Getting local: The best home boutiques in McKinney, Texas

I visited McKinney, Texas last weekend and was blown away by the number and quality of the interior design boutiques there. If you ever find yourself near this town with a few hours to spend, here’s your guide to its not-to-be-missed home design shops. I left at the end of the afternoon with a few fun purchases, loads of design ideas, and a renewed energy to finally decorate those last stubborn  rooms in my house.

Patina Green Home and Market (above) is unlike any shop I’ve seen. Visitors are greeted by casual windowsills of decorative cabbage planted in coffee cans and a pair of lovebird finches chirping “hello” as you step inside. Follow the long, narrow marble-topped table to order lunch: fresh, local foods (the menu rotates daily) and don’t forget a large glass of fresh-brewed tea ($2). Past the lunch counter you’ll find home furnishings and fixtures, many from natural materials used in creative ways (a carved, polished tree trunk turned sink basin, to name one example). Founded by dynamic duo Robert and Kaci (a chef  and interior designer, respectively), Patina Green is the spot to stop in McKinney for great food and design ideas.

Gray Living is a luxury design boutique that carries home accessories in natural, seaside materials, high-end furniture in neutral color schemes, deliciously scented candles, and some serious art for your walls. Like Patina Green, this shop is right on the town square. Beautifully merchandised and worth a trip in just to look at the home decor eye candy (even if you can’t afford it).

Smitten is full of colorful, fun accessories for home, garden, and wardrobe. I came away from this shop with a Two’s Company faux pearl necklace with magnifying glass pendant ($32). A steal for such a fun, chunky statement piece! Vintage jewelry, quality linens, and letterpress sold here too.

Petals & Vine Design carries eclectic, colorful finds for the home, and offers interior design services (“no job too small!” boasts a sign). A large variety of outdoor accessories, like tabletop garden torches and decorative planters, make this shop the perfect source for sprucing up your patio to enjoy the sunny weather.

If you like Sid Dickens Memory Blocks, definitely check out Ambrosia, which carries one of the biggest selections I’ve seen. The boutique also sells great gifts, clothing, and items for baby.

In terms of square footage, Uptown is one of the bigger boutiques in McKinney, offering plenty of room to explore the unique furniture, soft goods, and clothes (you’ll find both trendy and basic wardrobe pieces here). An indoor fountain surrounded by calladiums and topped with cherub statues gives this interior a zen-like feel, offering peaceful respite during a busy day of shopping.

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Gray Living
113 N. Kentucky Street, Suite 102, McKinney
(972) 542-0033

Smitten
118 E. Louisiana Street, McKinney
(972) 529-6994

Patina Green Home and Market
116 N. Tennessee Street, Suite 102, McKinney
(972) 548-9141

Petals & Vine Design
205 N Kentucky Street, McKinney
(214) 585-0600

Ambrosia
201 E. Virginia Street, McKinney
(972) 548-3950

Uptown
102 East Louisiana Street, McKinney
(972) 562-0303