With the Texas heat starting to subside and the holidays creeping up, the onset of autumn can inspire some serious nesting vibes. Maybe you’re in the market for a high-quality investment piece for your home, or maybe you just want to immerse yourself in lavish design inspiration for an afternoon. The stores below showcase some of the most upscale home furnishings and decor in Austin, whether you’re ready to splurge or content to simply browse.
B&B Italia
This is the place to go if your style is downright futuristic. B&B Italia is an award-winning brand that takes design and construction very seriously — even undertaking its own research and development efforts around issues like foam innovation. Take in the scenery at this modern Italian showroom, where nothing is priced and practically everything is a design marvel. From the bubbly, cartoonish look of the Serie Up 2000 armchair to the space-age curves of the Papilio chairs, this store is chock-full of creations you’ll want to see and touch.
David Alan Rugs
If you’re ready to finally cover your bare floors in quality textiles that could outlive you, or if you just feel like pawing through intricately patterned silk and alpaca for a while, David Alan Rugs is the place to be. The store combines a friendly Austin vibe with a seriously luxurious selection of rugs sourced from around the world. They also stock wool rugs at smaller sizes and lower price points.
Design Within Reach
Live and die for midcentury modern? Look no further than Design Within Reach (DWR, colloquially). This is your destination for all of the midcentury icons, including Eames, Risom, Saarinen, Noguchi, Knoll, and Mouille. They recently opened a much larger space in Domain Northside. Stroll through the vast showroom just to ogle the classics, or place an order to bring some authentic Mad Men-era flair into your house.
Louis Shanks
If you’re more of a traditionalist, Louis Shanks on Anderson Lane might be up your alley. This seemingly unending three-story showroom has styles ranging from transitional to French country to straight-up hunting lodge. In the market for a pair of 8-foot floor vases, a Ralph Lauren drying rack, a Stickley chair, or a Jonathan Charles armoire? They’ve got you covered. You could get lost in here for hours perusing ornate wall sculptures, intricate writing desks, and grandfather clocks.
Scott & Cooner
You’ll feel how luxe this place is before you even step inside, as you have to ring a doorbell to gain entry. Take your time navigating the shop’s close quarters so you don’t miss any of the amazing contemporary pieces on display. This is your chance to invest in (or see in real life for the first time) lighting from brands like Flos and Foscarini or furniture by Minotti, Cassina, and Poliform. None of the pieces are marked with price tags, so use your imagination or ask the manager.
Urbanspace Interiors
This chic downtown space on Fifth Street is a combination real estate office and expertly curated showroom. It’s a great choice if you want to scope out some gorgeous contemporary vignettes or you’re looking to discover a new global designer. They hunt down a wide selection of brands from around the world, including iconic lines like Carl Hansen, Artemide, and Missoni Home; collections from Diesel Home and Matthew Hilton; and lesser-known labels. They offer plenty of customizable furnishing and rug options, along with loads of quirky home decor.
Whit Hanks Antiques
For an eclectic selection of antique furniture and decor, head to the Whit Hanks Antiques center, which houses seven different galleries showcasing collections from around the world. Jean-Marc Fray is your dealer for original midcentury modern and French pieces, like a pair of circa-1940 art deco club chairs or a glam 1980s petal chandelier. Across the store at Négrel Antiques, you can examine (or take home for $1,895) an 1870s Napoleon book press or fawn over an 1800s Louis XV armoire.
Design Within Reach has a new showroom at Domain Northside.
