MELODY PARKER, Courier Arts / Special Sections Editor | Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 12:00 am
INDEPENDENCE - When Angie Manson considered names for her latest venture, the choice was easy.
"Distinctions" describes the quality of Arts & Crafts-influenced home furnishings and accents in the newly opened store at 1302 First St. W.
It also distinguishes it, both in attitude and content, from Manson's Little Red Schoolhouse, a popular country-themed home accents and gift store.
The two stores share a connecting pass-through, but Distinction is worlds away from country. And for Manson, it's a dream that has finally come true.
"I wanted to open a store that was totally different from the Little Red Schoolhouse, one that reflected my interest in Arts & Crafts furnishings. It's been in the planning stages for four years. We bought the building next door several years ago and have been working on it ever since," says Manson, who owns the store with her husband, Rex.
She was thrilled to find deep window ledges during demolition, which were restored using reclaimed knotty pine Manson had stored for the past 20 years.
Arts & Crafts style is noted for its clean lines, rich wood patinas and pride in workmanship. These elements are found in vignettes throughout the store. Functional furniture, such as dining room tables, leather upholstered casual chairs, sideboards, cabinets, desks and other pieces recall the era, but have modern sensibilities, suitable for a traditional home or urban loft.
Furniture from companies like Four Hands are part of the store's "environmentally responsible inventory," says manager Jodi Ridder. Four Hands uses eco-friendly raw materials, including plantation-grown wood, reclaimed wood and recycled metal.
Picture frames are made from plantation-grown wood and greeting cards are handmade by Goodwill, with a portion of the proceeds donated to help protect the environment.
Unique accents are scattered throughout each vignette. Paper-thin wooden bowls in lime-green wash are displayed alongside glass cloches. Unusual lamps shed light on contemporary artwork, tableware and ceramics. Curvaceous metal wall hangings dangle next to carriage clocks. Pillows and throws are layered for comfort.
Gifts and jewelry are displayed, and a small area is devoted to boutique pet items, such as hand towels that read "Never ask a dog to watch your food." There also is a space filled with reclaimed and often customized vintage pieces.
"When we go to market, if someone says 'this is our best-seller,' I walk the other way. We want to offer customers accessories they can't find anywhere else. We also have items that our creative staff has taken into the workshop and customized," Manson says.
One furniture supplier has created a custom stain on its pieces specifically for the store.
Customers can find creative ideas to take home and use in their own decorating. "Our customers expect that from us. We want their spaces to reflect their own tastes and we're an idea source," says Ridder.
The Distinctions staff wants to make the store a gathering place, and plans to host Girls' Night Out, jazz nights, wine tastings and trunk showings. A grand opening date has not been set.