There are some people that just have it. Mother and daughter duo Debra and Tristan Owens are two of those people. Together they own VINYĀ, a play on vignettes because that’s the way their incredibly stylish shop is laid out – in vignettes.
Debra is a high-end interior designer and the shop came about when her clients moved, downsized, changed their style or were simply ready for a refresh. They didn’t know where to sell their former furniture and that’s when Debra had an idea.
She opened VINYĀ because she knew there was a market for it in Dallas and years later, there still is.
VINYĀ is a consignment shop, but at a higher price point and a little more selective. It’s our own little slice of 1st Dibs and it’s even better because you can drive there and ooh and ahh in person. Inisde Vinya you’ll find pieces from design icons like Florence Knoll, Kelly Wearstler, Holly Hunt, Eero Saarinen, Chrtisian Liaigre, Minotti and more.
As for the what they select for their store, Tristan says they love a mix of styles, but stick with current designs and design classics because those are the pieces people want the most. And art.
“Contemporary, original art is always an honor to see,” says Tristan. “We have sold a few of Lance Letscher’s incredible collages and one spectacular James Surls woodblock print that I should have kept for myself, looking back on it …”
The struggle of owning your own shop, you can’t keep it all.
Over the years, they’ve bought and sold so many spectacular pieces and they’re always up for a quick lesson in what’s what, too.
“One day I received a call from a young man that had inherited a ‘marble-y looking, dark green TV cabinet that kinda looked like it was faux finished,’ ” Tristan said.
When he pulled up, in the bed of his truck was “the most stunning emerald goatskin chest by Karl Springer.” Tristan said that delivery made her day and in return, she made his when she explained the significance of the “marble-y TV cabinet.”
Karl Springer and Cedric Hartman’s lighting are two personal favorites. Each pieces is unique and so incredibly well made, Tristan likened them to “jewelry.”
As someone that buys and sells furniture and home accessories everyday, Tristan is definitely on top of the latest trends. Her and her mother have exceptional taste, but they also let the market drive their inventory.
“Right now we are noticing pieces with exotic woods or finishes, minimalistic upholstery and black and white anything are flying out the door. Rosewood is always popular, but lately lighter woods like birdseye maple and olive ask burl seem to be making a comeback. Snakeskin, stingray and goatskin pieces are at the top of the list, too.”
It seems like now more than ever, there’s room to mix and match. No one style or finish or fabric is dominating interiors. It’s much more in the vein of “buy what you like and put it all together.” Step inside VINYĀ – or shop the “vignettes” section of their website – and you’ll instantly see how to pull a room together that feels fresh, inspired and personal.
VINYĀ is located at 1313 Slocum Street, Suite 105 and open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only.
