Belle Studio is a retail business that will offer home decor and accessories from high-end wholesalers, select discount wholesalers, and local producers. We are inspired by simple luxury, vintage, European, and classic contemporary styles, and will strive to bring the customer these goods at competitive prices that are at or below those of mid-level national chains. Our product line will include rugs, throws, blankets, pillows, lighting and fixtures, decorative accessories, and bath and spa items.

We are inspired by how design and style can enhance home living, and the possibilities that come along with having a store that follows current trends, consumer preferences, and benefits from innovative and creative merchandising. The mission of Belle Studio is to enliven the home through style, bring people closer to the world of art and feel good about the products they take home. We have seen four basic kinds of home stores: the luxurious country style store with a great amount of seasonal merchandise; mid-level retailers that offer a wide selection with some current trends incorporated and at reasonable prices, but lacking in locally made products and in unique and vintage style products; and the high-end retailer that offers luxury products at a high price point; and finally local antique stores that offer vintage merchandise but are usually lacking in quality contemporary merchandise that follows current design trends. Our hope is to not be everything to everyone, but instead occupy an underserved niche in the market: rustic chic and cultural decor that has a style and luxury apart from ubiquitous antique stores and country-inspired decor stores. All at a mid-level price point comparable to national chains such as Pier 1 and World Market.

We expect a full e-commerce website to be launched in late November, and our Kansas City storefront to be opened by early February. Check us out at www.bellestudiohome.com and sign up for updates!

We will carry decorative accessories such as lanterns, candles and holders, lighting fixtures, vases, cloth napkins, unique gift items, accent furniture like small tables and chairs, and  upscale bath/personal products. Our selection of exclusive, high quality, trend setting wholesalers will ensure that we have something to offer national chains don't, and will surpass some local stores in quality, exclusivity and style. We curate from wholesalers who offer high quality, desirable merchandise at prices that allow us to both offer competitive pricing and ensure top quality and the latest trends.

We want anyone shopping at Belle Studio Home Boutique, whether online or at our proposed Kansas City store, to feel they are entering a unique, rich experience that will benefit their tastes, their home, and sense of value. Our storefront will showcase each category of merchandise (i.e. rustic, bath/spa, cultural, contemporary) in a themed section that will tie in to the natural, chic design of the store itself. We want customers to return for the experience, not just the great finds. In the works are several incentives and rewards for shoppers: hosting workshops, preferred customer buying events, special promotions, and a loyalty program, among others.

By attending national decor markets, and doing some comparative shopping at other successful home decor retailers, we're getting the insider's view of our market and will take the best lessons to heart for our startup. We think some things successful national retailers do well, like merchandising and displays, are worth emulating in part. Taking these lessons and adapting them to a smaller store requires creativity, but we're all over it.