Tired of looking at the same four walls? Maybe it’s time to replace that outdated linoleum with tile or those dingy vinyl blinds with wood. No matter what your budget, there are plenty of ways to give your surroundings a lift. Our suggestions for spiffying up your space are sure to brighten up your home and give it just the boost it needs. — Ellen Ritscher Sackett
Marlow Deco Mix Tile
Spice up dingy, drab walls or boring floors with updated tile that’s more than just a backdrop for your decor. This patchwork-like pattern mixes quilt-like designs in soft neutrals, evoking an Old World charm with a hip, boho vibe. This tile would be a fine choice as an accent wall in a monochromatic room, a homey backsplash for a kitchen, or a warm wrap around your shower enclosure. As a floor surface, this versatile tile will enliven the area while cleverly disguising dirt and errant pet hair. This is but one of many tiles available at this Brazos Valley design center, whose products have been featured on multiple episodes of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ popular TV series, “Fixer Upper.” $7.50 per square foot.
Design Superstore
200 W. William Joel Bryan Parkway, Bryan
(979) 779-3270
Marinelli Italian Leather Pigalle Sectional
If quality upholstery is what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty (and more) to choose from at this family-owned wholesale furniture manufacturer. The unassuming storefront along Wellborn Road doesn’t belie its 28,000-square-foot showroom of moderately-priced to high-end home decor — the Brazos Valley-based company’s only retail location that sells direct to the public. FSI’s wood pieces are crafted from reclaimed wood that is sourced from haciendas and old structures in Central Mexico, and the buttery leather-upholstered furniture is made in Italy — all designed to specification in house. The dark gray sectional with adjustable ratchet headrests and two power recliners is one of their top-of-the-line products and is available at the showroom for 25% off its retail price of $11,099.
Furniture Source International
14761 FM 2154, College Station
(979) 690-2917
Molly Dickson 2012
Aiden Gray Hammered Metal Chandelier
You’ll find ideas and inspiration in every room and around every corner of the creative, eclectic design and retail space that has been a cornerstone of historic downtown Bryan since 1996. “Over the last 25 years, we’ve constantly reinvented ourselves to the community to stay foremost and fresh,” says owner Grant Conlee, a fifth-generation Bryanite, who purchased the visionary one-stop design resource from his mother, original owner and interior design grande dame, Kay Conlee. “We are expanding our current design options,” Conlee says, which include a new lighting center that will provide customers with “unique fixtures that aren’t readily available.” This octagonal hammered metal chandelier with rings of square and rectangular gold by Aiden Gray will give any room that extra zhuzh. $975.
Old Bryan Marketplace
202 South Bryan Avenue, Bryan
(979) 779-3245
Flowers
The pleasant perfume of freshly cut flowers wafting through the air can make a gloomy room suddenly feel sunny. This addition can be as simple as a single Gerber daisy in a glass jar or as grand as a cascading mixed-floral bouquet. Debbie Brooks is the purveyor of this busy Aggie-owned floral boutique nestled in the Post Oak Village shopping center. Floral arrangements and gift baskets can be customized for the occasion and priced to accommodate one’s budget. Delivery options are available throughout B/CS, Kurten, Millican, and Wellborn. $5 and up.
Postoak Florist
900-12 Harvey Road, College Station
(979) 764-0091
Fabric Swatches (Kinabalu and Blooming Jungle)
Add a pop of color and bring the outside in by adding a garden stool with whimsical springtime floral pattern upholstery. “It’s a way to bring in additional color and seating at very little expense,” says lead designer and owner Barbara Holley. “Brightening up your spaces will brighten your mood.” This interior design studio offers thousands of other fabrics for whatever look you’re after in a multitude of color schemes, styles, and brands such as Fabricut, Kasmir, Kravet, Norbar, Magnolia, and more. Mix and match or contrast different fabrics to coordinate with draperies, bedspreads, headboards, or upholstery. A variety of window coverings, wallpaper, and hardware are also available at this established B/CS showroom. Average price $35-$75 per yard.
Holley’s Window Fashions & Interiors
4091 State Highway 6 South, College Station
(979) 690-8889
Hardware Resources
Jeffrey Alexander Drawer Hardware
From faucets to fixtures and doors to drawers, swapping out home hardware makes for a quick update, whether your style is modern and minimalist, French country or farmhouse. “Sleek and modern is big right now, with pulls on both cabinets and drawers — long pulls on long drawers,” says store owner Terri Horton Ridinger. “Black and Champagne or satin bronze (the warm gold) finishes are very popular,” she adds. Terri, who taught math at Allen Academy, and her husband Ken, a former superintendent for a local builder, bought the business in January 2019 and expanded into their downtown Bryan space a year and a half ago. They provide design consultation, cost estimates, and hardware installation in addition to a broad range of products from more than 50 vendors. Shown: Dominique collection by Jeffrey Alexander. Knobs, $3.25; drawer pulls (available in five sizes), $5.59–$33.99.
Hob Knob Interior Hardware
206 N. Main Street #110, Bryan
(979) 485-9804
