Furnish and decorate your space ... Northwest inspired By Rachel Kelly | Photo Courtesy of Tin Roof
Maybe it’s a blank wall that needs just the right hanging, or an empty corner that needs filling. If you’re decorating because you’ve just moved or simply because you’re looking for something new, local is the best place to shop! From furniture to unique one-of-a-kind pieces, local businesses throughout Spokane and North Idaho have you covered.
Spokane is a place burgeoning with new art, and it’s no wonder! The galleries and stores located here were birthed from joint partnerships, with places that highlight support of new artists. One such place is Avenue West Gallery, an artist cooperative. It began in 2003 and is one of the first galleries in the area. One of their strengths is representation. Because of the partnerships forged in Avenue West Gallery, there’s a large variety of artistry mediums available.
The atmosphere is such that visitors can freely browse; a local artist is available to answer any specific questions. Here can be found paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and photography for that blank wall. Also featured are prints, wood works, sculptures, glass art and pottery for in-home use. For information on pricing, artists and shipping, please visit AvenueWestGallery.org.
Another such place is Terrain in Spokane. Terrain is a “nonprofit building community and economic opportunity for artists, makers and culture creators of the Inland Northwest.” Here they build a community that centers around art, advocate and support the arts, and provide a catalyst for new creative business. You can acquire local pieces directly through Terrain-sponsored events, such as their art events, pop-ups or permanent businesses. Or you can directly participate in art through their community works, which just might spark the creativity you need to fill your home with your own art. For more information on Terrain Gallery, please visit TerrainSpokane.com.
For unique Spokane housing design, Tin Roof Furniture has your practical needs covered. Their showroom features something for every room including living room, dining, bedroom, office, as well as your outdoor space. They also have a wide variety of comfy chairs and couches as well as general décor. The Tin Roof works within your specific design needs to create a home of function and comfort. For additional information and to see all they have to offer, visit TinRoofFurniture.com.
In Coeur d’Alene, their artistry is as diverse as the mountains and lakes are beautiful. The landscape attracts nationally recognized artists who incorporate the area’s beauty and natural history. Anyone looking to decorate by utilizing local business has a lot to choose from here. One of the more picturesque locations for fine art is The Art Spirit Gallery on Sherman Avenue. They have delighted the community with their high-quality art since opening 25 years ago. Its 4,000 square feet of gallery space has hosted more than 200 exhibitions and shows.
“The gallery roster includes more than 150 artists, representing virtually every media, style and subtext yet unified by the quality and originality of the artwork,” says Ramiella Henry of the gallery. They are known for being an invaluable resource for their community and are a must look for original pieces. For more information on opportunities to survey their work, please see TheArtSpiritGallery.com.
A local favorite gallery, also on Sherman, is the Blackwell Gallery. Established in 2014, it is in association with the Blackwell Hotel. The general manager, Anthony Herrerra, works closely with the community to sponsor local events and nonprofit galleries (such as Emerge Studios). They showcase 24 artists from a variety of ages and backgrounds. There is a lot of focus on the beauty of the natural world, but there is also abstract art, portraits and cityscapes. Mediums include oil, metallurgy, woodwork, photography, charcoal and watercolor, among practical household pieces such as exquisite lamps and cutting boards. For a full bio on all of the local artists and their stunning work, take a peek at BlackwellGalleryCdA.com.
Coeur d’Alene also features traditional art pieces that are reminiscent of America’s roots and rugged history. Cisco’s Gallery offers both artistic beauty and historic significance. They offer the perfect focal pieces for a home, with Native American artifacts, Western antiques, fine art and rustic furnishings. Pieces from here are perfect for a lodge, but being both contemporary and antique they are not restricted to that. Visit CiscosGallery.com for a full list of what they offer.
Another gallery that offers unique artwork that focuses on Western, wildlife and traditional pieces—but with a contemporary take—is The Coeur d’Alene Galleries LLC. First established in 1986 by three highly respected local art dealers, The Coeur d’Alene Galleries has established itself as having a tradition of premium artwork and quality personal service. Their work is available for purchase through community events and sponsorships, as well as through auction. For a look at some of what they have to offer (there is a lot here, something for everyone), please see CdAGalleries.com.
No décor is complete without furniture. For Western accents for every room, Wild West Rustic Furniture offers everything from lighting and futons to taxidermy, sheds and rugs. They’re offerings are extensive and can be viewed online at WildWestLogFurniture.com. Sandpoint, Idaho, is significantly smaller than Coeur d’Alene and Spokane but is the largest city in the county seat of Bonner County. Being close to Northwestern Montana, as well as offering local beauty all its own, Sandpoint is home to a varied array of quality art not seen in other places. Infini Gallery is one such unique location, which began with the focus on connecting people to the world of art.
Here is where you can acquire local pieces as well as create your own piece of work to display in your home with pride. Infini Gallery is a sanctuary; the perfect place to look for something to put in your own personal home and sanctuary. To book a visit online, visit InfiniGallery.com.
In addition to unique art pieces, no home is complete without all the thoughtful items that bring a special touch to everyday events; items such as handmade dinnerware and stained glass. Art Works Gallery is just the place to find such things. For a look at what they have to offer, see their Facebook page at Art Works Gallery.
There is also a lot to choose from when it comes to furniture in local places such as Sandpoint Furniture and Mattress. Founded in 1945, Sandpoint Furniture offers beautiful home interiors to the Northwest, from Eastern Washington to Western Montana. They offer furniture and décor for every room, covering a variety of styles with timeless simplicity at an approachable price. They also offer mattresses, unique pieces, and even a clearance section. For more information, and to see their current sale offerings, you can browse the store online at SandpointFurniture.com.
Also in Sandpoint is an incredible place for handmade wood tables, rocking chairs, coat trees, wall décor and other items that have to be seen to be really appreciated. One of the local favorites, Olson’s Woodworks specializes in custom furniture with a classic look that can be passed down through the generations.
Dave Olson began his woodworking journey in Gig Harbor, Washington, where he attended Pacific Lutheran University. His passion for creativity led him toward woodworking in Gig Harbor and eventually to seminary. Much of his woodworking throughout the years has surrounded the church, making furniture and building unique pieces for people within his community. Today Olson’s Woodworks resides in Sandpoint and functions in part due to Dave’s son Jens. To contact the Olsons to have a piece made for your family, please see OlsonsWoodworks.com.
Our homes are our havens. We find warmth in them on rainy days, and find them as a place for respite on busy days. We fill our homes with things that remind us of adventure and comfort. We fill them with things that mirror the beautiful Northwest.
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