John Krenek and Jamie Niblock packed up Spruce Design and Decor three years ago and moved from High Falls to Rhinebeck. Just as they had hoped, greater visibility made for even greater success. Loyal customers followed them, and new ones turned up each day.
“Our specialty is mid-century modern, and there was absolutely nothing like that in Rhinebeck,” Krenek said. “We have a very strong identity, and that’s the reason clients keep coming back time and time again.”
After three short years in Rhinebeck, Krenek and Niblock decided it was time to add a second location in historic and increasingly lively uptown Kingston. Just as the 2015 holiday season began, exit nineteen opened its doors.
“That exit on the thruway is where somany people turn off to continue their journey to their upstate homes, whether in Hurley, Woodstock, Phoenicia, or beyond,” said Krenek. “Kingston is also where more and more people are buying homes, moving their families, and starting businesses. It has a wonderful buzz going on in the Stockade.”
The designers, whose work has been featured in Elle Design and Decor, Interior Design, and New York Home, have superb taste that includes West German pottery, Italian lamps, and countless eclectic pieces with incredible style. Delighted to have more space at exit nineteen to fill with beautiful things, the duo expanded their vision while staying true to their core.
“Even though the name is different, clients who know Spruce Design and Decor immediately know that there is some relationship to exit nineteen,” said Niblock. “It has our design sensibility written all over it.”
“Kingston is where more and more people are buying homes, moving their families, and starting businesses. It has a wonderful buzz going on in the Stockade.”
The store features four distinct sections: “Asian modern,” “country cabin,” “mid-century modern,” and a large area offering anything needed to throw a flawless cocktail or dinner party. There are also great gifts and products made locally. “We love supporting local artisans and promoting what they create,” Krenek said. “Right now we’re featuring Wishbone Letterpress greeting cards, Boneshaker hoodies and t-shirts, Mystic Memory cutting boards, and Lark Practical leather key chains, bracelets, and card holders.”
“People who reside upstate, even if only for two or three days a week, feel a strong sense of belonging here,” added Niblock. “The concept of shopping locally is important to them and works especially well when they can find fantastic merchandise up here at better prices.” Locals, weekenders, and chance visitors alike are enchanted by merchandise sold at both the Spruce Design and Decor and exit nineteen locations.
“The holiday season was a bit overwhelming,” Niblock admitted. “We were frantically reordering gift items to keep up with the demand. At times, we were like Lucy and Ethel at the chocolate factory; we couldn’t move fast enough. It was so much fun.”
Originally from Texas and Westchester,the pair became Hudson Valley homeowners 14 years ago. As it turns out, the place they fell in love with is a dandy place to do business, attracting both local folk and city dwellers.
“We love supporting local artisans and promoting what they create.”
“City customers walk in and are pleasantly surprised,” Krenek said. “A lot of them become repeat customers and make the drive upstate just to shop with us.”
Niblock and Krenek have also recently begun selling furniture on 1stdibs.com, an online market dedicated to “the most beautiful things on Earth.”
The team also offers design services and consulting tailored to fit clients’ dreams and budgets. “Getting to know a client, learning how they live now and how they see themselves living, is imperative,” Niblock added. “Once a course is set, we encourage our clients to be involved as much as they wish and to contribute their thoughts on every selection.”
Krenek and Niblock, both spending time in New York City Monday through Wednesday to work with clients, shop showrooms, and source materials, said the rest of their week is dedicated to their stores in Rhinebeck and Kingston.
“Even when we go on vacation we tend to go places where we can be inspired,” said Krenek. “Whether it’s shopping the Paris flea markets, navigating the winding streets of Marrakesh, or simply taking a trip to Palm Springs, our minds are like sponges taking it all in.”
EXIT NINETEEN
309 WALL STREET
KINGSTON 845-514-2485
SPRUCE DESIGN + DECOR
20 WEST MARKET STREET
RHINEBECK 845.876.5864
SPRUCEDESIGNDECOR.COM
