Avenue Style
By Kristen Soles McCrackin | Photos courtesy of The Avenue
Erin Gilmer and Brandy Martin graduated from the University of Georgia in 2000 with degrees in furnishings and interiors and embarked on successful careers in interior design. However, they always dreamed of having their own storefront where they could offer the freshest designs and décor to customers.
After honing their craft during the next two decades, in 2021, they opened The Avenue, a home decor gift boutique and full-service interior design shop located at 468 North Milledge Avenue.
“After COVID-19 hit … we felt like it was a good time to try to have a brick-and-mortar [store] where we could showcase lighting and furniture and rugs and fabric samples and cabinetry, where people can come in and buy off the floor and not have to wait the extended lengths of time that they were having to at that period,” Gilmer says.
The Avenue carries a variety of items for the home including art and wall décor, linens, dishes, lighting, furniture, gifts and design services.
They are popular with brides, too. “We can consult if they’re interested in having a theme or design for their special day. We also offer a bridal registry for their guests and family members to shop from,” Gilmer explains.
For women preparing for a bridal registry, Martin offers this tip. “I think first and foremost, they really need to evaluate with their soon-to-be husband how they think they’re going to live.” It’s good for the couple to know if they plan to entertain a lot or be a cozy, chill kind of household. This will dictate the kinds of things for the registry.
The Avenue carries unique linens including Estelle glasses — colored, hand-blown glass from Poland. Gilmer notes that the glasses “have really taken off with the younger generation who like to mix the colors.”
They also started featuring Mariposa pewter frames and trays. These are engravable and can be used as gifts for bridesmaids, family or friends, or as home décor. They are stunning and functional.
If you’re not ready for marriage or homemaking, The Avenue is a wonderful place to pick up your favorite sorority gear! Martin says everything is Greek-licensed and she has worked hard to curate merchandise that is fun and distinctive. Visit the store and you’ll find gorgeous floral pillows, cute acrylic bookshelf letters, canvas paintings of the university’s sorority houses, and the most amazing item of all — the “rush prep pack.” Priced at $120, this bag has everything a sister or potential new member needs for recruitment!
It has sorority jerseys on the bag with all the different sorority Greek letters at UGA. The bags are filled with deodorant wipes, a handheld fan, blotting papers and mints. Gilmer chuckles as she shares the secret ingredient they include. “We get the biggest laugh, but everybody, every woman we talk to feels like it’s a necessity: emergency panties!”
The ladies at The Avenue are always dreaming up posh and elegant ways to outfit your home, office or residence hall room, and they have gift items that will make you the best friend ever!