photos by:  BAY O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY

A cherished relationship between LKN Magazine Publisher Keela Johnson and Accent Prone Owners Cheri and Justin Lingafelt, has brought a second location of their popular store to the lake area!

That bond with LKN Magazine’s sister publications at Forsyth Magazines has been a strong one since Accent Prone first opened in Kernersville, NC in 2012 – and in true “Keela” spirit, she nudged Cheri and Justin to consider a second location in Huntersville when she realized the perfect space was available.

Since opening the new location and introducing Lake Norman residents to their signature refined style, Cheri and Justin have never been more grateful for friends who pointed them in the right direction and a new community that also embraces shopping local. They’ve already felt the same small business camaraderie they’ve known in Kernersville, and that same endearing small town feel.

“Our team has had fun exploring other local shops and restaurants, and we’re super excited about opportunities for growth in this new and larger market in the Lake Norman/Charlotte area,” Cheri shares.

And, then there’s the dream location – a beautiful old school building with original hardwood floors and incredible light.

“It was an absolutely crazy time in mine and Justin’s personal life,” explains Cheri. “Between moving to a new home, expecting our second son and still devoting passion to our flagship location in Kernersville, opening a second store location was definitely not on our radar at the time. But, we checked out the space in Huntersville and absolutely fell in love with it!” 

A hectic life is nothing new for Cheri and Justin, who balance their role as entrepreneurs with their finest projects yet – oldest son, Brooks, who is seven and already fond of moving furniture, and newest son, Beckett, who turned eight months old in August!

Their Kernersville location draws loyal shoppers from Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point. What they launched primarily as an accessories business of affectionately labeled “SUV-able” purchases that would literally fit in your car or SUV, has become a full-fledged furniture store, with eclectic accents that back up their personal philosophy – taking the time to put beautiful items you love into your home really elevates your life.

Both Cheri and Justin grew up around the High Point Furniture Market, garnering design and retail expertise from their parents. Building their own business was always a dream, and neither could imagine doing anything else!

Now, establishing a new customer base in Huntersville has already been an exciting adventure. Embracing life here that’s a little more laid-back lake time, Accent Prone has the most interesting accessories and furniture pieces to live comfortably, stylishly and true to what you love. Cheri defines the team’s own strong love for creating.

“Whether we’re creating a display in our store, generating mood boards for design clients or offering creative solutions, a love for creating is at the heart of what we feel is a unique, fun and inspiring retail experience. We’ve enjoyed brainstorming fun ways to bring the immersive environment that our Triad customers love to the LKN area. Having opportunities to think outside the box is fun for all of us!”

There’s a belief at Accent Prone that one’s home environment directly affects one’s daily life, and Cheri and Justin love helping customers think creatively about their spaces while staying true to their own personal tastes.

“We love to encourage thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries with clients’ home design, whether it is their main house or a second home at the lake,” adds Justin.

If there’s a corner of your home that’s needing some love, snap a photo of the space and bring it by the store to share with the team!

“We pride ourselves on not only having cool items at a great value, but our staff is what really separates us from other stores, as well,” says Justin. “They are excited and ready to help customers with home projects, whether it be sourcing the perfect furniture piece or helping with décor selections.”

And, you’ll certainly find an array of décor options! Cheri and Justin travel to markets several times a year to source unique, high-quality furniture and accessories that are different from what you’ll find in big box stores. From lighting, vases and pillows, to interesting coffee table books and photo frames, there’s a special “something” for your home – or the absolute perfect gift. Plus, they’re always happy to do a bit of staging for you right there in the store, too, with table vignettes in place to try out a centerpiece or a pair of candlesticks, and even a fireplace setting to help you envision your mantel at home. Best of all, there’s honest, heartfelt advice!

“If you’re on a budget, focus on one room,” shares Cheri. “Even if it takes several years, take your time and make it what you love!”

Equally excited to offer an update for your entire house, or simply style a few bookshelves, the AP team offers paid, in-home interior design services that include expert space planning, e-design and in-home design services for customers tackling larger scale projects. But, they love providing free design assistance to customers right in the store just as much. In short, they LOVE to decorate and are always excited to make your vision a reality!

Accent Prone also offers custom upholstery through their retail partner, Rowe Furniture. Nearly all of the sofas, sectionals and accent chairs you’ll see here are crafted with care by Rowe’s talented artisans in Virginia, featuring Cheri and Justin’s handpicked fabric selections. While any Rowe item in the store can be purchased off the floor as shown, they do offer customization to shoppers, as well. If you’re on the hunt for a sofa that meets specific performance needs or just want a really cool accent chair, any frame by Rowe Furniture can be customized with more than 900 fabric options that are available to browse at Accent Prone. Cheri and Justin also work with a private manufacturer in Hickory, NC to bring custom leather sofas and sectional options to the store.

The entire AP team is eager to see what the holiday season will bring for the new Huntersville location. Their calendar features many events during the holiday shopping season, so connect with them on social media, so you won’t miss any special promotions!

Longtime Kernersville clients highly anticipate the Accent Prone store flip for Christmas each year, as the team sets aside one Sunday in October to create a mesmerizing holiday wonderland.

“We pack our shop full with all things sparkly,” shares Cheri. “If you’re a resident of the LKN area looking for a fun day trip this holiday season, be sure to check out the Christmas magic we create in our Kernersville store, too!”

Visit Accent Prone at 15435 NC-73 in Huntersville, NC, 980.987.9394. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Shop for home accessories or trend apparel and jewelry – or request a design consultation – at accentprone.com, and follow @accentprone on Instagram for updates and inspiration!