For Jan and Chip, design isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life. The couple, married for 32 years this November, has deep roots in Lebanon and an even deeper passion for making homes beautiful. Their store, Square Market, located just steps from the Lebanon Square, has become a destination for furniture, custom design, and seasonal inspiration.
When Jan purchased the store from Paula in 2020, she was stepping into a full-circle moment. Her husband, Chip, had grown up in the furniture business—his family’s store, Smith Furniture, opened in 1947 just as Square Market was getting its own facelift. Jan had always loved decorating, often rearranging entire rooms while Chip was away. Now, she was finally bringing that passion to a larger audience.
This March, Square Market made a major leap by becoming an official Bassett Furniture Design Center—the only one of its kind in the area. No longer do customers have to drive to Knoxville or Cool Springs to custom-create beds, sofas, sectionals, and more. Every detail—down to legs, cushions, and fabrics—is now fully customizable right here in Lebanon. “We’re little, but we’re big,” Chip says with a smile.
Jan’s vision for Square Market has always been about creating an inviting, high-end experience—and she’s delivered exactly that. Over the past three years, she’s expanded the store’s offerings far beyond what customers expect from the outside. Inside, the space is thoughtfully curated with entire dining and bedroom collections, custom rugs, hand-selected accessories, and everything in between.
“People are always surprised when they walk in,” Jan says. “You can furnish your entire home—room by room—with pieces that reflect your style and personality.” Every corner of the showroom is designed to spark inspiration, whether you're updating one room or starting fresh in a new space.
Jan also collaborates with a trusted network of designers, giving customers access to a wide range of styles—from traditional to contemporary to mid-century. Her showroom is designed to inspire, offering ready-to-go tablescapes, locally painted art, and even seasonal pillow swaps—one of her favorite ways to refresh a space for fall.
Jan and Chip travel to High Point Market twice a year to stay ahead of trends, ensuring their showroom always reflects what’s new—and what lasts.
Their advice to holiday shoppers? Invest in quality that fits your style and story. Things like pillows, art, rugs, and lamps are great to swap out seasonally for curated style. Jan says she always kept a closet of pillows with inserts she would change out according to the season.
Chip’s grandfather once said, “If you don’t take care of your customers, your competition will.” At Square Market, it’s clear: every detail is personal.