I stopped by Foundry 317 during a recent jaunt through Broad Ripple during unseasonably warm temps…read more I parked my car and just enjoyed wheeling around the area for a bit. Foundry 317 is along the canal right on Westfield Boulevard. Foundry 317 focuses on home decor and furniture. I clearly arrived right at the tail-end of the holiday season and a good number of the items either had a holiday theme or fit within the holiday season. Items included antiques, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, festive accents, candles, and other overall housing items. Foundry 317 has a parking lot, though I was actually wheeling there. There's a small ramp up to the sidewalk if you approach it from the right (facing Foundry 317). The doorway is pretty workable and I found the interior to be surprisingly accessible (though I will admit I was taking extra caution given some of the prices!). As I was wheeling, I knew it was pretty unlikely I'd actually buy anything on this visit as it would have been difficult to carry back to my car. However, I definitely saw some items I loved and can easily see myself returning in the near future. The employee I encountered was friendly, the environment was warm and inviting, and I really loved some of the smaller items. I'm a candle freak and definitely would like to return for those. I've always found this section of Westfield Blvd. a little hit-and-miss. The sidewalk is kind of cracked and it's somewhat uneven, however, there's much to love here and I loved the efforts toward accessibility. This is definitely a little gem. I'd seen it before, however, I've never been by when they were open. I finally got the chance to visit, and I'm definitely impressed. I'll be back.

Love this cute little store! They have THE BEST pillows! Seriously, so many options. The vibe is…read morewelcoming and friendly, Matt & Brett have it set up beautifully. If you're in Broad Ripple looking for the perfect accessory for your home, THIS is the place! Need a gift? They have so many great items that would be perfect for gift giving, ANY occasion. It's my favorite!

Across from the pay parking on Westfield Blvd is a tiny shop that is literally on the alley…read more During warmer months, they even bring some of their items out into the alley during store hours. Inside the shop, you will find nice quality items like furniture, paintings, and some knick knacks. During the winter months, the business is making the most of some available space at the corner of Westfield and Guilford. In that annex, there are lamps, clothing, and more small items that might work in a collection or as a gift. The only negative is that the supply is rather small compared with other antique shops. I'm not sure how quickly the inventory turns over, so you'll just have stop by to see whether they have what you're looking for. Review #2279

While the store hours and space is extremely limited, the quality items in stock make it worth the…read morewait. I recently bought several beautiful vintage planters complete with succulents for about $10 (and have kept them alive)! If you're looking for a unique lamp or gift, they've got you covered. Just don't wait too long before making your decision, or it could be gone when you return. Friendly staff and excellent mid century wares right off the beaten path. No really, its in the alley, right across the street from Flatwater. Go check it out!

Artifacts is a locally owned, small business that specializes in mostly handmade gifts, jewelry and…read morehome decor items. I spoke with the owner, who told me that most of the merchandise originates in the U.S. or Canada. The staff is friendly and checked with me several times to see if I needed help. During my visit yesterday, the shop featured Christmas decor with lots of handmade glass ornaments. I fell in love with several of the turquoise inlaid cutting boards and handmade pottery. The prices are high, but inline either what you'd expect for hard-crafted art. I purchased a few wooden snowman ornaments for the kids. The shop is located in a historic building in Broad Ripple. Good luck finding street metered parking. My advice is to shop midweek, during off hours to find parking.

Found this gem while taking a walk in broad ripple! Haven't heard of it before, so was pleasantly…read moresurprised by the selection of items. Feels like a more elevated version of silver in the city, and I would recommend for a spot to find gifts for the women in your life (girl friends, moms, grandmothers). Definitely a bit on the pricy side, but still reasonable. Employees were super friendly too! I'll keep this store in mind for future occasions where I need a pretty gift!

To say Creative is an understatement. They carry a never ending and always changing steady stream…read moreof cool shit. Catch the sales and check out their north-side location in Carmel City Center. I haven't been yet but if it's anything like the this location then it will blow your mind. This store is now called Uber.

Lots of ego here. The store is never open. When I called to as about it, no one returned my call…read more Never. I left 2 messages. When you go in, they ignore you as if you are not important and they are too busy for you. They are "too busy" to take on projects that they don't want that aren't one note. Their site says they will be glad to work with you on a room up to a full project. We interviewed Heidi to start with a focused project to see if she did well and had range, since most of her designs look exactly the same. They never got back to me. I followed up. Their excuse was that they were too busy to work "on our timeline." We never gave them a timeline. So this told us right up front a lot more about Heidi. She is not direct, is not client centric and really is not concerned with her reputation. We have since found out from talking with several others in Indianapolis who have large design projects, that this company is all about just taking the biggest projects and one same style of design. I mentioned our experience to a friend and prominent, great person in the community, who also had a sizeable project. That person told me they were told the exact same thing, "they were just too busy for their project" telling them no without really discussing how they come up with options. Funny that they just took another large home of someone we know. We will be sure to share our experiences. Don't trust someone who cannot be direct and honest in their business. It's about ego and elite for this company. Building a good, high-integrity reputation in such a small town is everything. We found a much better designer, who's not ego-centric and all about the client and their needs, so it did work out in the end. And we will be recommending her and her great team. Bottom line? If you don't want snooty, wasting your valuable time and energy, they are not for you. There are far better designers out there who really want the business and understand scheduling, plus are more authentic and "real."

Charles Mayer & Company has a long history in Indianapolis including 20+ years in its current…read morelocation at 56th and Illinois Street. Charles Mayer & Company is a "gift shop," though likely not in the fashion you're thinking. If your primary thought is "I'm on a budget," then Charles Mayer & Company is likely not going to be your first destination. This is a "premium" gift shop offering home decor, tableware, books, frames, candles/fragrance, linen, jewelry, fashion, decor, baby items and more. Charles Mayer & Company began in downtown Indy in 1840. Charles Mayer immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 19. It grew into a five-story building and operated until 1954 when its inventory was sold to L.S. Ayres. The building was then razed in 1959. Fast forward. In 1992, Claudia Ryan decided to revive the story alongside her husband, Tim. Tim just happens to be a maternal great-great grandson of Charles Mayer. A new tradition was born inside this store on the northside intentionally designed to resemble a home. It's also, much to my surprise, more accessible than I expected - though, given the price of some of its items I'll openly admit this is one store where I'm super cautious. Somewhat ironically, Ryan is also a former VP of Fashion Merchandising for L.S. Ayres. So, a few things here. First off, the customer service is impeccable. If you know me, you know I'm a bit of a slob. Hey, it's true. You can say it. I don't exactly radiate the vibe of being someone who's going to enter your store and spend a lot of cash. So, I'm always a little impressed when I enter a more luxe store and am treated well. At one point, for example, I wrote about the fact that I'd gone through the former Saks Fifth Avenue, not particularly dressed well but with cash in hand, and was completely ignored. That doesn't happen here. This is a neat little corner - you're talking places like Kids Ink, Byrne's Grilled Pizza, an art gallery, a butcher and more. It's quite cool. Charles Mayer & Company feels natural here and really fits in with the vibe of the area. The people were friendly. The store is surprisingly accessible. The selection is remarkable - I'm particularly dazzled by the MOVA Globes. While not everything on the website is in-store at all times, it seems like they can usually get it and in a pretty timely manner. Have you ever wanted a $145 designer fire extinguisher? They have them here (and they are incredible). This place is completely dazzling. However, again, it's definitely a more luxe gift shop. If you're looking for a gift on the finer side, this is definitely a place to check out.

I ordered a particular item for my wife as a Christmas present from their website. It turned out…read morethat the item was not in stock. An exceptionally helpful and friendly person made multiple attempts to contact me and was able to find the specific item I was looking for in a slightly different color that still fit in with the decor I was trying to match and which would still get to me in time to be under the tree. Even though it wasn't a big ticket item, Charles Mayer & Company made me feel like I was their most important customer.

We went to see about a 1960s German China set that was purchased by my mom when stationed in…read moreGermany. Bone white with a simple platinum ring, complete settings and all the extras for setting a great looking special table. This was the perfect spot to display and sell our tableware. . The variety and quality of the other items (collectible posters, art, home decor, even pet clothes) are superb. We enjoyed visiting with nice lady working there very much. We will go back next trip to the next door eating location. Thanks

Last year on a cold winter day we stumbled on this place while eating at Liter House. It is a…read morelittle kept secret... a true gem! We now check it out on a regular basis and always find some unique items. Prices are excellent, especially when compared to other vintage shops. The true treasure of the sho are the people that run it. They are so delightful and always make you feel welcome. Many times they have helped add to a collection by offering suggestions and remembering us when we came in. Though we don't always buy something we always learn something. Their knowledge and helpfulness is fantastic. I appreciate all the unique serving pieces and kitchen things available. My husband loves the record collection. Give this place a try... Parking can be utilized on either side of the building. You will have to look for it the first time but it is easy if you look for the grey building next to Liter House.

An adorable store with all sorts of whimsies for adults and children alike. If you're fond of words…read moreof wisdom from Ghandi, Helen Keller, Oscar Wilde and the entirety of the Famous n' Dead club, you can find their words etched on pictures frames, bookmarks and more here. I don't mean to sound so cynical. Ginko does fill a niche--making inspiring craftworks that don't descent into juvenile territory. There is also some pretty inventive home décor, including a chandelier with forks and spoons hanging from it. Got good taste, an empty wall, and a tight budget? They have an array of unframed prints in small, medium and large that only look expensive--you frame 'em.

My favorite shop in Indianapolis! So many treasures here. It's a beautiful mix of antique pieces…read moreand new. There is lighting, furniture, art, a ton of accessories and objects at all price points to give your home personality. You will love trying to take it all in! The owner, Gary Johnson, has incredible style, is incredibly helpful and such a nice guy!

This is undeniably a beautiful collection of interior design elements. I really enjoyed myself…read moreuntil I heard the owner's comment regarding Indiana artists. When a customer asked if any of the art in his shop is local he snapped "No. There are no good artists in Indiana." Hmmm... What does this say to someone visiting here from another state, or country, about our residents? And, isn't he an artist himself? There is an art to assembling the items he sells. I wonder if the gallery owners across the street know about his attitude.