Design for a cause: Pop-up shop raises funds to furnish homes for struggling families

One of Dallas’ most unique home decor sales is about to begin. On Aug. 28, distinctively designed rooms of alluring furnishings will go on sale starting at 60 percent off retail prices. Even better, the event is for a good cause.

The annual Dwell With Dignity Thrift Studio showcases the talent of interior designers to benefit families who struggle to find affordable living spaces and furnishings. Founded in 2011, the event has raised $3.8 million. This past spring, an online auction, Thrift Studio Live, contributed $50,000, while the studio pop-up shop is expected to raise another $200,000. A VIP preview party will add to that total.

Supported by 1,300 volunteers, Dwell With Dignity provides new furniture, interior design expertise and elbow grease to help local families get settled in new homes. Through 2020, 190 families and charitable partners will have received donated furnishings and design services.

“The goal is to provide a foundation for a family by creating a space where they can feel warm, welcome and safe,” says Ashley Sharp, executive director of Dwell With Dignity.

The Thrift Studio features eight vignettes curated by local interior designers with donated merchandise from well-known home decor brands, manufacturer showrooms, show homes and artists. All furnishings are for sale.

Located in a 12,000-square-foot donated space in the Dallas Design District, the venue is staffed by 10 volunteers who manage sales and replenish the decor. Each room setting displays $35,000 of home furnishings.

“We let the designers completely decide what they want to do,” Sharp says. “The amount of care they put into each vignette is staggering.”

Details

When: Aug. 28 to Sept. 26 (excluding Labor Day on Sept. 7) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Where: The International on Turtle Creek, 150 Turtle Creek Blvd., Suite 209A

Admission: Free

Preview party: A preview party will be held for sponsors Aug. 26 and for the public on Aug. 27. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased through thriftstudio.com.

Safety: Dwell With Dignity will observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus guidelines regarding the safety of hosting gatherings.