.png)
Are you eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spring? I certainly am. With the temperature rising and nature coming back to life, it's natural to want to breathe new life into our homes as well. However, amidst the excitement of refreshing our spaces with new decor, it's important to consider the clutter that can accumulate. Maintaining a clutter-free environment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also helps us feel more relaxed and peaceful, allowing us to fully enjoy the season ahead. If you need a helpful resource to start the decluttering process this season, check out our Spring- Declutter & Cleaning blog.
After your spring cleaning is complete, you definitley might be thinking about sprucing up your living space with some new home decor items. If that's the case, think local. In this blog post we will explore the opportunity to support local vendors. By patronizing businesses in our community, we not only discover unique home organization & decor pieces but also contribute to the vitality of our neighborhoods.
At The Modern Steward, we prioritize both the aesthetic and practical aspects of home organization. By sourcing from local vendors, we infuse authenticity and character into our clients' spaces, creating environments that reflect their individual tastes and preferences. Join us as we uncover our top five favorite local gems, each offering a distinctive touch that embodies the essence of Greater Pittsburgh. Let's make this Spring a time of renewal and community engagement for our homes.
#1:Tal & Bert - 610 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215
The inspiration behind Tal & Bert lies in a love for nature and recreational mining. The founders sought to create functional art pieces that allow people to enjoy nature's beauty in their everyday lives. Starting from humble beginnings in their kitchen, Tal & Bert's journey has been fueled by a dedication to sustainability, nature, and art.
Their creations are not just candles but sustainable works of art. Tal & Bert designs multi-functional vessels that can be reused once the candle has burned, offering a sustainable option in the home fragrance market. Crafted using natural, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly ingredients, their candles provide a guilt-free indulgence in luxury.
Tal & Bert's mission is clear: to bring sustainable beauty and harmony into homes. Their exquisite and eco-friendly reusable candle vessels, clean fragrances, planters, and home decor pieces are designed to enhance living spaces while promoting sustainability. It's no wonder their work has gained recognition from prestigious outlets like Cosmopolitan, CNN, and Real Simple, as well as caught the attention of celebrities and influencers alike. Tal & Bert is more than just a brand—it's a testament to the power of conscious consumerism and thoughtful design.
Pro Tip: We love reusing the candle vessels for small catchalls, think key fobs and loose change. We personally had the opportunity to attend a business cohort with the owners, and they truly pour into their business and the community.
#2: Contemporary Concepts - 6343 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
With over 50 years of experience in the bridal registry and gift market, Contemporary Concepts stands as a beacon of quality and expertise in Pittsburgh. As a family-owned and operated business, they pride themselves on top-notch customer service and product knowledge, ensuring that every shopper finds exactly what they're looking for.
Their fine China selection is unparalleled, showcasing all the top brands and offering a wide range of serving pieces to complement any tableware. From Mariposa to Nambe, Alessi to Michael Aram, Contemporary Concepts carries a diverse array of metalware that adds flair to both contemporary and traditional homes.
But their offerings don't stop there. Contemporary Concepts is a treasure trove of unique gifts and personal items, from luxurious robes to handbags, dresses to loungewear. And if you're in the market for contemporary furniture, look no further—they have Lafer Leather Recliners, Lumisource stools, Chilewich and Linea area rugs, and much more. Their commitment to providing unique and quality products extends to their children's line, where they curate the most exceptional finds for young ones. And with in-store engraving available on many products, Contemporary Concepts offers a personalized shopping experience that's second to none.
Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Contemporary Concepts is the place to stop into.
Pro Tip: If you need help, ask for Ken... he is the goat of custom gift selection.
#3: Splurge - 1109 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Step into Splurge Home Furnishings and Interior Design Store, where every corner tells a story of curated elegance and style. With a keen eye for blending transitional looks seamlessly, Splurge offers a unique and harmonious shopping experience that goes beyond just selecting furniture—it's about creating a space where you can truly unwind and feel at home.
Their carefully curated selection includes everything you need to transform your living space, from upholstery and tables to beds and lighting. And with an array of decorative accessories, fabrics, and artwork, Splurge ensures that every detail reflects your individual style and aesthetic. But Splurge isn't just a furniture store—it's a destination for interior design enthusiasts. They offer in-home consultations and custom designs tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you're looking to revamp a single room or redesign your entire home, Splurge provides the expertise and guidance to bring your vision to life. From color consultations to custom designs, Splurge offers a comprehensive range of interior design services to suit every need.
Why we love them: Unique home decor selections.
#4: In The Kitchen - 1725 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh's vibrant Strip District, In The Kitchen has been a beloved destination for culinary enthusiasts since 2002. Founded by KC and Jim Lapiana, the store initially began as a way for the couple to share their passion for cooking and kitchen essentials with the Pittsburgh community. Since its inception, In The Kitchen has been committed to providing the best products and exceptional service to both professional chefs and home cooks alike. With an extensive selection of cookware, bakeware, cutlery, gadgets, and more, the store offers everything you need to elevate your culinary creations.
What sets In The Kitchen apart is their unparalleled knowledge of kitchen tools and brands. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide expert advice and assistance, ensuring that every customer finds the perfect product for their needs.
In addition to their brick-and-mortar store, In The Kitchen also offers convenient e-commerce options, allowing customers to shop online and have their purchases delivered right to their door or opt for in-store pickup for a quick visit to the Strip.
For those special occasions, holidays, and celebrations, the store offers a convenient wish list feature to make shopping easy for loved ones and for Burgh brides- and grooms-to-be, In The Kitchen provides an online and in-store registry, allowing couples to stock up their new household with top-of-the-line products. Unlike other registries, In The Kitchen offers an added benefit, allowing couples to continue purchasing great products well beyond the wedding day.
Pro Tip: Get your knives sharpened while you shop and bring your yellow In The Kitchen reusable bag on Tuesdays for an additional discount.
#5: Penhollows - 244 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Since its inception in October 2007, Penhollows Shadyside has been a beacon of style and sophistication for design enthusiasts and book lovers alike. Locally owned and operated, the shop offers an eclectic mix of design ideas for the home and impactful gifts for every occasion.
From comfortable furniture to unique decor pieces, every corner of the store exudes a sense of warmth and charm. With tin ceilings, hardwood floors, and an inviting staff, Penhollows is not just a place to shop—it's a destination to visit and linger.
What sets Penhollows apart is its ever-evolving merchandise collection, which seamlessly blends new and vintage items to create a worldly style. The store celebrates the achievements of local artists and writers by featuring their works, adding a touch of local flavor to the curated selection.
Whether you're searching for the perfect accent piece for your home or a meaningful gift for a loved one, Penhollows offers something for everyone. With its commitment to quality, style, and community, Penhollows remains a beloved destination for those with an eye for design and a passion for unique finds.
Pro Tip: The have an in-hose repair service, that a win in my book!
What local vendors do you love? Give them a shout-out in the comments below.
Wondering how we incorporate products and services from local vendors into our projects? Let's chat! Reach out to us today and book a free discovery call with me.
Chat soon,
Kimberly