Nature indoors

Is your home’s aesthetic in need of a spring style tuneup? 

Look no further than the swoon-worthy, design-forward home and garden decor at The Shop at Cleveland Stone Co.

Run by Vicki Heyman, who went to the national buying market in January to do her trend-watching, this charming boutique is the kind of place where you’ll find that perfect “I didn’t know I needed it but now I have to have it” statement piece.

“The top trend we’re seeing is a return to organic elements,” she says. “Natural wood, stone, textures that bring the outdoors in. It’s all part of biophilic design—creating spaces that feel connected to nature.”

An example of that is her expanded lake-inspired section of the store, with everything from gnarly driftwood lamps to seagrass handbags, beach sculptures, pillows and more to transform any home into a beloved lake house. 

A Nod to History

Cleveland Stone Co. has a rich history dating back to 1868 and has built important statues all over the country from quarried Berea sandstone.

Here in the CLE, look no further than the eight Guardians of Traffic statues bookending the Hope Memorial Bridge downtown.

The company’s staff of designers, artists and craftsmen takes history seriously, and this year has introduced glorious 4-foot garden statue replicas of the Guardians. 

“They have become popular with people looking for a ‘wow’ factor to elevate their patios and gardens,” says Vicki.

Bunnies, Bunnies, Everywhere

Fair warning, Vicki has a bit of “bunny fever”—and it’s contagious. You’ll find everything from medium- to large-sized bunny sculptures, napkins, table linens and precious needlepoint pillows.

An inviting pergola sits grandly in the center of the boutique, where all the garden-themed goodies await—indoor and outdoor furniture, pillows, tables, arrangements, giant hanging topiaries and garden-inspired items. 

Also in springtime mode, she has orchestrated a plethora of high-end silk florals that are any designer’s dream (hello, wisteria and forsythia).

For the Bourbon Lover 

A crowd favorite at the store is the bourbon/whiskey section.

“We offer clever signage to punctuate any man cave, diamond-studded decanters, barware, even whiskey-soaked toothpicks, perfect for anyone who loves a good pour,” she says.

If it’s authenticity you’re looking for, check out the wall-mounted shelves crafted from the tops of old whiskey barrels.

One product she says has been flying off the shelf is a line of artisanal, handcrafted cocktail infusions of dehydrated fruits and spices in glass jars. 

“You just pour your bourbon over it and store it in the fridge until it’s incredibly delicious,” says Vicki, who admits to being a bourbon aficionado.

This year, Vicki has also introduced a golf-themed collection of products that are already selling out, from drinkware, to charcuterie boards, purses, pillows, even ice cube trays in the shape of golf balls.

“Book lovers and history buffs enjoy our shelves of fascinating books, historic artifacts and book ends,” she says. “I’ve also put together an array of jewelry from eclectic artists.”

Perched overlooking the Vermilion River, the shop is a quick detour less than 2 miles north of Route 2. Plan a visit that feels like a destination but is only a half-hour jog west of Cleveland. Why not catch the Chocolate and Wine Walk on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.? It’s an afternoon of shopping, dining and sampling chocolate and wine. Whenever you plan your retail getaway, make sure to leave extra room in your trunk.

The Shop at Cleveland Stone Co.

850 W. River Road, Vermilion

440-963-4008 

TheShopatClevelandStone.com