Nestled in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, NC, an eclectic storefront sits between the quick lunch restaurants and grocery stores of Kenilworth Commons.
That storefront is Storey Homes, the studio and showroom of interior designer Shelby S. Blackburn. Blackburn’s love of design stems from a very young age, when her grandmother’s creativity and “innate ability to transform forgotten pieces” left a lasting mark on her.
After college, Blackburn began her career working in a home design store, where she realized a deep love for helping people find items they loved. Following in her grandmother’s footsteps and bringing her love of retail with her, Blackburn took a chance and opened her own store. She now brings everyday inspirations to Storey Homes, where customers can view her design work, purchase antiques, light fixtures, and even gifts, all at affordable prices.
“When I first opened the retail store,” says Blackburn, “my goal was to carry items that I found limited in Charlotte. I wanted to create a go-to place for someone to be able to walk in and find a special gift, and at the same time, find a piece for their home—a sofa, a pair of lamps, anything.”
This mix of fun gifts, antiques from forgotten eras, and modern furnishings perfectly reflects Blackburn’s sense of style, where she fuses traditional and contemporary expressions into something wholly unique.
“I love to mix the old with the new,” she continues. “I love funky, fresh pieces, but I think that the old pieces with history and meaning mixed in makes a house a home, and not just a design.”
Using the store as a home base for her design services, Blackburn scours the country for uncommon home décor and furniture, specifically in New York, Atlanta, and High Point. As she begins to expand into other markets, Blackburn even made a special trip abroad to purchase antiques from France, a country she intends to return to soon. After acquiring her items, she then brings it all back to Storey Home to either sell or place in a home.
Regardless of the reason, Blackburn encourages customers and potential clients to stop by and browse the showroom.
