In South Eastern North Carolina, "Coastal Chic" is more than a design trend—it’s the regional uniform. But achieving that effortless balance of airy linens, reclaimed wood, and sea-glass hues requires knowing where to look.

Newcomers to New Hanover and Brunswick counties often default to big-box chains, ending up with interiors that feel generic. The real "insider" move is to curate your home from the locally owned boutiques that define our region’s aesthetic. Whether you are furnishing a vacation rental in Surf City or a primary residence in Landfall, here is your map to finding pieces with soul.

The High-End Curators: Lumina Station & Wrightsville Ave

If you are looking for investment pieces—the kind of sofa that anchors a room or art that sparks conversation—start here.

Paysage Home (Lumina Station): This is the gold standard for sophisticated coastal design. It’s less "seashells everywhere" and more "European texture meets Southern coast." It is the go-to for buyers in Wrightsville Beach looking for elegance.

Big Sky Design (Oleander Dr): A design firm with a retail front that offers a "shop the look" experience. Their aesthetic perfectly captures the "soft coastal" palette—think muted teals, sandy beiges, and organic textures.

Crabby Chic (Oleander Dr): Don’t let the playful name fool you. This shop is a powerhouse for "cottage luxury," offering everything from custom upholstery to the perfect lamp that ties a room together.

The Vintage Hunt: Castle Street Arts District

For the buyer who wants a home with character rather than a catalog look, the Castle Street Arts District in downtown Wilmington is non-negotiable.

The Vibe: This is where you find the mid-century modern credenza or the antique farm table that gives a new construction home a sense of history.

The Strategy: Park the car and walk. Shops here rotate inventory weekly. It’s perfect for finding that one unique statement piece that makes your Historic District bungalow feel authentic.

The Southport Stroll: N. Howe Street

In Brunswick County, shopping is a slower, more deliberate experience. Southport’s N. Howe Street is lined with boutiques that specialize in the "coastal cottage" vibe.

Mad River: A favorite for locals. They nail the "river-to-ocean" aesthetic, offering goods that feel curated rather than mass-produced. It is an essential stop for anyone furnishing a home in St. James or Oak Island.

Made New Interiors: Excellent for those finishing touches—custom cabinetry, lighting, and textiles that soften a room.

The Northern Corridor: Hampstead & Surf City

As you move up Highway 17 into Pender County, the options shift toward functional, relaxed living.

Coastal Home Store (Surf City): Formerly in Hampstead, this showroom is a favorite for its philosophy of "Purpose Over Purchase." They specialize in furniture that stands up to the reality of sand, salt, and guests—a must for Topsail Island rental owners.

DDT Outlet (Hampstead): The local secret for outdoor furniture. If you are outfitting a deck in Scotts Hill to handle the salt air, this is where you get poly-lumber furniture that won’t rot after one season.

The "Southern Charm" of Ocean Isle

Further south in Ocean Isle Beach, the aesthetic becomes even more relaxed.

Coastal House: A staple for that classic, breezy beach house look. If you just closed on a condo in Ocean Isle or Holden Beach, this is where you go to get "rental ready" quickly with stylish, durable decor.

Your Next Step

A house becomes a home when the interior reflects the lifestyle you moved here for. You don't need a degree in design; you just need to know where the locals shop.

Aspyre Realty Group are experts in listening to your vision—whether it’s a modern beach retreat or a traditional Southern estate—and guiding you to the neighborhoods (and the resources) that make that vision a reality. Let’s find the perfect canvas for your coastal life.