Nest Interiors (see BRO article) recently picked up and moved its retail store from Allen Street to Delaware Avenue. In doing so, the design business picked up quite a bit of additional (and needed) space, along with critical window exposure. When I first saw the storefront at night, I was in awe of how brilliant and inviting the windows looked. By day, Nest Interiors is comfortable and cozy while offering an impeccable business sense. I spoke with Brooke R. Pelc, owner and Interior Designer at Nest Interiors:
What year did you start the business and where was it located?
I started Nest Interiors in 2008, as a member firm of the Buffalo Design Collaborative where I began with primarily commercial interior design work and then expanded into residential field. In 2009 I decided to open a retail store on Allen St. and now expanded it to 430 Delaware.
What was the driving motivation behind the concept?
The concept was to bring a design resource to Buffalo, a place where someone could come in and get something different for their home- to get furniture, custom made window treatments, wallcoverings, paint, accessories, and interior design services all in one place. I thought having a retail location would give customers a good sense of my design aesthetic too. A lot of people are too intimidated to hire an interior designer. This way the customer gets to meet with me and get a sense of how we could work together.
Have you changed the types of products and services over the years, and if so, how?
Having a larger retail space now allows me to feature a lot more furniture. Our upholstery line is great- it is all made in the USA and is an approachable price- something that is hard to find these days. I am always traveling to all of the trade shows to stay current with the new products... bringing something different back to Buffalo, so things are always changing.
You moved from Allen Street to Delaware Avenue. What was the catalyst behind the move?
I really wanted to get more visibility and still be close to the Allentown district. Allen St. was a great starting off point because of the size of the storefronts there. But to really do what I wanted to, I needed more floor space. I love Allentown- the people are really supportive and appreciate new businesses coming in. I felt that it was important to stay in the city- we all want to see Downtown grow and we need more businesses to take this leap.
What was the condition of the space like, and what did you have to do to make it habitable?
The space was pretty unappealing. For me it's easy to walk into a space and see all of the potential- I think a lot of people that saw the space (before) were a little hesitant, but now they love it. The building is undergoing extensive renovations. The façade is getting a whole new look in the spring.
Now that you are in your new location, what have you learned about your new corner?
It's a pretty busy corner. I think people weren't really used to anything being in this space for such a long time- they weren't accustomed to looking at this storefront, but the ones that do now are pleasantly surprised! It's not a place that gets much foot traffic, but I didn't expect that. I wanted Nest to be more of a destination location.
Who is your target customer?
The great thing is that we have something for everyone. Someone can come in and purchase one accessory, get design services, or furniture for their home- from one piece to everything. We do a lot of custom work too- window treatments, re-upholstering. We have so much available here and can always order something in for our customers.
Is this a business that people should know about for the holiday season? If so, why?
Absolutely, people always love gifts for their homes. We have great accessories that are in the gift giving price range. Or a gift certificate for an in-home design consultation is always a hit. Not to mention, how great would some new furniture be?
Where do you want the business to be in two years? What are your goals?
My personal design sense is reflected in the store. It's pretty eclectic. I always like to give a room a look like it has a story behind it- that it's not just all new (even though it may be). I love designing- and no matter what someone's taste is I want their home or office to reflect their personality- so I work with all kinds of design ascetics from ultra modern to rustic. Being a designer, I have an appreciation for all of it.
Nest Interiors - Located next to The Mansion and across the street from Merge.
430 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
716.882.NEST (6378)
F. 716.882.4293
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What year did you start the business and where was it located?
I started Nest Interiors in 2008, as a member firm of the Buffalo Design Collaborative where I began with primarily commercial interior design work and then expanded into residential field. In 2009 I decided to open a retail store on Allen St. and now expanded it to 430 Delaware.
What was the driving motivation behind the concept?
The concept was to bring a design resource to Buffalo, a place where someone could come in and get something different for their home- to get furniture, custom made window treatments, wallcoverings, paint, accessories, and interior design services all in one place. I thought having a retail location would give customers a good sense of my design aesthetic too. A lot of people are too intimidated to hire an interior designer. This way the customer gets to meet with me and get a sense of how we could work together.
Have you changed the types of products and services over the years, and if so, how?
Having a larger retail space now allows me to feature a lot more furniture. Our upholstery line is great- it is all made in the USA and is an approachable price- something that is hard to find these days. I am always traveling to all of the trade shows to stay current with the new products... bringing something different back to Buffalo, so things are always changing.
You moved from Allen Street to Delaware Avenue. What was the catalyst behind the move?
I really wanted to get more visibility and still be close to the Allentown district. Allen St. was a great starting off point because of the size of the storefronts there. But to really do what I wanted to, I needed more floor space. I love Allentown- the people are really supportive and appreciate new businesses coming in. I felt that it was important to stay in the city- we all want to see Downtown grow and we need more businesses to take this leap.
What was the condition of the space like, and what did you have to do to make it habitable?
The space was pretty unappealing. For me it's easy to walk into a space and see all of the potential- I think a lot of people that saw the space (before) were a little hesitant, but now they love it. The building is undergoing extensive renovations. The façade is getting a whole new look in the spring.
Now that you are in your new location, what have you learned about your new corner?
It's a pretty busy corner. I think people weren't really used to anything being in this space for such a long time- they weren't accustomed to looking at this storefront, but the ones that do now are pleasantly surprised! It's not a place that gets much foot traffic, but I didn't expect that. I wanted Nest to be more of a destination location.
Who is your target customer?
The great thing is that we have something for everyone. Someone can come in and purchase one accessory, get design services, or furniture for their home- from one piece to everything. We do a lot of custom work too- window treatments, re-upholstering. We have so much available here and can always order something in for our customers.
Is this a business that people should know about for the holiday season? If so, why?
Absolutely, people always love gifts for their homes. We have great accessories that are in the gift giving price range. Or a gift certificate for an in-home design consultation is always a hit. Not to mention, how great would some new furniture be?
Where do you want the business to be in two years? What are your goals?
My personal design sense is reflected in the store. It's pretty eclectic. I always like to give a room a look like it has a story behind it- that it's not just all new (even though it may be). I love designing- and no matter what someone's taste is I want their home or office to reflect their personality- so I work with all kinds of design ascetics from ultra modern to rustic. Being a designer, I have an appreciation for all of it.
Nest Interiors - Located next to The Mansion and across the street from Merge.
430 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
716.882.NEST (6378)
F. 716.882.4293
I guess we can finally say, 'we have a downtown furniture store', now!