Stella’s Home Decor & Gifts
Eclectic, unique gifts for each and every taste — that’s what you’ll find at Stella’s Home Decor & Gifts.
Owner Rachel Stumler has more than 20 years of experience in transforming spaces as a general contractor, designer and commercial real estate broker. Her newest venture, Stella’s, opened March 1 of this year.
“Our goal here in the store is to be a place where people feel welcome, hang out, grab a coffee and find unique gifts that you can’t find at Target.”
“Our goal here in the store is to be a place where people feel welcome, hang out, grab a coffee and find unique gifts that you can’t find at Target,” she said.
Stumler, specializing in kitchens, baths and commercial build-outs, also owns Stumler Design & Construction, which she described as a sister company to Stella’s.
“Our thought process behind opening a store is that we wanted a showroom for our design and renovation business,” she said. “We thought it would be nice to complement it with a retail store here in Floyds Knobs because there’s really nothing like that here.”
Stumler’s passion for her work traces back to her mother.
“As a kid, we moved around a lot. My mom would always make each place we were at feel like home. It’s always been important to me that whatever space I’m in or anytime I’m holding a client to really make that space about them and their lifestyle.”
“As a kid, we moved around a lot. My mom would always make each place we were at feel like home. It’s always been important to me that whatever space I’m in or anytime I’m holding a client to really make that space about them and their lifestyle,” she said.
In terms of the design side, Stumler has a place on her website to request a design consult, which includes a brief phone call to see if she and the client are a good fit. After that, there’s an in-home consultation.
“I will walk through and really let the clients talk and tell me what they love and don’t love, get to see their space, pick up on their styles, their problem areas, and then I come back and develop a design plan for them,” Stumler said.
Once Stumler has presented the plan, she sources everything for the clients — including materials, furniture, decor and accessories.
While she enjoys all of her projects, she said kitchens are probably her favorite.
“They’re the heart of the home. People spend most of their time in the kitchen,” she said. “Those are probably my favorite because they’re usually the biggest transformation.”
Stella’s showcases Stumler’s eclectic home design taste in each unique product, from throw pillows to art.
One of her favorite lines is Oak & Hive — a local farm in Salem that produces all of their own natural products, including pillow spray and lip balm. She also mentioned Ronaldo Jewelry, which is also local and makes for beautiful gifts.
One of her favorite lines is Oak & Hive — a local farm in Salem that produces all of their own natural products, including pillow spray and lip balm. She also mentioned Ronaldo Jewelry, which is also local and makes for beautiful gifts.
Regardless of what customers pick out, she hopes they have a wonderful experience when they visit.
“I hope we can bring a smile to their face, and they can feel seen, and they find something really cool to purchase,” she said.
Stumler’s favorite part of being in business so far has been meeting the community. While her husband was born and raised here, she has gotten to meet so many more people since opening up shop.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to get involved in the community and get to know different businesses. Building relationships and hopefully just bringing some fun to the area.”
“I’m looking forward to continuing to get involved in the community and get to know different businesses,” she said. “Building relationships and hopefully just bringing some fun to the area.”
One of her goals is to raise money for local charities through different sales. The first was in August with an End of Season Sale for Jacob’s Well.
She also has exciting new events coming up for the holiday season.
“Having a space that’s functional and comfortable and beautiful and that we enjoy really makes a difference,” she said. “I find fulfillment in helping people achieve that.” •
For up-to-date event info and to keep up with Stella’s, you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram or visit either of Stumler’s websites at stellas812.com or stumlerdc.com.
Story by Darian Decker
Photos by Michelle Hockman
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