8 Indie Home Decor Stores That Prove The Suburbs Are Actually Hip

published Aug 9, 2019

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Though suburban sprawl might bring to mind lots of big box stores, it turns out that indie shops are alive and well outside the big cities. Case in point? These home-focused retailers we came across while putting together the Coolest Suburbs of America 2019. From mid-century modern focused furniture stores to plant-filled emporiums, these eight small businesses across the country show that the suburbs have an independent spirit rivaling those of their urban counterparts.

Maplewood Mercantile in Maplewood, New Jersey

This expansive marketplace features collections from local women-led businesses. Find a plethora of refurbished mid-century modern furnishings and antique rugs for your decorating vision in the store. Not sure what you want? Team up with one of the interior designers who work in-house, too.

Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria, Virginia

Open since 2007, Red Barn has been the go-to spot for locals on the search for perfect pieces—whether it’s a hard-to-find vintage piece or a new classic. The shop offers furniture, home decor, kitchen and bath necessities, and a generous selection of gifts. Need a card and some wrapping supplies for the perfect gift you just found in store? Check out Penny Post, their sister store, for all your stationery needs.

SQ/FT in Decatur, Georgia

Love to style with a sense of humor? Head to SQ/FT to find items like cat-shaped bookends and kitchen trays featuring Bob Ross’s portrait. The expansive storeroom has unique home decor items for everyone—no matter your level of kitsch.

Magpie in Somerville, Massachusetts

It can seem like every boutique sells the same trend and novelty products—but you can be assured the goods you’ll find at this tiny storefront in Davis Square are one-of-a-kind. From locally-made candles to handcrafted artisan ceramics, everything in this boutique has been especially curated to stand out.

Meraki Interiors in Belmont, North Carolina

Love modern bohemian textiles? Then you have to check out this shop outside of Charlotte. Among other delightful home finds, Meraki Interiors has oodles of globally-sourced, artisan-made pillows, poofs, and throws. It’s celeb-approved style, too: Owner Erica Steppe designed the VIP room for one of Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s wedding receptions! (Jonas’s parents own nearby restaurant Nellie’s Southern Kitchen.)

Modern Vibe in Evanston, Illinois

Mad for mid-century modern style? Head to this delightfully designed-focused furnishing store off Dempster Street in Evanston. From hard-to-find vintage Eames chairs to newer Danish imports, this store will please any retro-inspired minimalist.

Idlewild Botanical in Arlington, Texas

What’s better than a top-notch plant shop? One with a spectacular gift shop, too. And Idlewild Botanical outside of Dallas might be the platonic ideal. In their incredibly Instagrammable shop (all those live plants!), you’ll find gold-standard gardening accessories as well as home decor items and gifts. We recommend stopping by for their awesome pop-up events, too, like plant swap night!

Washington General Store in Hoboken, New Jersey

Founded by a Hoboken local with a former career in luxury fashion, this Washington street mainstay gives all the originality and style of a tony Manhattan boutique—without the price tag or commute. Whether you’re looking for a small decor item like a throw pillow or a statement piece like a chandelier, Washington General Store will have it—and more!

Looking for more cool things to see and do in the suburbs? Check out all 24 of our 2019 Coolest Suburbs in America!