If you’ve been here a while, you know that I source as many materials as possible from small businesses – either brick & mortar, or online. When I started The Restored Dogwood, I knew I wanted to build an eco-conscious, sustainably sourced furniture painting business. I’m not knocking the big box stores; for example, we support Home Depot plenty because I have to factor in time and effort into my projects, and with a job and kids I don’t have the flexibility to drive all around Northern Virginia! But, I reserve big box for tools and “behind the scenes” stuff and support small for the majority of my project components.
Here is a roundup of small businesses I love. This is a fluid list, so be sure to bookmark to see the latest! Click on the thumbnails to visit pages or IG profiles.
Local (Northern Virginia
Virginia Mercantile
Virginia Mercantile is a Clifton, VA shop full of locally-sourced products designed to help you foster a sustainable home. Whether you’re just starting on your journey to sustainability, or you’re gung-ho about being green, there is something here for you. Go see them in downtown Clifton!
Cottage at Lucketts
Traveling through Lucketts, VA no doubt you’ve seen the group of antique stores at the major cross roads in town. If you’ve lived in the local area longer than a day, you’ve probably traveled through Lucketts on U.S. 15. It’s one of quieter ways to travel between VA – MD, and it just so happens…
Old Store at Lucketts
Anyone in the DC Metro who has ventured across state lines, has at least driven past The Old Store at Lucketts. It’s like an institution and has gone through some major rebranding to increase its cool factor in recent years (although I remember the days when it was pretty rundown).
It’s the place I bought…
Rust & Feathers
Rust & Feathers is a funky home decor/antique shop on U.S. 15, just south of Lucketts, VA. It’s a mix of old and new, farmhouse and industrial, fancy and raw. They aren’t super active on social, so if you want to know what they have, you’ll have to go there! On my first trip I…
The Reclaimed Treasures
The Reclaimed Treasures is a home decor and paint shop nestled in cute downtown Occoquan, VA. This is the store we bought my beloved Wise Owl furniture salve which I use to freshen up bare wood (along with hemp oil). If you’re local…
Vintage Magnolia
Vintage Magnolia has two locations, Leesburg and Purcellville. Both are full of antiques, gifts and fun one-of-a-kind things. I get my Dixie Belle products from the stores…
Online
Thistle and Fox
Thistle and Fox is an Australian based fabric and handmade shop. Lauren designs all the fabric and wallpaper prints and sells through her Etsy shop. The paper is printed by Spoonflower in NC…
James and Colors
James and Colors is an Etsy shop that I recently discovered with amazing ecofriendly liners. Quality is amazing, prices are great, and patterns…gah so many wonderful patterns! Visit their shop!
NORWEX
I use NORWEX products to clean the house; no chemicals, only water, towels, and a mix of vinegar/water. I use NORWEX to clean the house, so why would I clean furniture with harsh chemicals? Even in times of COVID, I haven’t changed my cleaning routine…except for those VERY early days we had no idea what…
