Real estate brought Mary Baude and Martha Long together. The women became fast friends after moving into the same neighborhood six years ago. A mutual interest in interior design strengthened their bond, and they realized that the area lacked a unique home accents store.
The pair bring both personal and professional experience to the table. Long is a CPA and has an extensive background in finance and accounting, and Baude worked as an interior decorator for more than a decade. As Baude (not so) fondly recalls, there were numerous times she was unable to find the right home accent pieces or furniture for her clients locally. Thus, Willows Home Accents was born.
When Willows opened in 2008, a majority of the shop was filled with furniture, home accessories and several gift items. As the economy took a downturn, the pair had to adjust inventory to suit the demands and interests of customers. While many women still wanted to shop for furnishings and finishing touches for their homes, not everyone was willing to spend the money on unnecessary items.
“Everyone was unsure of where the economy was going, so we started experimenting,” Baude says. “We brought in a few pieces of apparel, more handbags, a little jewelry and some hats.”
They hadn’t planned to incorporate clothing or accessories for another few years, but the early gamble paid off. Now, half of the store is apparel (check out the Miss Me jeans and Niki Biki camisoles), while the rest is split between gift items and home accessories. Their wares include chairs, accent tables, candleholders, lamps, pillows, ottomans and frames, and that’s just the short list.
The additional services offered to Willows shoppers seem nearly endless; from home decorating tips and personal shopping to staging and holiday decorating, it’s easy to see why Plymouth residents frequent the store. “Our customers want unique items at a decent price. It’s easy to find high-end items and make them look great. It’s more challenging to find low- to mid-price-point items that are beautiful and decent quality,” Baude says.
The duo take this job seriously, and frequent markets in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Las Vegas to find the right balance between high-end denim and lower prices on tops, scarves and more. They’ve also incorporated some decorative items from shops in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Some of their favorites include faux fur throws and pillows, plus a line of Illume’s candles and diffusers. (We love the balsam and cedar scent.)
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308 Clydesdale Tr., Medina
763.478.9930
Home Service
Willows offers these sometimes surprising services.
- Full-service Design: The Willows interior design team will see your project through from start to finish. With a budget in mind, they’ll handle ordering, receiving and installation of the final hardware, accessories and furniture.
- Makeover in a Day: In 24 hours or less, the look and feel of your room can be transformed using existing home accents and new decorative pieces.
- At-home Consultation: Interested in changing the ambience of your home? Perfect for the Do-it-Yourself person, Willows’ interior decorators will spend an hour walking through your home and suggesting the proper finishing touches for each space.
- Wardrobe Styling: In-house fashion stylists will make your shopping experience a breeze! They’ll help you update your wardrobe, select the perfect gift and even pre-select items for you before you arrive.
- Staging: Your house could sell faster if the ambience is right. Call on Willows to help present your home in the best possible light to all potential buyers.
- Holiday Decorating: If the holidays signify too many parties and not enough time to decorate, let the team at Willows take over.
- Evening Events: Calling all social butterflies! Willows will even stay open late for private parties, such as book-club meetings, clothing or jewelry sales and charitable events.
