The industrial architecture of a former foundry building in the Westside Design District of Atlanta creates a stunning framework for Dixon Rye. An interior design and homeware shop founded in 2015 by Savannah College of Art & Design trained interior designer, Bradley Odom, that mixes classic forms with modern details.

"Long before we settled on the name, we always knew how we wanted Dixon Rye to feel: Southern, but not hokey. Storied, but not cliché. Masculine and gentle. Above all, intriguing."

Why did you chose the name Dixon Rye? Long before we settled on the name, we always knew how we wanted Dixon Rye to feel: Southern, but not hokey. Storied, but not cliché. Masculine and gentle. Above all, intriguing. Dixon was taken from the line drawn around the South. Rye was inspired by Salinger’s classic novel, or whiskey. depending on who you ask. We wanted a brand that sounded personal and familiar, like an old friend. Today, visitors always ask, “So, which one of you is Dixon Rye?”

What is Dixon Rye best known for? Our masterfully mixed and expertly envisioned assortment and merchandising. We believe shopping today should be an experience—a memorable one. We love to mix found items, such as our Tadelakt pottery, made in Morocco, with our custom crafted Upholstery.

What are the Dixon Rye “must-haves”? Our Moroccan pottery, I especially love the Chemistry vase and The Dixon Rye lamp made from Moroccan pottery. The Carmel sofa in a luxurious mohair and some Alpaca pillows, and The Boyd dining chair.

Where do you source and make products? All over, all of our upholstery is made in High Point, NC. We source items from South Africa, the Paris Flea Market, Belgium and sometimes even right down the street.

What makes your Dixon Rye unique? We always present the store with an element of surprise. Sometimes that’s a cashwrap display that wow’s or a entry vignette that you can’t forget.

Who are Dixon Rye’s customers? We’re working hard to have an assortment of accessible price points for everyone. We want to be your destination for heirloom quality upholstery but also a last minute hostess gift. Also anyone looking to be inspired or own something unique that isn’t found around the next corner.

How has the internet impacted your business? A few years ago we launched dixonrye.com and it’s been very successful. We have a ways to go in regard to making upholstery immediately available, but it’s a goal. With the web, we’ve attracted customers from all over the country.

Bradley Odom, shopkeeper at Dixon Rye

Who inspires you? Entrepreneurs and visionaries of all sorts. I love what Grant Trick is doing in Birmingham, AL; Michelle Quan in Brooklyn; Daniel Wingate in Fashion. Have an idea and follow your dream and I’m in.

What inspires you? I’m always inspired by tactile items — tree bark from Ugandan trees, Alpaca wools, Berber etc.

Before I was a shopkeeper …. I have always been a shopkeeper it just took me a while to figure out that I should be doing for myself and not some of the larger brands I’ve worked for like West Elm and J. Crew.

What motivated you to open Dixon Rye? I love products and design. With the shop I’m able to do both—through the shop and through our design business. I’m a curator and editor at heart.

Your favorite thing about owning an independent shop? Having my hands in all things. That I get to have my hands in all things creative: sourcing, designing, buying, merchandising, marketing, and yes, even a little finance. I’m grateful to have a team of people who are creative, inspiring and never settle for mediocre.

Your advice for anyone wanting to open a shop? Sweep your own stoop, clean your toilets and vacuum your own floors—for at least as long as you have to. You figure out how to make it work and sometimes that means doing things you wouldn’t want to do.

What are your favorite shops? The B shop inside Bergdorf Goodman, Astier de Villatte in Paris, Plain English Kitchens and Démodé , Paris.