Stepping into Kelley Appliance and Home Store in Aiken feels like entering a warm, welcoming home designed with thoughtful attention and genuine care. Founded as a branch of a third-generation, family-owned business, Kelley Appliance first opened its doors in Martinez, Georgia, back in 1962. In 2018, Seth Duncan, alongside his partners Zach and Kelley Zapata, decided it was time to bring their family’s legacy closer to home, opening an inviting showroom in Aiken’s Mitchell Shopping Center.
After nearly six successful years, the team sought a more permanent and expansive presence. Purchasing the former Furniture Connection building allowed them not only to settle permanently into Aiken but also to extend their offerings into the realm of home furnishings and mattresses. Duncan emphasizes that the goal was to create “a convenient destination for all things home” from replacing an essential appliance to designing a custom living space that reflects individual tastes.
Quality is the cornerstone of their product selection. Duncan highlights the meticulous process involved in curating their inventory, noting, “We want to offer products that provide exceptional value and durability.” For appliances, Kelley Appliance collaborates closely with local repair companies to ensure they’re offering brands known for reliability and ease of service. It’s this thoughtful consideration that sets them apart from larger retailers who may prioritize quantity over quality.
The furnishings side of the business follows the same thoughtful philosophy. Their upholstery offerings are bench-made from kiln-dried hardwoods, featuring high-resiliency foam or luxurious down-blend cushions, wrapped in fabrics chosen for both beauty and durability. Dining room tables, bedroom furniture and occasional pieces prioritize solid, enduring hardwood construction. The store’s curated collections seamlessly blend style and longevity, keeping an eye on current design trends that resonate with customers.
Kelley Appliance and Home Store isn’t just a place to shop; it’s an experience defined by exceptional customer care. Their dedicated sales team undergoes rigorous manufacturer training, equipped to expertly guide each customer toward the best solutions for their specific needs and budgets. “We aren’t here just to sell products,” Duncan explains. “We’re here to ensure our customers leave with confidence, knowing they’ve made a choice that suits their lifestyle perfectly.” Even after the sale their commitment continues as they help customers navigate warranty repairs and ensure deliveries are conducted with meticulous care and friendliness.
Aiken homeowners, Duncan notes, have become particularly enthusiastic about recent trends in appliances and home design. Innovative cooking features like air-frying, steaming and sous-vide are captivating local chefs and kitchen novices alike. Meanwhile, furnishing trends lean towards biophilic design, drawing nature indoors through earthy tones like browns, greens and burnt oranges and embracing organic shapes and textures to create comforting, grounding spaces.
Being locally owned is integral to Kelley’s identity. Duncan passionately shares, “Our friends and families live here. We build our lives here. Every purchase made with us supports local jobs and charities and keeps money within our community. Without Aiken’s support, there truly would be no Kelley Appliance.”
His advice for anyone beginning to furnish or update their home speaks volumes about their thoughtful approach: “Start by focusing on how you want a space to feel and function. Prioritize comfort, quality and pieces that genuinely bring you joy.”
At Kelley Appliance and Home Store, every item tells a story of quality, care and community, embodying the warmth and authenticity Aiken residents have come to cherish.