SHOP TALK

After a successful pop-up, the SWOON team is moving in.

At the end of last year, local interior design firm SWOON, the Studio, set up shop at The Joule with a temporary pop-up showcasing their edit of ceramics, housewares, gifts, and one-of-a-kind art pieces. And the artful crowd went wild. 

Now the team is moving into The Joule full time. To meet the new neighbors, we brought over a tray of brownies and chatted with Christine Visneau, their Chief Curation Officer about shiny things and retail joy. 

What inspired the launch of the store?

At SWOON, we've spent nearly 15 years bringing meaningful brands, beautiful interiors, and retail shops to life for our amazing clients. Along the way, our love for design and curation has grown into Shop SWOON—a place to share the incredible objects we discover on our sourcing journeys.

How do you like to describe the curation and buy?

Thoughtful and instinctive, always on the hunt—vintage shops, trade vendors, auctions, and artisan collaborations—for pieces that are beautifully made, functional, and full of character. If we can’t stop thinking about it, we know it belongs in the shop. Our gallery is a key focus, dedicated to fostering new collections and supporting rising artists with a dynamic mix of sculpture, prints, mixed media, painting, and photography.

Many of the pieces you’ve gathered are rare and one-of-ones… what are you particularly excited about?

The Ikebana Still Life series, shot by PS Swoon and styled by our founder Sam Sano and her partner Joslyn Taylor, is a real standout. It’s so special when we get to collaborate as a studio and bring unique pieces to life. That’s the cool thing about our studio—everyone brings their own creativity, and together we create something truly special.

Most unexpected item?

The shimmery metallic, ribbed silk socks from Italy.

Cult-item your team is obsessed with?

The rainbow stick! Sam discovered these years ago, and it was one of the first purchases for our shop.

How often will new items be arriving in the shop? Are there seasonal shifts?

Since our shop ethos is inspired by our projects and things we truly love, our edit happens constantly. We’re always sourcing and shopping, so we’re consistently adding new products—there’s no set schedule, just a continual flow of fresh finds.

Where do you think retail is headed in 2025?

Retail is shifting toward being more detail-oriented and experience-driven. Customers want to engage with shops in a way that connects them to the story—whether online or in person. From a curated collection of goods to the way the store smells, every aspect is so important. Customers are looking to understand the narrative and feel like part of what you’re sharing. It’s all about fostering meaningful connections at every touchpoint.

What are you interested in exploring?

We’re eager to deepen our connections with our customers and the designers we collaborate with. Ultimately, it’s all about building strong relationships and supporting each other’s creative endeavors.

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The Details: Shop SWOON, 1511 Commerce Street inside The Joule. Tuesday–Sunday, 10am-5pm. Complimentary valet up to two hours.