Always lovers of Mid-Century Modern (MCM) décor through the years of furnishing their own home, Katrina and Stan Teague share another passion as well: Working together and growing their own business!
“We call it our passion project,” says Katrina. Now fully retired from the banking industry, and Stan retired from a career in law enforcement and the military, the two found their niche, as owners of Charlotte Vintage Furniture in Huntersville. They settled into the historic Julius Rosenwald/Booker T. Washington four-room schoolhouse – owned by the Burgess-Griffith family and a perfect location for their vintage furniture — in March of 2022, after selling treasures from a warehouse location and, before that, enjoying a successful online business.
“The online and warehouse business took off immediately, and as soon as I left corporate life, we launched the retail showroom!” explains Katrina. Specializing in Mid-Century Modern furniture and décor, Charlotte Vintage Furniture is exclusive to the genre, which sets them apart from a variety of other stores in the Lake Norman and Greater Charlotte area. “We’ve always been inspired by the design and manufacturing quality of furniture built in the mid-twentieth century, and feel strongly about investing in iconic pieces that appreciate overtime,” says Stan. “We’re personally drawn to the aesthetic of clean lines and minimal embellishment.”
Stan’s parents were involved in the furniture industry in North Carolina, so a love of furniture design came naturally. The couple remains very hands-on with all aspects of the business, from curating pieces from iconic designers, to finishing and upholstering, greeting customers in the showroom, and ensuring anything being shipped is delivered by one of their hand-picked, white-glove experts!
“We find most of our items ourselves, and own the majority of our inventory, and we’re selective about what we put on the floor,” says Katrina. She and Stan schedule a week-long buying adventure at least once every quarter, with some side trips, auctions, and estate sales sprinkled in between, especially if they get wind of something truly special. You’ll find new inventory every week, but keep in mind the expert shopper’s mantra: If you see it and like it, buy it! The couple enjoys the problem-solving nature of their business – guiding clients towards the perfect sofa or pair of lamps in the store or even adding someone’s most-wanted item to their next buying adventure shopping list. It’s like finding the final puzzle piece to a family’s new home.
“Nothing delights us more than when our clients are delighted!” says Katrina. With what’s in the store constantly changing, there are plenty of chances to be creative and re-imagine an iconic piece that would benefit from a little love. Thanks to their retail neighbors, the possibilities are endless.
“We are right next to Modern Fabrics, which gives clients the opportunity to find a chair or sofa they love at our store and walk next door to choose the perfect fabric for reupholstery,” says Katrina. Stan reupholsters simple pieces like dining chairs in-house, and they work with local expert upholsterers for more complicated projects. They share many customers with Burgess Supply, the leading flooring supplier since 1977, and Stan says they ‘have a ball’ being neighbors with Modern Fabrics and Burgess. The trio is constantly referring customers to one another!
Katrina and Stan enjoy the collaborative relationship among designers and small business owners in the Lake Norman area. They continue to be impressed with the obvious camaraderie in the community. They have many repeat customers who travel from out of state to find that perfect piece, having become a true shopping destination in less than six months’ time.
While they may be experts in all things MCM, the couple encourages clients not to be afraid to mix and match décor, showcasing pieces that are meaningful and items that work with their lifestyle. The store also features Italian, Danish, post-modern furniture, lighting, and accessories. Most recently, they sold one of their favorite pieces, a solid walnut sofa from Adrian Pearsall, one of the most expressive designers of the 50s through 70s, recovered in a stunning Maharam peacock fabric. “A truly perfect piece.” says Katrina!
Enjoy your own adventure soon at Charlotte Vintage Furniture, located at 15435 NC-73 in Huntersville, NC, 704-727-0362, and online at Charlottevintage.com. Store hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Military and first responder discounts are offered. Follow them on Instagram @charlottevintagefurniture, or email either [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.
