photos by: JEJ PHOTOS
As the lively shopping haven Home2Court celebrates its first year in business this month, Owner Susan Clayton couldn’t be happier with how the Cornelius community has embraced her dream!
Susan has lived in and around Charlotte all her life, and she and her adorable sidekick Sunny – the cutest goldendoodle and finest shop dog around – have loved calling the Lake Norman area home since 2017.
“Yes, I had a vision for my store,” she shares. “And, it’s happening! We are the best of both worlds – customers love that I’m a small boutique, but they also know they can find a wide variety of décor for their home, both inside and outside. Plus, I want it to be the most fun place to find your bestie’s birthday gift!”
In the spirit of giving, the shop’s Bridal & Gift Registry – part of the Shop Local program – is designed to make gift giving a simpler task and allow for a more personalized experience. Not just for weddings, customers can also register their gift preferences for any special occasion including birthdays and baby showers. This time of year brings in shoppers on the hunt for teacher and graduation gifts, plus special keepsakes for first communions – and you’ll find it all here!
Treating yourself to something unique and unexpected also qualifies as a special occasion, so keep an eye out for beautiful things that add joy to your own life.
A firm believer that home should be your “happy place,” Susan is also an avid hostess and loves the simple pleasures of entertaining friends and family. She’ll also tell you nothing brings her more happiness than watching customers choose a gift from the shop’s collections or a special piece for themselves.
“I’ve been curating different products from all over, including the French Guinea hens from the south of France – what a great collectors item!” she adds. “For another whimsical addition to your patio, take a look at Potty Feet™ from the UK! Simply set your outdoor – or indoor – pots on these unique ‘feet’ made of high quality crushed stone.”
Susan thrives on passing her personal love for entertaining on to customers, with the gentle reminder that there’s no need to stress over the details but rely on simplicity as the very best approach! She also stresses the versatility of many items you’ll find at Home2Court.
“I like to use home décor items for lots of different things. As the perfect example, a beautiful bowl from Beatriz Ball can be used as a great vessel for a low flower arrangement on your table but, when filled with ice, it becomes a place to hold drinks. On a different day, it can hold a large salad for your summertime luncheon.”
She also points out a beautiful set of glasses from Vietri that boasts a playful dot motif – the perfect way to serve cold drinks to your Mahjong crowd! Another favorite new addition to the shop, the Simon Pierce line of glassware is American made and hand blown in Vermont (look for their signature trees coming this Christmas).
“It’s always a great feeling to see someone leave with pieces that I have taken the time to research and purchase for the shop,” adds Susan. “And, I know it makes them happy when they arrive home and find the perfect spot for something new.”
Of course, pickleball will always hold a place of honor at Home2Court – as the popular pastime is an energizing way for friends to gather and the perfect complement to a weekend of outdoor entertaining. The shop carries paddles and an array of other related pickleball accessories including bags, glasses and the cutest pajama sets.
With incredible gift ideas at every turn, Home2Court can be your go-to shopping destination for pet lovers, game enthusiasts (ask about Mahjong classes), brand new homeowners and anyone who appreciates good style. From candles, diffusers and chic barware for relaxed summer outings to stunning vases, Brian Anthonys pendant necklaces, colorful oyster shell ring dishes, artistic tea towels and witty cocktail napkins for your next girls’ outing, you’ll never leave the shop without a treasure – or several!
Visit Home2Court at 18059-4 W. Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, NC, 704.506.3752, and shop online at Home2Court.com. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @home2court for event updates and fabulous new product arrivals.
