Shopping in Durham, NC: A Maximalist’s Guide to Local Style

Our readers’ favorite retail and home decor shops inspire colorful spaces, thoughtful collections and standout personal fashion

By Courtney Hayes | Photography by John Michael Simpson

I have a little secret: I’ll choose in-person shopping over online every single time. Luckily, Durham is one of the best places to do just that. As a lifelong thrifter and self-proclaimed maximalist, I get a thrill from wandering local shops and uncovering treasures, both old and new. I often go window shopping but, dear reader, I almost never return home empty-handed – and my house and wardrobe reflect that. Here are a few of my favorite shopping and styling philosophies.

If you truly love it, get it.

You’ll always find a place for the things you adore. That’s certainly been the case for the plates hanging in my dining room. I found them at local thrifts, including Scrap Thrift and TROSA, for less than $5 apiece, and together they create a huge, colorful impact. And the lamps? I scored those at one of Pennies for Change’s “WOW” events. Fiber knots by Durham’s Katie Hatfield Art bring my gallery walls to life, adding texture and a sense of play. Buyer’s regret is much worse than buyer’s remorse.

Old and new blend beautifully together.

I collect vintage porcelain dogs, so when I spotted porcelain dog vases at The Borough, I couldn’t resist. They mix perfectly with my existing collection, even though they’re new. Another example: A vintage-inspired side table from Patina offsets my modern couch.

The unexpected makes a space – or an outfit – feel special.

Shops like Patina and Always Home style their stores in ways that can help you envision how to use pieces in your own home. Same goes when shopping for your closet at Tigress or Smitten Boutique.

If your living room feels stale, try swapping out the throw pillows.

I recently traded my yellow couch for a gray one and felt completely stumped on how to style it. Then came the light bulb moment: a trip to Vintage Home South. Their pillow selection instantly sparked ideas. Patina also carries a small-but-mighty collection, while Chet Miller and The Borough offer playful options. Mixing pieces from all these shops gave me the layered, bespoke look I wanted.

Use things in unexpected ways.

A vase doesn’t have to hold flowers. Fill it with pens, taper candles, scissors, your washi tape stash or whatever else needs a home. Add a flower frog to that thrifted bowl and use it to display blooms from Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary. That vintage brooch you found at Scrap Thrift? Pin it to a jean jacket instead of tucking it away in a jewelry box.

Look at everything when you shop.

You might be surprised to learn that one of my favorite dresses is from Parker and Otis. Yes, they stock incredible gifts and serve amazing sandwiches (No. 29 forever!), but they also carry great self-care essentials and clothing, too. Mode Consignment is another place where I inspect every shelf and rack. Much of my jewelry and many of my shoes came from there, and it’s an ideal spot to score higher-end pieces at more approachable prices.

ABZ: Always Be Zhuzhing.

Every time I wander around a local shop, I come home inspired to refresh my space or rethink my wardrobe. When I saw this piece by local artist Janice Francis at Patina, I immediately pictured it in the center of my etagere. Works by Jordan Grace Owens and Hillsborough-based artist Ellie Snow appear throughout my home, and I love rearranging them to keep everything feeling fresh.

Matching is overrated.

I’d styled the same ol’ tablescape in my dining room for months, but a quick trip to my favorite local haunts changed that. I designed a playful look using East Fork Pottery plates from Indio alongside a tablecloth, napkins, handmade serving utensils and Haand ceramics (crafted nearby in Alamance County) from Chet Miller. To finish the look, I added a whimsical fish vase from The Borough filled with tulips, roses, ranunculus and a few other stems from Bowerbird, plus a few vintage candleholders. Now if only I felt equally inspired to cook!

Layer like your life (err, style) depends on it.

If your outfit’s looking a bit bland or you get the blahs every time you walk into your bedroom, consider adding a little somethin’- somethin’ to it. To break up my colorful bedding, I tossed on a cozy blanket from The Borough. When my outfit feels like it’s lacking, I slip on my favorite rings, restored by Hamilton Hill Jewelry, and immediately feel more polished.

Every space – and every outfit – starts as a blank canvas.

My breakfast nook may be one of the smallest places in my house, but it’s also one of the spots I adore most. The shelves hold coastal finds and colored glass pieces, much of it sourced from Scrap Thrift. On the table sit cheerful pieces from Indio, including locally made mugs from Melville Ceramics, plus a bright (no pun intended) rechargeable lamp from Chet Miller and a Nate Hood Pottery vase filled with flowers grown in my neighbor’s yard. Every vintage find, handmade mug, colorful pillow and statement ring tells a story – not just about personal style, but about the people and small businesses that make this community so dynamic. Long after the excitement of a purchase fades, that connection remains. So meander a little longer, peruse every display, and don’t be afraid to bring home something unexpected. Chances are, it’ll end up becoming one of your favorite things.

Treasure Hunt

Durham’s best retail and home & garden faves featured in my house and closet: