Although, it's the start of fall, the garden is still open. This bountiful display of greenery is what initially catches my eye as we are cruising down Wealthy St.
The unlikely plat of green space is surrounded by a attractive wrought iron fence. This segment of land, brimming with a variety of plantings is an unexpected respite near the heart of the city.
It is the garden which beckons me to park my car and venture into Wealthy at Charles to take a look around.
The store is situated within a beautifully restored home which has been transformed into an intimate shopping experience for home style enthusiasts.
The wall colors are a cool dove gray juxtaposed against a muted eggplant color. The entire template is framed by burnished wood floors. Very simple, very elegant...very calm.
The store features an eclectic and ever changing array of products for the home, gifts, accessories and stylish floral creations. In between attending to clients, Mike one of the owners shares about the history of the home and the artistic accents which fill the store with elegance and color.
You feel as though you are in an artists' studio...the displays evoke moments of unexpected spontaneity. Luscious pillow displays and beautiful area rugs transition into whimsical mini statues and riotous bouquets of flowers. You could spend an hour in this place and still have trouble deciding what to purchase.
I finally settle on my purchase which is carefully wrapped up with a bow and tissue. This is certainly a store worth visiting...as much for the experience of first class service as the creativity which illumines every spare square inch of retail space.
wealthy at charles, llc
738 wealthy street se
grand rapids mi 49503
telephone: 616 458 6664
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I would love to wander through this historic store with an array of items to ponder upon. Thanks for the info...I'll be down that way one day :)
Cool shop, Lola. What a nice Localism post. Did you share it with the owners/manager?
Jeff
Hey Lola, this sounds like a really nice shop... in your backyard. If you are like me I there is a few places that I like to go occasionally that I call my FUN places. Great Localism post! Take care!
Just clicked on their link, and their website is beautifully designed also! (Shouldn't surprise me, after all, it sounds like the store itself is a wonderfully designed one!)
That sounds like a beautiful place to pause and re-group! Like an oasis of comfort amidst a sea of concrete.
Beautiful localism post! Thanks for making me relax so early in the day!
Lola believe it or not I am a guy that actually likes shopping for the house. Wealthy at Charles looks like a great spot and sure is an interesting name.
Extending a big hug and word of thanks to Lola for kind words and generous smile! Our shop is located on the corner of Wealthy Street and Charles Ave (thus the name "Wealthy At Charles"). Join us for Wealthy Street Autumn Stroll, Thursday, August 16th from 4PM to 8PM. The "Stroll" is a street wide 'open house' with each shop featuring goodies, refreshements, discounts, prizes, etc. Be sure to save Thursday, Decemeber 4th for the 'over the top' Shop Hop!
Sounds like my kind of place!! I love your description...by the way. I was THERE with you! GBU!
Lola, This store sounds enchanting, one of the places I could get lost in admiring their items. If I'm ever in your area I will certainly know where to go--Thank you!
Sally, you would absolutely love this store! The displays are beautiful and there is so much to see.
Hi Jeff, Thanks for your comment. I did have the opportunity to talk with one of the owners while I was in the store. I was so impressed with Wealthy at Charles that I let him know I'd be doing a blog. Today, I contacted them to let them know it was 'live' I'm glad that they stopped by to weigh in on the discussion and let us know about an upcoming event which looks like a lot of fun!
Teresa, Wealthy at Charles definitely fits into the FUN place category. I'm sure their Christmas displays will be just awesome.
Kris...isn't the website cool!
I love the picture. But are the prices high? With a name like Wealthy at Charles, it sounds like you have to be wealthy to shop there. LOL
Thank you Carol. This area is Grand Rapids is really re-inventing itself and becoming a wonderful place to explore. Wealthy at Charles is part of the renaissance.
Bill, you would absolutely love this place! What's nice is that the garden gives another dimension to the store in a way that a traditional home design/accessories store cannot.
Hi Lenn & Mike, Thanks for stopping by the blog. It was great to meet both of you. Your store is delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. :)
Elizabeth or Carole P, if you're ever in GR, call me. We'll go there. I know you'll love it! :)
Hi Lisa, the pricing is actually pretty good. There are expensive items, but also a lot of items that are really cute and quite affordable.