’s truly one-of-a-kind,” says co-owner Margaret Lancaster, who opened the store with friend and another long-time Asheville local, Rick Ramsey. Ever the party hosts themselves, Lancaster and Ramsey also host occasional celebrations at the shop, including artist receptions, trunk shows, and special shopping events that honor the makers behind the goods. {59 Haywood St., Asheville; (828) 419-7009; dogandponyshow.com}