South End’s Reinvented Charlotte has some of the coolest art, locally produced furniture and refurbished antiques in the city.
The problem? They are not easy to find.
Located on the corner of Tryclan Drive and Tryclan Drive (yes, you read that right) and with an address listed as being on Dewitt Lane, you need a GPS and a little luck to find the place.
My best advice it to go to Red Clay Ciderworks and drive around slowly until you find it.
But trust me, this South End treasure hunt is worth it.
Owner Michael Lankford and manager Zack Spratt originally opened Reinvented Charlotte in NODA five years ago and relocated in March.
They loved talking about their large collection of one-of-a-kind furniture, but my main take-away is that they want people to know that they are much more than a furniture store.
I can see your eye roll from here. But it’s true. Reinvented Charlotte gives customers a ton of options when it comes to buying furniture. Here’s how it works:
1. You can buy a piece as-is.
Pretty simple.
2. You can buy a piece and then have it painted for the “painted” price on the tag.
They have several colors to choose from, but can do any other color for a small up-charge.
3. You can bring in your own furniture to be completely refinished and painted.
A normal-sized dresser would cost around $500, so bring in high-quality pieces, not your college Ikea shit.
I asked Michael his favorite item he has in store right now. His answer? A $1,300 green velvet couch. But he promises he will sell it and won’t keep it for himself.
Price points are reasonable.
Prices can range from $600 sofas and $200 chairs (ask for their Loft line) to $1,500 sofas and $600 chairs.
The art and tchotchkes depend on the artist, but the pieces I saw seemed very reasonable. And this is coming from someone who buys art at Home Goods.
If you want to be nosey, ask to see Charlotte Reinvented’s back room where they keep all the pieces they’re currently working on.
I think they need to start channeling their inner Maury Show and post “makeover” photos, but maybe that’s just me.
Now go have fun exploring your new favorite furniture/ antique/ restoration store. That is, if you can find it.
P.S. Someone please buy me this dresser.
You can find Reinvented Charlotte at 3530 Dewitt Lane, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday. Connect on Facebook and Instagram. Feature photo via Facebook.
