Cleveland Interior Design Done Right
As my last blog post could be seen as a bit stance heavy with a sprinkle of negativity, I figured I needed to balance it with some positivity about the interior design scene in Northeast Ohio. Yes, the “Soulless Aesthetic” is slowly creeping into our lives, but there are many more establishments in Cleveland doing it right and saying F*** the “Soulless Aesthetic.”
Imagine walking into a little shop and feeling completely taken care of. Feeling like you stepped into a space built for YOU, for your community. Even before you walk in, there’s that beautiful original tile outside that practically whispers, “Come in, we will take care of you.”
Once you step inside, you look around. Colors complement each other in clever, thoughtful ways. The backsplash tile is laid in a way that feels symbolic of another time, an aesthetic that wraps around you like a warm hug.
The curtains in the windows complement the gorgeous Lakewood sun shining through. The sun brightens the beautiful hardwood floors that scream, “I’ve been here longer than you.” The beautifully simple shelving specifically chosen to make you feel like you’re in your grandma’s kitchen again, helping her make brownies. And look on those shelves, LOCAL goodies everywhere: Akron Honey, The Cleveland Chocolate Co., Cleveland Ketchup Co. The paint colors on the walls, the door, the millwork, they all work together to evoke the feeling that yes, you are a cute little Gilmore Girl shopping around in a small-town store, and you absolutely do feel like the star of a ‘90s rom-com, with that soft, grainy texture playing over your life.
It’s okay that there are cracks in the tile outside. It's ok that the floor creeks when you take a step. It’s okay that this store isn’t conforming to the masses. It is exactly what it wants to be. No hiding. No race to be relevant.
Even the open sign hits you with that nostalgic charm, like something handwritten by your mom with a little heart. Saying, “We love you. We love everything we sell here.” The pendant lights aren’t necessarily functional - since yes, there are ceiling lights. But they are necessary for the charm, for the aesthetic. They anchor the point of sale and highlight the human aspect of the shop. This is where you finally meet the wonderful humans behind the counter. It is utterly and simply real.
Gingham Market.
Props to Studio Chartreuse and the owners of Gingham Market. We owe you so much for all the fun you’ve brought into our lives. Your wonderful food, your support of local goods, your appreciation for beautiful interiors, thank you. Thank you for adding love and charm to our beautiful Lakewood, our beautiful Cleveland. You deserve all the thanks and all the credit. You are making the “Mistake on the Lake” a truly beautiful place to live.
If you haven’t yet, I suggest you spend a little time at Gingham Market. If you already have had the pleasure of experiencing its magic, then cheers!
