I had the opportunity to visit the Industrial Cottage in Downtown Norfolk recently and let me tell you: it blew me away! I’m super pumped to feature them as the first small business in this brand new blog series!

It was May 2020 when I connected with this beautiful furniture and decor warehouse-meets-showroom and the even more beautiful people in it. That meeting was all thanks to Sam of Swank Surroundings who has a delightful room in The Industrial Cottage (definitely check it out when you visit or head over to her website for a look-see!). Sam connected me with The Industrial Cottage and recommended I head on over to see her room and everything else the IC had to offer.

On my visit to their warehouse on Church Street, I was met by Molly, the “boss” and creative inspiration behind it all. Molly’s story started in 2005 when she began sewing high-end baby bedding and custom slipcovers. When the recession hit in 2007, she scaled down. Moving to Virginia Beach in 2008, Molly eventually discovered furniture, and Downtown Norfolk is so much the better for it!

Inspiring on so many levels

Molly is the best kind of inspiring. Not only have her and husband Quentin turned a hobby into a brick-and-mortar store, but together they’ve fostered and adopted several kids to join their family! Molly’s zest for life shines through in her beautiful works of art: reclaimed vintage furniture that she lovingly infuses with style and grace. I wanted all the things for the house I don’t yet have!

“Don’t throw away the past to move into your future”

The Industrial Cottage is driven by the motto ‘don’t throw away the past to move into your future’. Molly takes furniture from past decades, (and your grandmother’s attic!) and gives them a whole new look: sand and repaint, new hardware, upholstery, bases…and so much more! Whatever facelift is needed, each piece is custom designed and completely unique. “Why buy box store particle-board furniture when there are stunning pieces with vibrant souls just waiting to be uncovered!?”

Meet Sarah, the style expert!

Partnering with Sarah from Glass House Designs, The Industrial Cottage showcases these beautifully refurbished pieces in stylish arrangements. I was so happy to see this interior design master at work: Sarah truly is a dynamo! When I went to photograph The Industrial Cottage, she zoomed around the store collecting décor, plants and pillows and immaculately staged the furniture I wanted to capture. It was such a pleasure working with Sarah, who is so talented at taking a rough idea and making it a reality. You can see more of her great work on her instagram page!

Supporting the community & other Hampton Roads vendors

This red-brick ‘cottage’ situated just outside of Ghent, not only houses Molly’s creations, but a host of other Hampton Roads vendors. Renting out rooms within their space, The Industrial Cottage supports local entrepreneurs by showcasing their work. With everything from furniture to decor, accessories to pre-loved pieces, every square foot is a feast for the eyes and soul! I just love how community-spirited The Industrial Cottage is: also giving back through the annual Chair-ity Auction. Proceeds from this event helps to provide goods and furniture to those in crisis in the Northern Virginia area.

It was a huge pleasure working with these lovely ladies and the stunning space that is The Industrial Cottage. Capturing their passion, the elegant pieces and the light streaming through the windows in the red-brick warehouse was an absolute joy. If you’re looking for a wonderful something to do when you’re in downtown Norfolk, pop on over to The Industrial Cottage for some vintage vibes. Who knows? You may fall in love with it just as I did!

The perfect pairing for custom furniture is custom photography! Did you know I design each session around your home space and decor? Pop over to the Art for Your Home page to see how we can work together to match our stunning products to your style and furniture.

Click here to inquire about Personal Branding Photography for your own small business.

Click here to find out more about custom photography experience & the fine art products I offer.