The style of SOHO Interiors reflects its New York City borough namesake—innovative, enchanting, eclectic, and clever. The home furnishing boutique opened 17 years ago in the Westboro Mart as an offshoot of Studio Furniture, the well-known store on SW 57th Street. Although both locations are owned by Keith and Vickie Lynch, SOHO was designed to provide customers with a slightly different experience.
"We offer customers the complete package, including furniture, rugs, wall art, throw pillows, and accessories," says Angie Lynch Varney, daughter and manager of the SOHO location. "We make an effort to understand what people like. I tell them, 'You can go anywhere and make a room look like someone else's, but that's not truly you. We can do a little work to ensure your room reflects who you are.'"
Vickie Lynch adds, "We avoid trends. That's not who we are. We learn about our customers. We listen and get to know them so we can try to create a space that's personal. That communicates and reflects their lifestyle, and it's comfortable for them. Good design is making good use of space and creating a home that is comfortable, pleasing and beautiful."
SOHO's clients range from people looking for a specific piece of furniture to ones needing an entire room designed. Angie notes, "Some people come in with their own ideas, and others come in just saying, 'I have a room I need help with. I don't know what to do.'"
In such cases, Angie and Vickie visit the client's home to see the space, take measurements, and get a feel for their style. If they're unsure what they want, she'll often ask them to find something they love, such as a piece of art, to act as the centerpiece for the decor. She'll also ask what the space will be used for and how many people it needs to accommodate.
"Once you know those things, and their budget, you can start helping them. We take thousands of options and narrow it down to the ones that should be pleasing to them,” she says.
At its heart, SOHO Interiors is a furniture store. There are 75 unique lines to choose from, many made in the USA. These are quality pieces which, though they may cost more than what's found at discount and chain stores, are timeless furnishings made by people paid a living wage. Furnishings of this caliber also prevent owners from going through the buying process again in three or four years.
This industry knowledge stems from the family's decades of experience. In 1968, they acquired the Studio Furniture location at SW 57th Street. Many Golden City residents recall it as The Furniture Barn before the name changes in 2005 and design services began. SOHO Interiors was established in 2008 to expand into a new area of the community and to offer design services as well.
Angie says, "This furthers what my parents have done for so long, which is to support and grow family units and create homes for people."
"We are here to serve clients and help them create the home they want," Vickie adds. "We don't push or try to make something happen that doesn't fit their lifestyle. If you're honest, your prices are fair, and you give good service, then people are happy. We work hours on these projects and will keep working until the client is satisfied."
For those interested in SOHO Interiors, stop by at 3129 SW Huntoon Street Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 785.234.2640 for an appointment. Their website is SOHOWestboro.com and follow them on Instagram @soho.interiors.