River City, TN March 2025 by City Lifestyle

Spring Means Spring Means Skin Care Skin Care

Trust the only aesthetics team in Memphis led by 4 board-certified plastic surgeons to help you with all your skincare needs. Ask about our spring specials!

Heather Draper, PA-C

Allyn Farmer, PA-C

Sandy Santi, RN, BSN

Abby Hall, RN, BSN, MSN, CRNA

SHOP FOR A CAUSE AT THE HUTCHISON

10:00 am-4:00 pm

Hutchison Goodlett Gymnasium

1740 Ridgeway Rd, Memphis, TN

Stop by the Hutchison Beeline Bazaar where more than 80 local artists and vendors will be selling jewelry, art, food, textiles, stationery, pottery, fashion, and more!

The Beeline Bazaar is an annual student-run event coordinated by members of Hutchison’s junior class. Your purchases support the student-directed Community Service Endowment Fund at Hutchison that provides grants each year to non-profit organizations through the student-led Philanthropic Literacy Program. Find us on @beelinebazaar

Home: A Gracious Guest

Thank you for welcoming us into your home. We strive to embody the characteristics of graciousness, respect and attentiveness expected of a proper guest. First, we arrive on time each month. Punctuality is polite! And our gift to you, the host, is an issue filled with quality content and information. Our team strives to respect house rules with content that is positive, uplifting and family friendly. In addition to good manners and thoughtful actions, we seek balance and do not overstay with an editorial goal of being both engaging and efficient. We are equally committed to our shared home, the River City, and strive to help where we can. These guidelines are in place to foster a meaningful connection between our readers and the community. In turn, the River City Collective extends beyond the pages of our magazine to assorted complementary services:

River City Current is our podcast, launched in January 2025 from the local audio/video production company, Kudzukian.

The River City Kitchen lineup engages local restaurants, home cooks and savvy chefs on our team to bring you fresh, culinary ideas.

River City S.E.E.N. (Strategic Exposure for Effective Networking) is our social media support solution formed in response to the many inquiries we have received about our own social media presence. This platform and the many creative services enjoyed by our magazine partners – from professional photography to ad design – are unique to the River City process.

River City Reads is our 2025 nonprofit focus. Through this program, we are actively supporting literacy improvement in Memphis by highlighting stories that inspire community action and partnering with like-minded organizations to promote fundraising efforts.

River City Events are customized for our magazine partners. From client gatherings to staff outings, we are in constant motion developing the next idea. The most recent addition emphasizes our relationships with local retailers: The Seasonal Edit, inspired by sustainability, craftsmanship and community. The first Seasonal Edit, a luncheon in January, focused on elevating a tablescape by mixing pieces at Babcock Gifts with our personal collections. We left with reimagined plans for spring tables and are already planning the next one for the 2025 holiday season – Join us!

Your River City Lifestyle team is dedicated to celebrating people, places and possibilities that make Memphis unique, grounded in the belief that the stories we tell shape the places we call home

Sincerely,

March 2025

PUBLISHER

Christian Owen | christian.owen@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jeannie Tabor | jeannie.tabor@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lindsey Tonkin | lindsey.tonkin@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Bonner Morgan

bonnermorganphotography@gmail.com

MARKET AREA COORDINATOR

Malise Culpepper | malise.culpepper@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Margaret Ledbetter, Morgan Zanone

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jeff McMillen

COPY EDITOR

Jo-Ellen Sharpe

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Maude Burrow

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Uday Sripathi, Sarah Voigt, Ross Group Creative

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

CHRISTIAN OWEN, PUBLISHER @RIVERCITYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

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Margaret

Dr. Owen Tabor, Jr.’s patients rate him a 4.9/5 stars! He is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement. He has also been involved in research related to hip and knee replacement, including a long-term follow-up study of unicompartmental arthroplasty (partial knee replacement). When patients need an empathetic, capable orthopedic specialist to help get them back to the lifestyle they love, Dr. Tabor is often their first choice.

EXPERT TIPS FOR STAGING

Your Home

Margaret Mikkelsen, realtor specializing in Mid-Century Modern, explains how to stage a home for sale.

ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT PHOTOGRAPHY

Realtor Margaret Mikkelsen specializes in mid-century modern houses. Of course she does it all, but Margaret admits to having an affinity toward the mid-century modern, ranch and contemporary homes. No matter the style, she believes in maintaining the architectural integrity of the home and looks to connect sellers and buyers who feel the same way. Here’s her story and advice to potential sellers on how to prepare and stage a home to sell.

OTHER THAN THE INSPIRING STORIES ON YOUR WEBSITE, MY MODERN HOUSE JOURNEY , ARE THERE ANY OTHER INFLUENCES YOU CAN SHARE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY?

I was raised by people who appreciated good design, architecture and art, not in a cerebral way, but in an emotional, gut-feeling kind of way. When I was young, my mother bought our family home, a 1920 Mediterranean Revival, without consulting my father. I do not recommend doing that, but that taught me to trust my own gut feelings. I spent fifteen minutes in my current home before deciding to buy it. My husband wasn’t with me, but unlike my mother, I showed him photos before we made the offer! That 15 minutes has given us over five years of joy with no regrets. I share that story with first-time buyers because I want them to trust themselves. If they love a house, they don’t need to justify that feeling to anyone else. They do need a home inspection, though!

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU SUGGEST DOING TO PREPARE FOR LISTING A HOME?

Call me. The second thing is to have an honest conversation with yourself about the condition of your home. I don’t mean does it have the latest trend in countertops? I mean is it clean, is it maintained, is anything broken? If you think a buyer is going to ignore that ceiling stain or the home inspector won’t notice that loose stair tread, you are practicing wishful thinking, which will hold up the sale of your home.

CONTINUED >

HOW DO YOU DECIDE HOW MUCH WORK TO DO TO BEFORE LISTING A HOME?

There are three factors I consider:

1. Is anything not working that should be working? Buyers are not going to be enthusiastic about accepting a credit for a new furnace. They want a working furnace.

2. What was the condition of the similar homes that sold recently in the neighborhood? That tells us what buyers expect to see at the price point the sellers want. Do they expect refinished hardwood floors or fresh paint?

3. The time, talent and treasure of the sellers. We all have a finite but differing amount of each. If you can paint a room yourself and have the time to do it, that might free up funds for the electrical repair you should not do yourself. But if you are maxed out on all three, we just need to adjust the price.

“I never recommend major renovations before selling to make a house something it is not—like putting ornate crown molding in a simple ranch house, or to try to match the latest design trends. You are unlikely to get your money back, and the buyers may wish they had gotten to make their own design choices.” - Margaret Mikkelsen

Buyers have an emotional response to a house that feels like a home. Granted, it needs to feel like it could be their home.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR THE INTERIOR DESIGN TO FIT THE STYLE OF THE HOME? DO YOU EVER SUGGEST REMOVING THE OWNER’S THINGS AND STAGING WITH APPROPRIATELY STYLED FURNISHINGS?

I’m less concerned about décor (furniture, art, etc.) than more permanent design changes like tile and trim which might not suit the architecture. That’s why I ask my clients to talk to me before making choices that are hard to change, like a tile backsplash or cabinetry.

But I love a home with a mix of furniture styles. Grandma’s table with modern chairs? Love it. Buyers have an emotional response to a house that feels like a home. Granted, it needs to feel like it could be their home, so put the family photos away, but don’t worry too much about creating a room that looks like a theme museum. It is important that what you have is in good condition. Polish that table, vacuum the couch, take down the dusty drapes. If a home is going to be completely vacant, I do recommend bringing in staging furniture. Doing this helps buyers understand the scale of a room and imagine their own things there. An empty room is much harder to photograph in a compelling way. Sometimes we can just rearrange what a seller already has. I recently prepared a Midtown bungalow with two twin beds in one tiny bedroom and nothing in another bedroom. We moved one of the beds and a dresser into the empty room, added some accessories, and boom, we had two nice bedrooms that photographed very well.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FIRST-TIME SELLERS TO PREVENT FEELING OVERWHELMED BY THE PROCESS?

It can be overwhelming, especially if you have lived in a home a long time and it is chock-full of memories and stuff. I work with my clients to create a market preparation plan. The sellers can then hire help efficiently, if needed, and prioritize their efforts to focus on what will have the biggest impact. There is almost always something left undone when photo day arrives, but it makes a difference if that thing is painting the powder room versus fixing the crack in the foundation.

RIVER CITY KITCHEN

Easy Chicken Enchilada Skillet Recipe for Busy Spring

March is a busy month for many families as we transition to longer days and spring activities. It’s nice to have a few easy dinner recipes to prepare during the chaos of a changing schedule. I follow The Defined Dish, where Alex Snodgrass shares easy family dinner recipes. Here’s my adaptation of one of her recipes. This 6-serving dish takes only 10 minutes to assemble and 30 minutes to cook. I use rotisserie chicken as a short cut.

ARTICLE BY MORGAN ZANONE

CHICKEN ENCHILADA SKILLET

Ingredients:

For the enchilada sauce:

• 2 T. unsalted butter

• 2 T. arrowroot starch

• 2 tsp. chili powder

• ½ tsp. cumin

• ½ tsp. paprika

• 1 tsp. garlic salt

• ½ tsp. onion powder

• ½ tsp. dried oregano

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• 3 T. tomato paste

• 2 cups beef broth

For the chicken mixture:

• 2 cups shredded chicken (I use rotisserie chicken)

• 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles, undrained

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Enchiladas:

• 1 ½ cups Mexican shredded cheese blend

• 12 tortillas (I use Siete almond flour tortillas)

• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Directions:

To make the sauce:

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in the arrowroot, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, oregano and salt. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to prevent burning.

2. Stir the tomato paste until fully combined, then slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups of the beef broth. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Once sauce is very thick, remove from heat, and whisk in the last of the beef broth. Set aside.

To assemble the skillet:

1. Pull and shred the chicken. Combine the chicken, black beans and green chiles.

2. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, spread ¾ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 tortillas on top, followed by half of the chicken mixture and ½ cup of cheese. Add ¾ cup of enchilada sauce on top.

3. For the second layer, place 4 more tortillas and the remaining chicken mixture on top. Then add ¾ cup of enchilada sauce.

4. Finish with 4 more tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.

5. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and rice on the side.

*Note – If making ahead, use a casserole dish. A cast iron skillet is prone to rust when moisture is present for an extended time.

Amanda Farmer and Shade Sullins

SH O RT

STORIES

WITH THE DESIGN PRINCIPALS OF STORY INTERIOR DESIGN

ARTICLE BY AMY BIRDSONG GOLDEN

Photography by Ross Group Creative

Laura Davis

“It’s important in a new build to bring in the old . In this case, a client’s grandmother’s sideboard was not in good condition. We lacquered it a deep olive green and added new hardware. You can still appreciate the lines and craftsmanship with the update. The dining room gets incredible light, and we wanted to make the room feel like a garden. The chartreuse wallpaper is the ideal backdrop.”

Photography by Stefanie Rawlinson

Whitney Joiner

“When a client loves color and is not afraid to try it on the walls, ceiling and layered in between – it sure is fun. It was key to build a cohesive color story throughout the entire house, where we selected a palette in various shades of pinks and greens. On the dining room chairs, a Harlequin fabric is a nice surprise. There is nothing staged about her accessories – all collected.”

Photography by Ross Group Creative

Ragan Magness

“Our empty nester clients moved into a house designed in a French country style with grand rooms and very tall ceilings. We were able to create a space that reflected the integrity of the architecture. Antiques were the main character, mixed with contemporary pieces, modern art and updated accessories. Durability, livability and comfort were of utmost importance, especially for the two standard poodles in the family.”

Photography by Ross Group Creative

Karen Spinosa Seelig

“A guest bedroom was recently painted an icy blue gray. We wanted some warmth, depth and personality. Schumacher’s Giove fabric was the starting point with its sophisticated snake pattern. As much as we love crispy white, serene bedding, this bed called for a more earthy base with strong colors and textures layered on top. The space is grounded by a deep taupe custom rug with a strong windowpane pattern.”

Photography by Ross Group Creative

February 1May 21

“Only a human who listens will hear when nature talks.”

- Ivan Evigvår, the oldest and wisest troll of them all

Photo courtesy Atlanta Botanical Garden

Presented by

Produced by

ARTICLE BY CHRISTIAN OWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

MODERN TABLESCAPING ENCOURAGES THE USE OF TIME-HONORED PIECES ALONGSIDE COMPLEMENTARY AND SOMETIMES CONTRASTING MATERIALS.

TRADITION, ELEVATED

The 2025 aesthetic trend towards maximalism is neither clutter nor chaos. It is a balanced mindset, both practical and stylish, that emphasizes creative resourcefulness and intentionality. One of the home’s most dynamic stages for

brides and grooms who enjoy the tradition of selecting tableware patterns. While this tradition continues, Brooks says he has seen an increase in customers who want to reimagine their collections, not reinvent.

“…ENJOY IT. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED; REMEMBER WHO GAVE IT TO YOU.”

maximalism and self-expression is the contemporary tablescape, a place where decorative art merges with practicality.

Historically, the formal dining table followed strict conventions with cohesive sets of porcelain, glassware and linens epitomizing order and sophistication, especially among the European aristocracy of the 18th and 19th centuries. Table linens pressed to perfection symbolized uniformity and cleanliness. These traditions have evolved to welcome unexpected combinations of exciting colors, intricate patterns and a range of textures mixed with heirloom porcelain for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Textured placemats provide a relaxed contrast to the smooth surfaces of formal dinnerware, and color-blocking techniques or mismatched linens are now part of a broader tendency to break rigid formalities by using fresh, personality-driven displays.

Brooks Terry is the owner of Babcock Gifts, a long-standing, local source for

At home, Brooks has been ahead of this trend for years. “We use our fine china every day. We add a piece of pottery to dress it down. We use our silver all the time. You’re going to save that for what?” Many of these cherished items were likely gifts from loved ones. “So, use it, enjoy it. Remember what happened; remember who gave it to you.”

If you are concerned about handwashing fine china, Brooks says that is not a concern with today’s dishwashers, most of which have delicate cycles. Depending on your pattern, the heat cycle may be a step to avoid.

Recasting your collection for renewed enjoyment is gratifying and easy with bold new elements or pattern mixing. Brooks suggests asking yourself, “Can I put something with it that brings that color out? Maybe it’s the salad plate, bread-and-butter plate or a charger.” Colored glassware is another popular choice for modern table interpretations.

A host who entertains more than the customary 8 to 12 guests also benefits from editing an heirloom collection. In this context, solutions such as alternating place settings or using dissimilar combinations at the heads of the table demonstrate the value of maximalism’s intentional layering.

“Nobody at this stage of life is doing whole tables in one sweep unless they’ve just looked up and said, ‘Okay, I sent everything to the lake, and I’m starting over,’” Brooks jokes. “Well, great! Let’s do that.” He explains that most customers think, “I want something different. I want it to look new, and I want the same people—because it’s typically the same people at the table— to see something else.”

No matter the style of your home, your tablescape is an ideal source for inspiration and experimentation with this year’s shift towards creative reuse and complex décor. It is a contained but impactful, shared space where the weight of tradition meets the lightness of reinvention in a beautifully staged performance, and every piece, old and new, plays its part.

FRESH IDEAS FOR OUR SPRING TABLES

THE SEASONAL EDIT:

At a champagne luncheon hosted by Brooks Terry, owner of Babcock Gifts, the River City team matched our china patterns with new ones and mixed these with tablescape accessories. We left with fresh ideas for spring tables and were introduced to the occasion registry at Babcock Gifts. Customers list items to complement patterns they own, then friends and family can shop personalized gift lists for occasions. (Think “wedding registry” minus the wedding!)

The Seasonal Edit is a River City concept inspired by sustainability, craftsmanship and community. We’re already planning the next one with Babcock for the 2025 holiday season—join us!

CAPTIONS:

Photo Page 32 - Amy Golden’s Philippe Deshoulières Arcades dinner plate in green paired with a Herend salad plate from their Livia collection demonstrates the charisma and versatility of intentional layering.

Bottom Photo Page 34 - To Jeannie Tabor’s dinner plate from her wedding pattern, Raynaud Limoges Jardin De Printemps, we added a charger, a Ginori salad plate and whimsical napkin.

Top Photo Page 35 - Ginori plates in a variety of colors, pictured here in pink, bring even the most traditional floral patterns forward.

Bottom Photo Page 35 - Morgan Zanone’s Tiffany Gold Band dinner plate from her wedding pattern, combined with traditional blues in modern shapes, all topped with an Anna Weatherly botanical salad plate

LIGHTENING Up

For the busy, modern family, the kitchen serves as the hub of the home. From homework to hosting, the space must meet many needs. In this Riverdale residential redesign project, designer Lana Zepponi Meyers of LZM Interiors used her diverse background in furniture, art, textiles and kitchens to meticulously implement her client’s wish to lighten up and open up an outdated space to best serve their family in style.

Lana’s experience as a designer has “wandered around the home,” as she puts it. From working in New York’s vibrant art scene while also studying interior design, to her move to Memphis for a job in the furniture business—which subsequently led to a certification in kitchen and bath design—she truly has done it all. “I get so excited when asked to design a kitchen, but I love all facets of design and decoration. Often, a project starts with one room, such as the kitchen, and the scope meanders into furnishing and decorating other rooms.”

CONTINUED >

Lana Zepponi Meyers sheds light on a recent kitchen remodel

ARTICLE BY LINDSEY TONKIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

The clients enlisted Lana to make their dream kitchen a reality. They host many celebrations, from holidays to watch parties, throughout the year for family and friends and needed a kitchen space conducive to their entertaining style. As with all design projects, and especially a kitchen, it is important to understand the intentions of the client, says Lana. “There are so many questions that need to be answered to design a custom kitchen, but the first thing I ask is: ‘Do you cook?’ Then, ‘Who do you want to spend time here, and how?’ More serious cooks may not want a space that invites gathering in the kitchen. It’s the same with other rooms. Is the goal privacy or gathering? And how can we support that intent in a way that delights whoever is using this room?”

In this project, walls were moved to open up the kitchen to the den and make the room part of one large gathering space. The home’s dining room was then repurposed to create an inviting butler’s pantry/ bar space for guests to land for a cup of coffee or even a cocktail and clandestine conversation. Darker wallpaper, cabinetry and trim transformed this once-formal space into a cozy getaway. Meanwhile, an adjacent living room now serves as the dining room, while a cozy banquette nook sees a lot of action no matter what the occasion.

Lana worked with LM.Designs to create the custom cabinetry throughout the new space. The design firm also offered many smart storage solutions, such as a charging drawer, hardwareless touch-to-open cabinets under the bar overhang, and a hidden broom closet next to the refrigerator.

Lightening up the space was paramount to the client’s aesthetic. They did not want to lose the natural light that comes in from the window at the heart of the room. The chosen backsplash surrounding the window provided the perfect place to add an artful and

“The client loves flowers and the Memphis Tigers, so a floral blue tile was the perfect fit. She is spunky and modern but a traditionalist at heart. The antiqued brass sconces warm it up and give it a classic touch.”

MARGARET MIKKELSEN modern memphis homes

WHERE MODERN LIVES IN MEMPHIS

mobile: 646-898-6901

office: 901-682-1868

margaret@modernmemphishomes.com modernmemphishomes

now with scan to get my best advice on getting ready to list

SPRING FLUFF UP AT LE FLEUR

ARTICLE BY JEANNIE TABOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

OWNER KEVIN COBLE SHARES TIPS ABOUT CREATING BEAUTIFUL SPACES WITH FLORAL ART AND DECOR

Ensconced in a park-like setting, a quaint home and backyard workshop combine to create the perfect backdrop for LeFLEUR specialty floral and gift shop. For 32 years, Owner Kevin Coble has been creating beautiful floral art using an extraordinary variety of blossoms and plants, delivered nearly daily from across the globe. In the gift shop, an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind treasures, including architectural elements and specialty containers, allows customers to enjoy a fun and exciting shopping experience.

Kevin says, “People remember spaces that make them happy. We at LeFLEUR deliver that feeling to our customers by combining a creative spirit with an ever-watchful eye for inspiration and innovation.”

Kevin illustrates that creativity by providing a few tips to fluff up your home for spring:

01 02 03 04

DISPLAY A FEW STEMS OF BRIGHT BUDDING BRANCHES:

“A fast approaching season of new growth is evidence that spring is in the air. Nothing says that better than budding branches and bulb flowers peeking through the soil. Quince and forsythia are perfect examples of this – a few stems in a vase create lasting simplistic beauty.”

BRING LIFE TO YOUR BOOKSHELVES:

“This neutral monochromatic vignette highlights the use of fresh cut green hellebores, kiwi hydrangea and white ranunculus, incorporated within decorative vessels – a great way to bring life to a bookshelf. Very simple, but adds a fresh touch. Just a simple pop of green always does the trick!”

ADD DEPTH AND STYLE WITH UNIQUE, ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES:

“Ever-changing one-of-a-kind finds, like these tin panels, contribute to the LeFLEUR décor. Many of the architectural elements found in the shop convey a sense of vintage style. They are balanced with a wide variety of more contemporary, clean-lined accessories. In addition, adding potted topiaries and fresh blooming plants is a sure way to elevate an interior.”

DON’T FORGET THE CONTAINER:

“I feel that floral arrangements are more than just blooms. The vessel is as important as the flowers. You can make the most beautiful bouquet, but it will be ruined if displayed in the wrong container or vase. The vessel always dictates the style of the design.”

901.258.3619 mjohns@transforming-wellness.com www.transforming-wellness.com

POWELL SMYTHE

A Curated Haven of History, Art and Discovery in Broad Avenue Arts

District

ARTICLE BY KIT GARROTT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT

Nestled in the heart of the Broad Avenue Arts District, Powell Smythe is more than an antique store—it’s a curated experience where history and modern sensibility meet in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by Gracey Smythe and Biggs Powell, the Memphis-based store offers one-of-a-kind antiques and a sense of discovery that draws designers and collectors alike. Powell Smythe provides a distinctly unique vantage point that stands out in a sea of Instagrammable copy-and-paste interiors.

Gracey Smythe, a hands-on, self-taught dealer and decorator, has spent the last decade sourcing for designers and curating interiors for a select group of clients. “Design is filled with so many grey areas open to interpretation,” she muses.

Gracey describes the store as “one part quaint, old-school shopfront, one part ‘not from around here’ swagger.” The attitude of the store and the treasures within emanates onto the street. Located in the Broad Avenue Arts District, Powell Smythe is part of a neighborhood known for its artistic energy and eclectic spirit. “I love this whole area,” Gracey shares. “We started in a warehouse down the street, where I quickly realized how convenient the location is. But still, when I’m here, I feel

tucked into a little pocket out of the way.” The district itself is steeped in creativity, past and present. “Broad Avenue has been home to artists and craftsmen creating metal works, plaster sculpture, furniture, blown glass, craft beer, fashion, floral designs and confections, to name a few.”

For those searching for antiques, the journey is often as rewarding as the find itself. Some customers walk into Powell Smythe with a specific item in mind, but many are searching for that elusive missing piece. “There are times when a perfectly designed room just needs the spark of an old or odd piece of art or furniture,” Gracey explains.

When it comes to lighting, she advises starting with scale and proportion—both the lamp itself and how it fits within the space. “Think about how much light you need based on the other sources in the room,” she notes. And don’t overlook the shade: “If the lampshade is bad, the lamp will look bad. Take your lampshade shopping! In this trial-and-error process, brick-and-mortar shops serve an unmistakable purpose because you can try out different shapes, harp heights and styles.” Powell Smythe’s in-store selection offers a wide variety to play with and get creative.

Gracey describes her personal style as “glamour-ish” and “peripherally chic.” Above all, she loves a layered look—”Art and objects that have been loved--handed down – over time, mixed with things interacting with each other, likes and opposites, the unknown and the familiar, the refined and the dilapidated.”

This philosophy extends to her passion for antiques and vintage finds. “Antiques and vintage pieces have a secret history to tell—some we know, some we don’t,” she says. While new items offer perfection, she believes time wears away at perfection to create something even more precious. “It’s its own kind of magic.”

For Gracey, provenance takes a back seat to feeling. “I value things with historical reference but don’t need them to be specimens of a period. The feeling of the thing is more important than the provenance to me. Sometimes, that ‘it’ factor cannot be explained or dated.”

Stepping into Powell Smythe is like entering a world where every item holds a story waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re on a mission for the perfect piece or simply drawn in by curiosity, you’ll find an atmosphere that embraces history and possibility, inviting you to discover, imagine and create.