rooftop view of the city of asheville NC during sunset with the mountains

Y’all, can we talk about one of my favorite parts of living in Asheville? The shopping. Not the big box stores or chain retailers - I’m talking about the kind of local shops that make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret.

As someone who’s been designing spaces here for years (and living out of my renovated Airstream, Alanis, while exploring every corner of this creative mountain town), I’ve become pretty obsessed with finding those special pieces that you literally cannot get anywhere else.

Here’s the thing about shopping local in Asheville: you’re not just buying home décor. You’re buying stories. You’re supporting the artists who chose this place for the same reasons you did - the creativity, the community, the way the mountains seem to inspire everyone to make something beautiful.

Whether you’re a longtime local, just moved here, or visiting and want to take a piece of Asheville magic home with you, these are my go-to spots for creating spaces that feel authentically you.

Luna Gallery - River Arts District (My Textile Obsession)

graffiti in the river arts district along the railroad track in asheville nc

Let me start with the place that probably gets the most of my money: Luna Gallery. Walking into this airy space in the River Arts District is like stepping into the most perfectly curated Pinterest board you’ve ever seen.

They specialize in modern, bohemian, and globally inspired textiles and home goods, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve built entire room designs around one of their rugs.

Why I love it:

Their hand thrown pottery is perfect decor in any space
Everything is made by local artisans (so you feel good about what you’re buying)
The color palettes are sophisticated but approachable - perfect for clients who want style without intimidation

Designer secret: If you’re redoing a bedroom or living room and feeling overwhelmed by where to start, grab one of their statement pieces and let it be your guide. I’ve seen a single piece transform an entire space.

East Fork Pottery - The Ceramics Everyone’s Talking About

Okay, if you’ve been on Instagram in the past five years, you’ve probably seen East Fork ceramics. But here’s what you might not know: they started right here in Asheville, and their shop downtown is stunning!

Their dinnerware isn’t just Instagram-pretty - it’s the kind of stuff that makes your morning coffee feel like a ritual.

Why I love recommending them:

Each piece is handmade locally, so no two are exactly alike (hello, character!)
Their seasonal color releases keep things fresh and exciting
They’re as functional as they are beautiful - perfect for that “lived-in luxury” vibe I’m always going for

Real talk: Don’t just think plates and bowls. I use their large serving pieces as coffee table centerpieces and their smaller bowls as catch-alls in entryways. Form meets function at its finest.

Flora Asheville – Botanical Beauty in Bloom

Walking into Flora Asheville feels like entering a living, breathing work of art. Part flower shop, part design haven, it’s brimming with lush greenery, sculptural stems, and carefully chosen vessels that instantly elevate a space. Every corner is overflowing with inspiration for how plants can make your home not just look beautiful, but feel alive.

Why I love it:

The plants themselves are showstoppers—each one feels like it was handpicked to add personality and charm.
Their arrangements strike that perfect balance of organic and artful, giving you endless ideas to bring home.
It’s a treasure trove for finding those natural finishing touches that soften a space and make it feel complete.
You can get a delish cup of coffee while you shop! Win win

Pro tip: Plants are the easiest way to transform a room’s energy. A tall fiddle leaf fig in an empty corner or a cluster of small succulents on a coffee table can breathe warmth, vibrancy, and character into even the most minimal spaces.

Kress Emporium - The Treasure Hunt Experience

downtown asheville nc shops with tree lined sidewalk

If you love the thrill of discovering something amazing, Kress Emporium is your place. Housed in this gorgeous historic art deco building downtown, it’s home to more than 80 regional artists and craftspeople.

Why I love it:

You can find everything from handmade furniture to local artwork to artisan lighting
One-stop shopping for multiple design elements (perfect for busy people)
Many artists do custom work, which is gold when you need something specific

Insider tip: If you’re working on a gallery wall, this is where you find those unique pieces that make it feel personal instead of catalog-perfect.

Villagers - West Asheville’s Best-Kept Secret

Now, Villagers might seem like an odd choice for a design guide - it’s technically a homesteading store. But trust me on this one. Their focus on sustainability, natural materials, and craftsmanship makes it a goldmine for beautiful, functional pieces.

What I love about it:

Everything feels organic and timeless - works in rustic, bohemian, or minimalist spaces
Perfect for mountain retreat vibes (which, let’s be honest, is very Asheville)
They embody that slow-living philosophy that translates beautifully into home design

Styling idea: Those handwoven baskets? Perfect for stylish storage that actually looks intentional, not just functional.

Foundation Studios - Where Art Comes Alive

Part gallery, part working studio, Foundation Studios in the River Arts District is where you can literally watch local artists create. There’s something magical about buying art from the person who made it, in the place where it was born.

Why this matters for design:

You get the story behind the piece (and clients love stories)
Custom commissions are possible - perfect for that specific size or color you need
The art feels authentically connected to Asheville, not just decorative

Before you go: Measure your wall space! Nothing’s worse than falling in love with a piece and not knowing if it’ll work in your home.

shelfs with lamps and decorative items behind a tan leather sofa — Image by Big Daddy

Atomic Furnishing & Design - Mid-Century Magic

If you love clean lines and that timeless mid-century aesthetic, Atomic Furnishing & Design in West Asheville is your happy place. They specialize in restored vintage furniture alongside new retro-inspired pieces.

Why mid-century works:

Those clean lines are incredibly versatile - they play well with everything from Scandinavian minimalism to eclectic boho
Quality construction that was built to last (not like today’s fast furniture)
Their lighting selection alone can completely transform a room

Design trick: Use one standout mid-century piece in an otherwise modern room to create a focal point without overwhelming the space.

Marquee Asheville – Back and Better Than Ever

If you’ve missed wandering the aisles of Marquee, you’re not alone. After Hurricane Helene, this beloved design hub is reopening its doors—and the timing couldn’t be better. Marquee isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a sprawling, creative playground where art, antiques, and modern design collide in the most inspiring ways.

Why it’s worth the trip:

The scale is unmatched—dozens of local and regional vendors under one roof means there’s always something unexpected to discover.
From statement furniture to quirky one-of-a-kind finds, every piece feels like it was waiting for your home.
It’s not just shopping—it’s an experience. You can spend hours wandering and still find new treasures around every corner.

Pro tip: Use Marquee like your design secret weapon. A bold statement piece—like an oversized artwork or sculptural lighting—instantly elevates a space. Pair it with simple, timeless basics at home, and you’ll create a look that feels both curated and uniquely yours.

How to Shop Like a Designer (My Actual Process)

After years of shopping these spaces for clients and my own projects, here’s what I’ve learned:

Start with intention. Have some idea of what you’re looking for - even if it’s just “something that makes me smile.” Pinterest boards help, but don’t get too rigid.

Always bring measurements. Seriously. Nothing kills the shopping high like getting home and realizing your perfect find doesn’t fit.

Ask about customization. So many local artisans can tweak sizes, finishes, or colors. Don’t assume what you see is exactly what you get.

Mix investment with accessible. Pair that gorgeous handmade dining table with budget-friendly accessories to create balance.

Choose pieces with stories. The best homes feel collected over time, not purchased all at once from one catalog.

Why Local Shopping Changes Everything

Here’s what I tell my clients: when you shop local in Asheville, you’re not just decorating a room. You’re creating a home that reflects this place we love - its creativity, its values, its community.

Every piece from Luna Gallery’s globally inspired textiles to East Fork’s handmade ceramics carries the spirit of Asheville. And honestly? That shows. Guests always notice when a space feels authentic versus when it feels like it came from a showroom floor.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about knowing the story behind your favorite coffee mug or the artist who painted that piece above your mantel.

vintage thrift store full of furniture with wood bookshelves full of decor books and art

Ready to Create Your Asheville-Inspired Space?

Whether you’re working with a tiny budget or ready to invest in some statement pieces, these local shops offer something for every style and every wallet. And if you want help pulling it all together? That’s exactly what I do.

At Sukkha Interior Design, I help busy professionals and real estate investors create spaces that feel like home from the moment you walk in. Whether you want that locally-sourced Asheville vibe, need help with a nationwide property, or want full-service project management, I’ve got you covered.

Ready to start shopping (and designing) like a pro? Let’s chat about how to turn those beautiful local finds into a space you absolutely love.