3 minute read
The Winter Park Road to All Things Design
How A Stretch of Orange Avenue Known as Designer’s Row Delivers Creative Synergy for Consumers and Merchants
by Karen LeBlanc
From its origins as a horse and buggy byway to its modern-day, design-centric stores, the story of Orange Avenue in Winter Park encapsulates the city’s evolution from a sleepy winter resort town to highly sought-after real estate. Today, this concentration of desirable neighborhoods and designer homes is helping create market demand for professionals, products and services catering to design-minded shoppers throughout Central Florida.
Rebranded as Designer’s Row, today Orange Avenue is home to a wellspring of inspiration and resources for the home, including specialty showrooms, interior design, construction and remodeling expertise, tile, furniture, and home accessories.
Hattie Wolfe, a co-owner of Wolfe-Rizor Interiors, relocated her studio and offices to 935 N. Orange Ave. in 2008. “When we arrived, there weren’t any stores that catered to the design community. Over the years, design professionals opened stores and showrooms, creating a concentration of home decor businesses,” Hattie says. Wolfe-Rizor thrives on the synergy of nearby creative companies and the consumers they attract.
Another longtime business resident of Designer’s Row, Ted Maines Interiors, located at 1030 N. Orange Ave., serves as a convenient one-stop shopping experience for individuals interested in anything from home improvements to full reno/ new construction design. “As a full-service firm, we get the opportunity to welcome people in to see our showroom and experience our style of design firsthand. It gives us a chance to explain what we can offer to potential clients, answer their questions about the process, and most importantly, make an impression and connection with them,” says Terry Smathers, Senior Designer, Ted Maines Interiors.
“Designer’s Row has matured into a phenomenal resource for both the industry and clients, attracting homeowners from all over Central Florida who want to access the best Winter Park offers in one place,” says Lori Bragg, Marketing Director,
S&W Kitchens. The kitchen and bath design and remodeling company resides near other design-based companies at 955 N. Orange Ave.
“Nearby designers bring samples from one showroom to the next to help coordinate materials with homeowners. Builders can find all their design services and materials on one street. These collaborations also help us identify trends and personalize them for our clients,” Lori continues.
Newcomer to Designer’s Row, Christina Marie Kairis, owner of Tina Marie Interior Design, is finishing renovations at her showroom, TMID Studio & The Atelier Boutique, with plans to open at 919 N.Orange Ave. this summer. The showroom features fur- nishings, home decor items, window treatments, tabletop accessories, bedding, and gift items. She picked the location for its synergy with other complementary businesses. “I love the community element the most. We source our tile from Trinity with a quick walk across the street, then hang a left to head to Artisan, where they assist us with the most beautiful plumbing and fixtures for our remodels and new builds,” Christina says. She plans to launch a second collection on the website (theatelierwp.com), and has opened up her waitlist to accept new clients and projects. “There is a true love for art and style and design in this town,” Christina says.
Trinity Surfaces, at 958 N. Orange Ave., has a showroom selling tile, carpet and wood flooring. The company’s tile and surface experts serve the commercial and residential construction community.
As the only kitchen and bath showroom on Orange Avenue, Artisan Kitchen and Bath Gallery benefits from client referrals from neighboring businesses.
“Designer’s Row has become the area of Winter Park to shop for anything and everything for your home, be it new construction or remodel. Everyone respects each other’s businesses. We feed off one another. We like to keep the business local on Orange Avenue,” says Kelly McFall, Profit Center Manager at Artisan Kitchen and Bath.
The kitchen and bath showroom at 784 N. Orange Ave. won Best Small Business in Winter Park, presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. “Our kitchen design entry for Cheval Noir in Parade of Homes Orlando 2023 recently won First Place and Grand Award. And Artisan will celebrate its 7th birthday this October,” Kelly says.
Other design-centric stores along the street include Brianna Michelle Interior Design, a full-service custom design firm with a showroom and store, 1010 on Orange. Located in the iconic financial center on the corner of Orange and Minnesota, Brianna remodeled and conceptualized the space to showcase a curated line of home furnishings in partnership with Verellen that focus- es on function and aesthetics. Also on the Row, Bespoke Furniture by Morrone Interiors, 784 N. Orange Ave., showcases a mix of custom and designer furnishings, artwork, home accessories and gift items.
While rising interest rates present challenges for the real estate market, home improvement and interior design services are reaping the benefits with an uptick in business. Companies on Designer’s Row see the higher costs to finance a home purchase as a mixed blessing for commerce and consumers.
“Rising interest rates have changed the economics for many clients who now find their historically low-interest rate mortgages are much more attractive than what the current market rates are, and therefore remodeling becomes a better option for them versus selling their homes and purchasing a new home,” Lori explains.
Whether you’re in the market for appliances, furnishings, fixtures or design services, Designer’s Row aims to be a one-stop destination. Merchants say the synergy benefits both customers and commerce