Unveiling the “Curated Corner”: A Designer Delight at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Step into a world where luxury meets affordability, where home design dreams become reality without breaking the bank. That world can be found just inside the doors to the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore in its brand-new “Curated Corner” brimming with discounted treasures.

It’s a symphony of style orchestrated by Michel Smith Boyd, star of HGTV’s “Luxe for Less” and Atlanta Habitat Mission Ambassador. The designer haven reflects a passion for both exquisite aesthetics and meaningful community support.

The space officially opened for business with a celebratory unveiling event on August 15. Homeowners, ReStore shoppers, and Atlanta Habitat staff joined together to hear from Boyd and Atlanta Habitat President & CEO Alan Ferguson as they welcomed the crowd to the new and improved ReStore shopping experience.

“I am so excited to be working with Atlanta Habitat. This is an awesome place. This is upcycling, this is how I started. This is how I learned about luxury,” said Boyd. “This is the kind of thing that makes what I do today make sense. It grounds everything I do at work because this feels like my most authentic self. I’m honored to share that with you all.”

The event became a heartwarming display of community unity. Boyd’s partnership with the ReStore aligns seamlessly with its mission, emphasizing the value of sustainable living while ensuring that every purchase contributes to a cause greater than oneself. Attendees marveled at the beautifully adorned corner, many realizing that their purchases were not only a testament to their taste but also a small step towards making a difference in someone else’s life.

“I didn’t quite know what to expect when I came in but I’m blown away. Look at how beautiful this is,” said Aleta, a ReStore shopper adorning her newly purchased vases. “And such a good price. I wasn’t going to walk out of here empty handed. It’s just amazing to see this all and know at the same time, my purchase makes a difference.”

The Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore has long been known as a treasure trove of secondhand gems, where thrifty homeowners and eco-conscious shoppers converge in search of affordable and sustainable home furnishings. The ReStore’s mission of providing low-cost home items while generating funds to build affordable homes for those in need is deeply intertwined with its commitment to environmental responsibility. And now, with the introduction of the Curated Corner, the ReStore has elevated its offerings to a whole new level of style and sophistication.

The Curated Corner, exuding an air of elegance and opulence, showcases a carefully curated selection of designer home items handpicked by Boyd himself. From cabinets to lamps and vases, each piece tells a story of artistry and craftsmanship. The items in the collection were graciously donated by Currey & Company, an international design company based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company has worked with Boyd for years and considers him a long-time friend, according to their PR Maven Bethany Matari.

“Michel came to us and asked for this collection, and we were happy to help. We’ve been friends with Michel for years, we love him, and we were ready to step up and help however we could,” said Matari. “We’ve donated to Atlanta Habitat before, having items picked up from our warehouse here and there, but this is different. When Michel mentioned this project, we wanted him to pick out items from our warehouse himself. It’s his curation for Atlanta Habitat.”

This is just the first of many designer items that will grace the Curated Corner, with Boyd letting the crowd know more is on the way.

“I’m committed to adding to our Curated Corner at least once a month,” said Boyd. “I want to keep building this out, I want to keep creating a draw and expressing and sharing creativity with everyone.”

As the evening unfolded, laughter and conversations echoed through the store, with attendees swapping design tips, sharing stories of past ReStore finds, and exchanging knowing glances as they admired their latest acquisitions. It was a reminder that the power of design extends beyond aesthetics – it has the ability to unite diverse individuals under a common appreciation for beauty, affordability, and compassion.

Boyd’s collaboration with the ReStore not only brings elegance to affordable living but also highlights the potential for positive change that exists within every community. As attendees left the event, arms laden with newfound treasures, they also carried with them a shared sense of responsibility and a newfound appreciation for the transformative impact of design, community, and giving back.