Looking for striking home decor? This is where pros shop in Dallas-Fort Worth

Interior designers can take an empty, unfinished room and turn it into a space evoking warmth, drama, serenity — any number of feelings — using furnishings and accessories. While they source some of their finds at showrooms exclusive to the trade, many others are available in retailers any of us can shop.

And in a world where we buy online so frequently, there’s something extra special about visiting a store and being certain about your choices. So if you’re ready for a designer-approved refresh of your home, here are some North Texas brick-and-mortar spots to put on your list.

Anthropologie

Locations: Allen, Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco and Southlake | What you’ll find: Hip home goods, furniture and accessories, including drapes for homes with tall ceilings | Who shops here: Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design

You might think of Anthropologie as a source for your closet, but it can fill other spaces in your home too. “I love the prints Anthropologie offers, and many of their drapes come with embroidery work over the pattern, which I feel makes them look more high end,” explains Armstrong. As a bonus, their drapes are offered for taller heights.

“Anthropologie drapes are a very affordable option compared to custom, but when used correctly and hung properly, they look exquisite,” says Armstrong, “which is hard to do with most ready-made drapes.” Pro tip: Check online or call ahead to see if your selected store has the drapes you prefer in stock.

Arteriors Outlet

Locations: 1333 Inwood Road, Suite 100, Dallas; 3400 Preston Road, Suite 230, Plano | What you’ll find: Stylish modern furnishings, lighting and accessories at outlet prices | Who shops here: Lindsey Mathias of Lindsey Mathias Design

Looking for a discount piece of furniture or an accessory that will draw the eye? Make a visit to Arteriors’ outlet locations. “Their pieces are contemporary with an edgy twist,” says Mathias. “Each design incorporates interesting textures or forms to create an impactful statement piece.”

Because there are two local outlets, there’s more inventory for D-FW shoppers to choose from. And if you need an additional Arterior fix, there is a flagship showroom in Dallas. (Other showrooms are in Los Angeles, New York and London.)

CB2

Location: 4510 McKinney Ave., Dallas | What you’ll find: A mix of contemporary and vintage-inspired designs | Who shops here: Lindsey Mathias of Lindsey Mathias Design

Find whole-house furniture, accessories, glassware and much more with this Crate & Barrel sister brand.

“CB2 is a very approachable and convenient large retailer with a location in Uptown Dallas,” says Mathias, who recommends CB2’s online platform as another way to shop or to check out items before making a run to the store.

She tends to use CB2 as a resource for home accessories. “This is a must-stop before a big accessory install, since they have tableware and seasonal decor as well as lots of cool vases and bowls that look one of a kind or vintage.”

Empire Rugs

Location: 1695 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake | What you’ll find: Traditional, modern, tribal and antique designs | Who shops here: Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating

For both style and service, Bridgman shops Empire Rugs — “the absolute best source in the Metroplex for hand-knotted rugs,” she says. “They’ve got some stellar retail prices, and their customer service and personal attention really set this place apart.” Stop by or make an appointment to check out Empire’s hundreds of unique pieces and one-of-a-kind finds.

Inessa Stewart’s Antiques & Interiors

Location: 1643 Dragon St., Dallas | What you’ll find: One of Dallas’ largest, most distinctive collections of European antiques | Who shops here: Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design

Inessa Stewart and husband John personally select everything you’ll see in their Design District showroom. The inventory comes in a wide array of styles, sizes and price ranges — and it’s all directly imported from Europe.

“Inessa Stewart and her husband have an amazing eye, and their pricing is really good for the quality of the antique,” notes Armstrong. “What I also love about Inessa’s is that they can alter finishes as a special service. So if you fall in love with a style in a dark finish, she can work with you to achieve a beautiful custom alteration.”

Mecox

Location: 5360 W. Lovers Lane, Suite 208, Dallas | What you’ll find: Antique and vintage discoveries fused with the latest finds, original artwork and custom creations | Who shops here: Lindsey Mathias of Lindsey Mathias Design

This Inwood Village store (other locations inclue Houston, Napa, Palm Beach and the Hamptons) offers splendid furniture and interesting accessories. Mathias especially loves the coffee table books. If you’re looking for a quick update, she adds, start here. “Mecox is great for ‘need it now’ furniture and accent pieces, since they offer quick delivery services,” Mathias shares.

Muse on Slocum

Location: 1201 Slocum St., Dallas | What you’ll find: A mix of antique and secondhand furniture, accessories and lighting | Who shops here: Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design

“Muse has such an amazing mix of really eclectic, traditional and quality pieces,” shares Armstrong. “The owner has a discerning eye and curates higher-end, one-of-a-kind items. You can find anything from a small vase to a large armoire here.”

Armstrong recalls a Muse on Slocum purchase of a pair of Ferrell Mittman “Bergere” chairs, which she had recovered in magenta Peter Fasano fabric. “A few pieces from Muse in your home will make it feel luxe and collected,” she says, “and they will definitely elevate the style.”