An open door to design

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF HER E-COMMERCE CUSTOM FURNITURE LINE, COLEY HULL EXPANDS WITH A DECIDEDLY FRESH AND MODERN BRICK-AND-MORTAR SHOWROOM.

by Sharon Smith

In a light-filled storefront on Thrift Road, Coley Hull goes to work in her favorite new place. The showroom at Coley Home, which opened in February in the heart of Wesley Heights, is the culmination of her years working in design and textiles.

And it’s lovely.

Soft pastel hues flow through vignettes featuring living room, dining room and bedroom designs, with the focus on upholstered furniture. Each arrangement is sophisticated yet inviting. Comfort is key.

“We are very focused on comfort and spend a lot of time making sure our pieces are comfortable and stylish,” Hull says when describing Coley Home’s modern take on traditional frames.

Hull, who founded the company in 2019, says the showroom helps her market the brand and makes photo shoots easier, but it also allows customers to come in, see the furniture and ask questions. It’s the face-to-face connections that Hull has really enjoyed these first few weeks.

She’s also committed to keeping North Carolina connected to its furniture-making heritage. By owning and operating their own factory in Claremont, Coley Home has greater control over the process, which helps lower costs and shorten lead times. It’s good for business and their customers.

There’s another upside. “We have so many incredibly talented artisans in North Carolina that have passed down their craft for generations. Everytime I watch a piece go through the plant I am in awe of the craftsmanship and attention to detail,” Hull says.

While the showroom puts a spotlight on North Carolina and America-made craftsmanship, it’s also a deeply personal part of her own story. “I am so happy and grateful that I get to raise my family here,” Hull says about setting up shop in her hometown. SP

Coley Home is located at 2132 Thrift Road and online at coleyhome. com. In addition to retail, Coley Home has a trade program for designers.

For the paint color, interior designer Marie Cloud chose Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. The ceiling wallpaper is Austin Navy Plaid from Brewster.