it’s a happy day when i get to post something that celebrates the design world south of the mason dixon. writer meaghan clark offered to build a charlotte design guide for d*s and i’m so thrilled to finally have it live on the site. joining it soon will be guides to baltimore, denver, detroit, the twin cities and dallas so stay tuned for many more to come. but today we’re focusing on charlotte- one of my favorite spots in north carolina. meaghan has included all of her favorite haunts, as well as a few of my favorite so just click here (or click “read more” below) to view the full guide. as always, city guides are instantly archived and available in the guides section of d*s for easy access. enjoy!

[photo above from visitcharlotte.com]

The Queen City, aptly named after the beautiful wife of King Edward, Queen Charlotte, is a vibrant Mecca for those seeking bigger and better things. There are more transplants than natives here, bringing more ideas and money into the city. Though it’s experiencing a boom in terms of population and commerce, Charlotte hasn’t lost its southern charm and grace. Good taste and disposable incomes means a constant turnover of decorating which in turn means Charlotte is flush with great consignment shops, too. With High Point just a couple of hours away, access to hand crafted furniture is readily available making NC a destination for design aficionados.

The city is divided in neighborhoods and assigned numerical designations. But it’s much easier to use names like NoDa, Plaza Midwood, Dilworth, Southend and Pineville. Each of these areas has vibrant design and art cultures and is worth checking out. The city is catching up to its reputation with respect to restaurants, though it still has room for improvement.

NODA

Short for North Davidson is home to some of the very best art galleries and Friday night art crawls which happen once a month. One of Charlotte’s older neighborhoods, it is experiencing a true renaissance, especially over the past couple of years. An onslaught of new-build lofts and condos means a constant hum of construction here; let’s hope it remains affordable. Home to some great restaurants and music venues, NoDa is a favorite both day and night.

• Anthea Designs: Anthea touts itself as Charlotte’s first and only resource for sustainable interior design. With organic bath and bedding, natural rugs, non-toxic furniture and fair trade décor, it’s a great place to get your green on. Prices are as expected with glassware starting at around $10 and sofas running around $2500
• The Art Preserve Gallery : This gallery is home to some of the best up and coming artists. Located on the main drag and neighboring a frame dealer, The Art Preserve is fantastic place to visit when looking for affordable, quality pieces.
• BEET: a well organized collective of contemporary crafts and functional art by American artists, many are local. Pottery, fiber, metal and wood mean there is definitely something to delight all senses. Toys, instruments and furniture are just some of the unique finds here. Case in point; the whimsy yet modern grandfather clock painted with colorful cat tails is more of an investment piece than gift.
• Other galleries and collectives worth mentioning include Milkweed, Center of the Earth Gallery, Green Rice Gallery, and The Boulevard.

NoDa is home to some great places to grab a bite including Cabo Fish Taco (3201 North Davidson) for fish tacos and great seafood, Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen (501 E. 36th St) for tasty Cajun treats, and Salvador Deli (3215 North Davidson) for cheap but delicious eats.

There’s plenty of nightlife in NoDa including The Evening Muse (3227 North Davidson), voted best acoustic music venue in Charlotte. Local and international talent plays here to attentive audiences who are there for music first and foremost. Monday evenings are open mic should your inner Joni Mitchell need to be exposed. NoDa wouldn’t be NoDa without mentioning the most interesting bar in town, The Dog Bar (3307 North Davidson) Yup, bring the pooch, grab a membership (liability issues make it a requirement) and a tall one and watch your beloved mingle. In a city where off leash parks are the exception, The Dog Bar is an excellent place to socialize yourself and your pet.

HISTORIC SOUTHEND

Another historic hood experiencing a major renaissance, Southend is an epicenter of creativity with ad agencies, film and recording studios, art galleries, antique shops, design centers, specialty boutiques and media outlets (Skirt, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Post) as well as great places to grab some comfort food. The opening of the Light Rail Transit line will mean more burbanites can easily stop by Southend on their way into town.

• South End Exchange: this is my favorite spot to trove for antique and reproduction furniture as well as art, accessories, rugs and linens. A unique pricing system (prices drop on designated dates) lets you plan for purchases but means you have to stop by frequently.
• Olde World Reclamation: also on Camden, this shop has antiques and accessories for home and garden. A great selection of stone products give it that well-lived, old world feel, just like the name says.
• Interiors Marketplace: this store has an endless selection of new and old, with well named pedigree pieces. Be prepared to spend some money here. Exquisite accessories for refined tastes.
• Southend Fabric Design: situated inside the marketplace is an excellent place for custom draperies, oriental rugs and select furnishings.

Lu Lu Raccoon (2000 South Blvd., 704- 341-6213) also on South Blvd offers custom upholstery and other brand names such as Mitchell Gold and Vanguard. Chic.

• Furniture Solutions: further down on Camden is home to a huge selection of leather sofas, chairs and office furniture. It’s not cheap, but has great quality pieces.
• Bee Man Candle Co.: a relatively new endeavor with a vast selection of beeswax candles. Stripes, solid colors, cone shapes, tapers, menorah candles all made of heavenly scented beeswax are here. Watch them dip and roll candles on site.

There’s plenty of art available. The place to start is Charlotte Art League: On the main drag where you can buy art, rent space to hang or create art, take classes or browse in this large industrial space. Renee George Gallery: Solo exhibits by emerging and established artists in the contemporary vein. On East Worthington. DoMA Gallery: Fine photography is still affordable for those looking to start a collection. Located on South Tryon. Zoe’s Elf Gift Gallery: Pottery, jewelry, glass and fine art by regional artists. Like the name says, great for gifts…from elves? Located at the back of the building on South Tryon.

Southend has great places for tasty bites including renowned fried chicken from Price’s Chicken Coop on Camden St. Also check out Phat Burrito, Pike’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop and Mr. K’s Soft Ice Cream for great eats and sweets. All spots can be found on the Historic Southend website.

PLAZA MIDWOOD

One of Charlotte’s most historic neighborhoods, Plaza Midwood is centrally located and quickly becoming a place for great food, fashion, antiques and design. The vibe is extremely cool and welcoming.

• City Supply Co: located on Thomas Ave, this shop is full of chic and affordable furniture such as a gorgeous, organic petrified-wood console, colorful gourd lamps and coconut shell chandeliers. Also has great selection of cards, barware, magnets, jewelry and bags.
• Fifteen Ten Antiques: around the corner on Central Ave is full of amazing finds. Antique furniture, glass, china, and artwork from all eras, including a few mid century pieces. Prices are listed but can be negotiated.
• Century Vintage: just a few doors down, Century Vintage is home to fantastic modern and mid century pieces. Loaded with toys, lamps and some cool threads as well make it a must-see for the Plaza. Hours vary.
• Pura Vida: Pur Vida is just across the street and has beautiful Latin, Spanish and African art, clothing, jewelry and home accessories. Also serves some of the best hot chocolate around.

Plaza has tons of great places to shop and eat. Don’t misses include The Penguin, Dish, Fuel Café, John’s Country Kitchen and Nova’s Bakery. here’s Snug Harbor for music later in the evening. Be sure and check out Boris & Natasha and Lotus for the very latest in fashion with labels such as Penguin and self appointed represented.

EXTRAS

• The Mint Museums: These two must-visit museums (Craft+Design, Art) are wonderful local gems. There’s a great FiberArt show at the Craft+Design Museum show through February
• Mid-Century Charlotte: a guide to Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary real estate in the greater Charlotte area
• Hong Kong Vintage: it looks a little hit-or-miss but this vintage shop carries used furniture, clothing and accessories.
• Jack and Lulu: these are one of Grace’s favorite stationery designers. Though they don’t have a store it’s good to know they’re on hand if you live in town and need some custom work.
• Social Butterflies: papergoods, gifts and stationery with an eye for local designers
• Paper Skyscraper: a fun shop for stationery and papergoods.
• Papitre: papergoods, gift wrap and invitations

LOCAL DESIGNERS (courtesy of Michelle Smith)

• Adorn by Sandy: jewelry design
• Duy Huynh: painting and comics
• Heydey Fashion: softgoods
• Wolfie & The Sneak: papergoods and artwork