Setting the Bar High…Street5 min read

If you ever drive by High Street, located on Reading Rd., there’s no way you don’t do a double take and wonder what coolness is going on in there. The building is painted black with funky art painted on the façade. Well, let me just say…it only gets better when you open the door, hear the music and smell all the wonderful fragrances. Your senses are in overdrive wondering what to focus on first!

I had some family in from Atlanta last weekend, and I’m always trying to show them the hippest places around.  So we headed to High Street, which never disappoints. This award winning store–– listed in the New York Times as one of the places you have to visit––has something for everyone… even the hardest person to please.

I think most people think of it as a furniture store, which it is, but it’s so much more. There’s a great design team that will work with you on a small project like your custom couch for your family room, or they’ll guide you through your whole house project with you and your architect.

I had the pleasure of talking to Kristy Schalck, who described the experience of shopping there as “a place that inspires and encourages you to explore.” She explains how she really likes to talk to her customers and ask them questions like what paintings they prefer.  This is done to get an idea of where their tastes might go. Then, the design team collaborates and takes a look at each other’s projects, interjects ideas and gives opinions on each project.  What a great approach.

Just talking to Kristy made me want to invite her to my house and flare things up! She has this vibe and oozes excitement about the furnishings and accent pieces.  I forgot that I was just there to learn more about the store, not to redo my house (although I will talk to my husband Kevin about this tonight :) .

The owners and brainpower behind HS are Matt Knotts and Leah Spurrier. I did get to chat with Leah for a brief minute before she had to dash off to Columbus to do some fun design stuff, but not before we bonded over our mutual love for Led Zeppelin! I think we’ll be best friends now :)

Whether you come in the front door to the first floor or the back door which brings you into the second floor, make sure you hit both and definitely make sure to say “YES!” when they offer you some tea to sip while you peruse.

The first floor is a shopper’s dream (or a dream for someone who doesn’t like to shop, but needs the perfect gift). There’s something for men, women, kids and everyone in between. You’ll find a clothing area, jewelry, an awesome book collection that will suck you in, candles and so much more. There’s so much to absorb in this funky and chic place, I promise you’ll return time and time again!

The second floor is filled with furniture, fantastic rugs, pillows and fabrics!! Don’t ignore this area just because you may not be in the market for a couch or chair, because this is where “Le Garage” is located. This, my friends, is the area where “good deals” are and, damn, I love a good deal.
While you’re floor-hopping, make sure to check out the “wall of fame” by the elevator. I’m not the only one who thinks this place is awesome.

High Street 1401 Reading Rd. Now open on Sundays!

Favorite things…
• Douglas Fir Spring Tips Tea – amazeballs!
• Origami kit in the kids area
• Books, books , books
• Hilarious cards
• Yummy smelling soaps
• Lighting fixtures (I have a thing with lamps and lighting)
I could list everything in the store but I don’t want to ruin it!

Put it on your calendar…
•Black Friday White Russian Party! 10% off everything.  This isn’t like any other store on black Friday. This is a real party…not to be missed.
•Barry Brinker trunk show on December 1st. This is high end jewelry with one-of-a-kind pieces. Thinking of popping the question over the holidays? You may want to stop by.

Big News…
My obsession with my couple crush, Chip and Joanna Gaines, is being fueled with the new Magnolia Journaland the release of The Magnolia Story novel this week!  The Journal, which will be printed quarterly, is beautifully done with simple ideas and wonderful photos. Oh, and grab it if you see it because it is selling out everywhere! I will be diving into the new book as soon as I finish this blog!

If you haven’t heard of Fixer Upperor of Chip and Joanna, you are missing it, people! Their show on HGTVis addicting, not only because they do such a great job turning crappy homes into the most adorable place ever, but they’re clearly the cutest couple around. He is a complete goofball, and she is so patient and sweet. (Kind of the polar opposite of me and Kevin!) You just want to hang out with them.