Editor's Note: This article is part of a new online series launched in July 2023 by the City of Gainesville intended to highlight and promote must-try businesses in the area of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Georgia. As the community continues to flourish and welcome new restaurants, retailers and service providers – especially within the downtown corridor – leadership wishes to introduce available offerings to residents and visitors alike ahead of their next trip to the City of Gainesville. Must-Try Monday features will be released weekly via gainesville.org and the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment (City of Gainesville, Georgia) Facebook page. Be sure to "Like" and follow us on social media so you don't miss the latest and greatest about the Hospitality Capital of the World!
Established Design Co. | 301 Washington St. NW, Suite 2 | Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday + 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Sept. 4, 2023) – "Life is too short to have boring home decor," states Established Design Co., and we couldn't agree more!
If you're seeking experts in creating diverse, inviting and warm indoor/outdoor living spaces, look no further than Established Design Co.
Get a feel for this full-service interior design firm and how they could transform your digs simply by visiting their downtown Gainesville showroom, amply stocked with statement pieces, including hand-picked furniture and home decor to give you that classically cool look; unique and covet-worthy gifts, incuding cozy candles; and basically everything else you heart could desire for a perfectly curated room.
Learn the ins and outs of Established Design Co., what makes it a Must-Try Monday-worthy business and why you should make it a destination the next time you're in downtown Gainesville by reviewing the exclusive Q+A with owner Neil Tankersley below.
Q: How long have you been operating on the historic square in downtown Gainesville?
A: We opened Sept. 8, 2022!
Q: What drew you to operate your business in downtown Gainesville?
A: I have been away from Gainesville for over 20 years, and I always had the dream of opening up my shop and design firm on the square in Gainesville after my retirement from music. Also, my family has been on the square on and off since I can remember. My grandfather, Zeke Fowler, ran the Pancake House and Whatley’s Pharmacy food counter in the '50s and '60s, then later opened up the L & K Cafeteria. My aunt, Cathy Holderfield, was the first owner of The Collegiate when she purchased it from the original owners. My father had his mortgage company based in the Sydney O. Smith Building in the '90s and early 2000s. So, it just seemed natural to base our new business on our historic square. Lastly, I LOVE the vibe and community on the square – it's everything you want in a hometown!
Q: What kinds of products and/or services does your business offer to the public?
A: We are a unique destination. So, here is the long version (LOL) ... We are a store with very unique gifts and home goods, BUT we are [also] a full-service interior design firm and do everything from room-by-room design, all the way up to renovations and new construction. We will even come out and look at you home at no charge.
Q: Can you give some examples of unique products and/or services you offer that aren’t easily replicated elsewhere in town?
A: Have you ever been to HomeGoods and bought something that you thought would look AMAZING, but then get it home and realize that it just doesn’t fit? Well, when you come into our shop, you get the unique experience of us being your interior designer right there in the store, and us helping you pick EXACTLY what you need to make your house look beautiful. We are here to be the facilitator of your dreams whether that is just a centerpiece for your dining room or ... it's helping you with a complete look for your home.
Q: What offerings are you most proud of and why? Give us the scoop!
A: I really mean it when I say that we want to be the facilitator of our customers' dreams. It doesn’t matter if it is big or small, we just want to help you do what you need [to do, whether it's grabbing] a gift for someone else or a room you need refreshed or if it is completing your entire home. We sincerely just want to be here to help. OR, we would love for you to just come in and hang out!
Q: Do you target a specific audience? If so, can you please specify?
A: We don’t really have a specific audience. We are just here to help however we can!
Q: If you aim to target everyone, can you please explain how and through what products and/or services?
A: We have everything you need from gifts for your family [and] teacher gifts [to] just fun accessories to freshen up the look of your room. We also want to come alongside you and help you get the look for your home that you have always wanted! Do you want that perfect look, but don’t know how to get it? Do you want that perfect look for your home, but don’t have time? Do you need a unique gift, but don’t know exactly what to get that friend, co-worker or teacher? Well, we are here to help you accomplish whatever you need!
Q: What is your favorite “must try” item you offer and why? Feel free to name more than one!
A: Our candle selection is to die for! We carry Capri Blue candles and soon to have few more lines coming in soon! But, what makes us stand out more than anything is our service ... we are here for you!
Q: In your own words, what makes your business a positive addition to the downtown cityscape?
A: We are unique! We are also customer centered, and we are here to help you achieve your dream for your space!
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: A lot of folks have trouble finding our location. We are located on the corner of Washinton and Maple streets. We are catty-cornered on the opposite side of DressUp, and across from the Homestar building. We are a little brown building next to Urban Hair Salon.
PHOTO CUTLINE | Established Design Co. is located at 301 Washington St. NW, Suite 2, just off the historic square in downtown Gainesville. Find additional photos shared via the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment Facebook page. (Images shared from Established Design Co.'s official Facebook page.)
