Nestled in the heart of the Broad Avenue Arts District, Powell Smythe is more than an antique store—it's a curated experience where history and modern sensibility meet in Memphis, Tennessee. Founded by Gracey Smythe and Biggs Powell, the Memphis-based store offers one-of-a-kind antiques and a sense of discovery that draws designers and collectors alike. Powell Smythe provides a distinctly unique vantage point that stands out in a sea of Instagrammable copy-and-paste interiors.
Gracey Smythe, a hands-on, self-taught dealer and decorator, has spent the last decade sourcing for designers and curating interiors for a select group of clients. "Design is filled with so many grey areas open to interpretation," she muses.
Gracey describes the store as "one part quaint, old-school shopfront, one part 'not from around here' swagger." The attitude of the store and the treasures within emanates onto the street. Located in the Broad Avenue Arts District, Powell Smythe is part of a neighborhood known for its artistic energy and eclectic spirit. "I love this whole area," Gracey shares. "We started in a warehouse down the street, where I quickly realized how convenient the location is. But still, when I'm here, I feel tucked into a little pocket out of the way." The district itself is steeped in creativity, past and present. "Broad Avenue has been home to artists and craftsmen creating metal works, plaster sculpture, furniture, blown glass, craft beer, fashion, floral designs and confections, to name a few."
For those searching for antiques, the journey is often as rewarding as the find itself. Some customers walk into Powell Smythe, some customers walk in with a specific item in mind, but many are searching for that elusive missing piece. "There are times when a perfectly designed room just needs the spark of an old or odd piece of art or furniture," Gracey explains.
When it comes to lighting, she advises starting with scale and proportion—both the lamp itself and how it fits within the space. "Think about how much light you need based on the other sources in the room," she notes. And don't overlook the shade: "If the lampshade is bad, the lamp will look bad. Take your lampshade shopping! In this trial-and-error process, brick-and-mortar shops serve an unmistakable purpose because you can try out different shapes, harp heights and styles." Powell Smythe's in-store selection offers a wide variety to play with and get creative.
Gracey describes her personal style as "glamour-ish" and "peripherally chic." Above all, she loves a layered look—"Art and objects that have been loved--handed down – over time, mixed with things interacting with each other, likes and opposites, the unknown and the familiar, the refined and the dilapidated."
This philosophy extends to her passion for antiques and vintage finds. "Antiques and vintage pieces have a secret history to tell—some we know, some we don't," she says. While new items offer perfection, she believes time wears away at perfection to create something even more precious. "It's its own kind of magic."
For Gracey, provenance takes a back seat to feeling. "I value things with historical reference but don’t need them to be specimens of a period. The feeling of the thing is more important than the provenance to me. Sometimes, that 'it' factor cannot be explained or dated."
Stepping into Powell Smythe is like entering a world where every item holds a story waiting to be uncovered. Whether you're on a mission for the perfect piece or simply drawn in by curiosity, you'll find an atmosphere that embraces history and possibility, inviting you to discover, imagine and create.
"Sometimes a perfectly designed room just needs the spark of an old or odd piece of art or furniture."