Asheville, North Carolina is home to several beautiful things. Truly a gem in the midst of mountains, this small but mighty town holds some design-oriented hot spots, full of color and historic charm. My eye for design has led me to some of my favorite shops and places around this magnificent mountain city!
First stop, we enter a land of vibrant colors and budding blooms at Flora Botanical Living (428 B. Haywood Rd.). In the heart of West Asheville, Flora thrives on expressing creativity through living art, botanicals, and inspirational accents and sells unique plants, terrariums, jewelry, perfumes, planters, housewares and so much more. What began as a wedding and events business has blossomed into a full-fledged floral shop, servicing all the floral needs you could imagine, and even supplying a fantastic Forage Menu when you’re in need of some caffeine or a sweet treat. With a floral and greenery inventory that fills the room and flows into the sidewalk, you’re always sure to find the most perfect shade of peonies, roses, or safflower bouquets to complete your room design.
With a fresh bouquet in hand, I move-on to stop by the Grand Bohemian Hotel (11 Boston Way) for more design inspiration. Located just outside the historic Biltmore Estate, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville boasts a exterior and a vastly individualistic interior. The hotel design presents originality and craftsmanship like you’ve never seen before. Beaming with luxurious charm and elegance, I immediately feel comfortable but sophisticated, a feeling I truly love to incorporate in home designs.
After a quick bite at the Grand Bohemian (who can resist an outdoor patio lunch-spot?), I take off across town to visit Nest Boutique + DIY Studio (10 Biltmore Plaza Suite 20) for some fashionable finds. Immediately drawn to the Gifts and Decor Section, I can already start picturing which new trinkets I can fit in my house, but can you ever have too many, really? I especially adore Nest’s Weaving Workshops, where DIY enthusiasts are welcome to learn how to weave their own home decor. There’s nothing better than being able to say “I made that!” when showing off your latest home project.
Because shopping always works up an appetite, I’ll head up to the road to Cúrate (13 Biltmore Ave), Asheville’s popular Spanish restaurant. While their menu is full of delicious and authentic Spanish tapas recipes, I can’t help but admire the overall rustic charm surrounding me. As I sip on Spanish rose, I always be sure to note the tile, art, and lighting details that make me feel as if I’m instantly transported to Spain.
I end my design-inspired tour strolling through the vineyards of the historic Biltmore Estate (1 Lodge St.). While sometimes crowded with visitors, this architectural gem takes me back in time. Its quiet and peaceful ambiance bring joy and serenity as I observe the colors and patterns that surround me in florals, vines, and antique brick buildings. As a designer, a goal of mine is to ensure exteriors flow seamlessly with the interior design plans, and I can always count on the Biltmore for some inspiration in order to accomplish this.
Asheville’s undeniable charm, comfortable atmosphere, breathtaking views, and friendly residents bring me daily motivation and curiosity for implementing design trends and tricks. After a full day out and about in this wonderful town, I’m assured that it is full of design enthusiasts and I cannot wait to see Asheville’s design scene elevate to new heights.
