Birds of a Feather
Just before 2018 came to a close, Ceren Lee stumbled upon a small pop-up space in Denton’s downtown square and used it as an opportunity to bring her online Turkish textiles line, Oddbird Co., tangibly to life through May. “We were like, OK, let’s see what we can do in six months,” Lee says.
As it turns out, it was something beautiful. The shop—dubbed Common Wealth as a nod to Lee’s Australian roots—is warm, styled with simplicity, and filled with the scent of whatever woodsy incense happens to be burning. Oddbird textiles, all created by a family of weavers in Turkey, are stocked throughout, and Lee is usually on hand to show you how to wear their robes as streetwear or use a towel as a shawl, blanket, and even a breastfeeding cover.
You’ll also find indie brands like Tea.o.graphy from Taos and unisex cosmetics label NOTO, as well as local treats from Dude, Sweet Chocolate. “We wanted to bring in items that we use personally and are all made in small batches,” Lee says. “I love the conscious purchasing element of everything.” Once the door closes on Common Wealth, fans can continue to shop Lee’s textiles via the Oddbird e-commerce site.
From Mexico, With Love
Mexico-born Brenda Schoenfeld comes by her passion for fine art and design honestly—her grandmother was renowned fashion designer Tachi Castillo, whose work was worn by Frida Kahlo and Princess Anne. After 17 years of living in Italy, Schoenfeld returned to Dallas to open her Oak Lawn showroom, Brenda Schoenfeld Now, on Oak Lawn Avenue, beautifully stocked with glassware, fine linens, children’s clothing, precious jewelry made in her Florence workshop, and sterling silver jewelry handmade by silversmiths in a Taxco, Mexico, atelier.
Pencil It In
Catty-cornered from Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum stands the newest entree in the exceptionally cute stationery store category (one of our favorite categories, we might add). An Atlanta transplant, Archer Paper Goods is a treasure-trove of giftables—from Rifle Paper Co. cards and quirky coffee-table tomes to Moleskine notebooks and farm-to-bottle skincare—surrounded by crisp, white shiplap and a subtle outdoorsy theme (hence the “archer”). You’ll even find pretty paper and ribbons to wrap your presents.
But the greatest treasure of all might be Archer Paper’s shop-within-a-shop, called The Pencil Shop. Here, a lengthy table is lined with high-quality notebooks and pencils sourced from around the world, giving an air of cool to the analog goods.
Shades of Gray
This year is shaping up to be a big one for McKinney-based Aidan Gray. The 15-year-old home furnishings company, known for European-inspired furniture and antique reproductions, just opened their first Dallas store—the brand moved from a trade-only space in the Dallas Market Center to a 1,700-square-foot showroom on Slocum Street. “Our lease was up, and we wanted to give the Design District a try,” says Kady Olsen, marketing assistant at Aidan Gray. They’re also working on an upcoming collaboration with Diane Keaton, which came about when the actress hosted a book signing of her tome, The House That Pinterest Built, at Aidan Gray’s former showroom. Look for the launch later this year at High Point.
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Gallery Goods
Feast your eyes on these new art openings.
Homecoming
Oak Cliff’s new art gallery, Sean Horton (Presents), is a bit of a homecoming for its owner, who ran a gallery in New York City for close to 13 years. “The goal is to introduce international artists to the local community,” says Horton, a North Texas native whose grandfather owned a diner in Oak Cliff in the 1950s. Among the artists scheduled to exhibit in the new space are Leo Gabin, Lucia Hierro, and Natasza Niedziolka.
Under One Roof
In its 25 years, The MAC has found homes in several areas of Dallas, including its brand-new spot on South Ervay Street in The Cedars (next door to its previous location), but the nonprofit art gallery has always stayed true to its vision: bringing together contemporary artists of all disciplines under one roof. The MAC’s latest exhibitions, featuring works by Sandow Birk, Elyse Pignolet, and Al Farrow, provides commentary on our political climate and will run through the Dallas Art Fair.
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A New Kind of Gallery
After 20 years selling her modern oil paintings through art galleries, Kristi Kennimer was ready to do her own thing. “I never felt comfortable in galleries. There are a lot of white walls, and they can feel cold. But that’s not how I live,” says Kennimer. “I wanted to be able to look around and feel giddy.”
The result: Scarlet Reagan Gallery + Events, a warm, colorful, gallery-cum-event venue (named for her daughter) that is furnished like a home so you can envision the displayed art in your own abode. Located next door to Lakewood’s Talulah & Hess, the approachable shop stocks framed originals by Kennimer and others, priced from $225 to $7,000. “I wanted to create a place where everyone feels included,” says Kennimer.
In the Know
Stay up to date on the latest showroom news
Trade
LA-based bespoke furniture company Ryan Jackson Home is now available at the Allan Knight showroom.
Retail
Situated atop Knox Street’s new shops Garrett Leight and Follain, Duxiana’s first corporate store in Dallas (Preston Center previously had a franchise) is a sunny spot to experience the Swedish brand’s ergonomic, leather-trimmed mattresses. Each bed uses a patented, customizable “cassette system” to ensure Goldilocks-level sleeping perfection for all.
Trade
Lighting and furniture wholesaler Currey & Company has opened a new 10,286-square-foot showroom in the Interior Home and Design Center at Dallas Market Center.
