Scouting Atlanta’s North Side

Indigo Home Collections

An exotic mix spices up traditional Southern aesthetic.

The Store: The ship from India has docked at Indigo in Roswell. This exotic cargo spins a tale of mystery from a far-off land. The store showcases handcrafted reproductions, antiques and custom-designed pieces while incorporating old architectural elements as well. All furniture is made from teak and the lesser-known Sheesam wood, found in the foothills of the Himalayas.

The Look: Even larger scale, newer pieces, such as the three-piece wall unit designed to accommodate a flat-screen television, seem like old souls with stories to tell. Many of the chests, cabinets, tables and bookcases would feel at home in even the most traditional homes, adding an intriguing element of spice to a traditional Southern aesthetic. Note the freestanding dressing mirrors constructed from traditional carved Indian doorframes.

The Scoop: “The freestanding cupboards incorporating carved window shutters as cupboard doors are very smart in style and proportion,” says DeSantis, “and wonderful in the bath. Also worth noting are the printed cotton bed linens with vibrant hues, equally interesting on a casual dining table as at your next lakeside picnic.”

Where: 24 East Crossville Rd., Suite 130, Roswell, (770) 518-5926, shopatindigo.com.

At Home, An Eddy West Store

Don’t mistake this extensive mix for “country.”

The Store: Inside an antique brick building that sits at “The Four Corners of Crabapple,” At Home, An Eddy West Store captures you with its playful use of color and juxtaposition of primitive finishes and contemporary/retro elements. You might say funky, farmhouse chic. But don’t call this eclectic mix “country.” This shop delves much deeper than that.

The Look: At Home, An Eddy West Store showcases its extensive line of reproduction case goods, handcrafted in North Georgia, in a myriad of snappy painted finishes that can be tinted, distressed and served up to suit. Pair them with At Home’s one-of-a-kind, hand-embroidered rugs and Jamie Young lamps (the ones that wear their shades with an attitude), vintage-inspired wall hangings and graphically inspired linens from Dwell, and you’ve got that At Home look.

The Scoop: Beyond the “lighthearted but soulful reproductions,” DeSantis loves the rustic, modern throw pillows from KoKo. And the wide assortment of well-designed pet accessories—which includes fabulous collars and bedding—will make you want to adopt a pup just so you can get the gear, says DeSantis.

Where: 735 Mayfield Rd., Alpharetta, (770) 410-0400; eddywest.com.

La Bella Vie

A serene palette belies a unique collection of interesting lines.

The Store: Located in the artfully remodeled Shops of SoCA, on a little boulevard called Oak Street, La Bella Vie surprises with its unique mix of high-quality European modern, French and classic-with-a-twist pieces. Upon entering, DeSantis says, you will feel 10 pounds lighter: “There is a sense of airiness here; a sense of serenity in the color palette, and lightness to the furniture. Am I still in Roswell, or a tres chic design boutique in L.A.? Refreshing.”

The Look: The store artfully mixes Lee and Verellen upholstery with its clean lines and natural Belgian linen slipcovers with light finished pieces from French Heritage, Grange and Oly, as well as other European case goods lines. La Bella Vie’s next big thing? Eco-chic furniture lines, consisting of well-designed teak pieces.

The Scoop: One of the store’s lines, BoBo Intriguing Objects, is as unusual as the name. Pieces boast clean, modern lines with fun, vintage personalities. From chandeliers and decorative elements to tables and chairs, says DeSantis, its almost Gustavian flavor is irresistible. He also loves the dream-inspired mirrored-door wardrobe from Oly; the undulating fretwork of its doors, he says, will remind you of the rippling sea and lazy days at the shore.

Where: 41 Oak St., Roswell, (770) 645-1445.

C’est Moi

A European-inspired shop in the heart of East Cobb.

The Store: This French-inspired shop allows you to create a warm, elegant and casual lifestyle for yourself, Francophile or not. “There’s much more than the ubiquitous blue and yellow here at C’est Moi,” DeSantis says. “The eclectic European mix of decorative elements, furniture, lighting and tableware all sport that aged patina that we love so.”

The Look: A mix of reproduction chairs, tables and chests, whether English, American or French-inspired. All of the Louis in-store mingle effortlessly at this party and create a sense of elegant ease. Listen closely: Each piece seems to tell a story, divulging a little bit of history. The collection of Vietri tableware is the largest in town and is displayed as a proud counterpoint to the warm, dark woods that surround. Tasteful lamps and interesting chandeliers shed a nostalgic light on tabletops adorned with thought-provoking objects.

The Scoop: DeSantis loves the array of antique-looking, oversized candlesticks, which add instant ambience and pedigree to a room, as well as the versatile accent chairs and benches, which would look lovely in a hall or even at bedside.

Where: 1100 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta, (770) 977-8468.

Rustique

A one-of-a-kind collection that’s anything but rustic and bound to surprise.

The Store: Initially importers of Mexican iron furniture, the vast, changing inventories at Rustique now reflect imports from Europe, Latin America and Asia. Not to worry, though, the rustic ironwork chandeliers and table bases remain a strong ingredient of that Rustique look. The shop will even customize a base and wooden top to your specifications. The chests, tables and wardrobes seem endless in variety and create an array of decorating possibilities for the creatively minded. Toss in one of the many architectural accents, and you have a place that shines.

The Look: 25,000 square feet of surprises, including both a showroom with beautiful backdrops and eclectic wares and a warehouse stacked to the rafters with imported pieces from around the world. Both antique and new pieces are hand selected—a task not as easy or glamorous as it sounds—and brought to those of us seeking one-of-a-kind finds in Marietta.

The Scoop: Recent showroom additions include pieces that evoke the rustic, mountain retreat look and a private-label upholstery line. Rustique’s next big thing: “A breezier fare for the seaside retreat upcoming this spring,” says DeSantis. “I can’t wait.”

Where: 2427 Canton Rd., Marietta, (770) 429-5574, rustiqueonline.com

The Painted Monkey

A traditionalist’s treasure trove.

The Store: The historic village of Roswell is home to The Painted Monkey. Behind the vintage, red-painted doors is a treasure trove of Old World, traditional and European replicas and decorative accents. Whether you’re looking to create dramatic statements or understated remarks, you’ll find an expertly mixed collection of proportion and style in which the grand and small scale mix with the formal and rugged.

The Look: The wood tones are dark and traditional here on European dining tables, handmade in Suffolk, England. Stately dining chairs are upholstered in rich fabrics and supple leathers and would look at home in any North Side manor. Charming accent pieces in burl walnut and mahogany shine beneath decorative porcelains and other fineries. Decorative lamps with embellished shades stand quietly, illuminating fine tabletop and accent pieces. Walk slowly and look carefully and you’ll surely spot that treasure you’ve been in search of.

The Scoop: “The best assortment of Aubusson pillows in town,” says DeSantis. “Rich in color and detail, they add an instant sense of pedigree to any upholstered piece. And I can think of a thousand uses for the inlaid accent tables; invest in a couple and move them around for a fresh look.”

Where: 938 Canton St., Roswell, (770) 993-2470.