Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Even from the outside, The Designing Block (7735 Clayton, 314-721-4224, thedesigningblock.net) makes a statement. “Your husband called,” reads the sign on the door. “He said you could buy anything you want.” Inside, the irreverence continues with pink flamingo napkin rings ($40), statement jewelry from Andie K ($125 to $500), winking purses ($38 to $62), mirrored tables, and striped couches.
“It’s eclectic,” says owner Susan Block, who greets most of her customers by name. “It’s kind of like an old general store.”
Block started the store on a whim. In 1995, she saw a building for rent on Clayton Road and decided to buy it. She went home and called her husband, who was away on business, and told him her plan. “He said, ‘When did you come up with this idea?’” Block recalls. “I said, ‘This afternoon.’” Block already had a small store, a rented room in an antique shop, but she’d only opened it to be able to buy some china lines that required a storefront.
When The Designing Block opened up a few months later, a friend came in asking whether Block would sell his recently deceased aunt’s furniture on consignment. She agreed, and the merchandise filled the store. “I sold old Ladue stuff for a long time,” she says.
Not anymore. Today, the vibrant store is a reflection of Block’s spontaneity. She recently introduced St. Louis to Hot Girls Pearls, a line of oversize beads that women can freeze and wear to cool down. They caught on during last summer’s heat wave. Block insists that visitors sit in a supple, light-green leather armchair from Maitland-Smith ($2,210). She points out that the sunburst surrounding a nearby mirror ($750) is actually made of No. 2 pencils.
“It’s one of those stores where you have to look,” says Block. “You can’t just glance.”
Customers who need design help can hire Block or a member of her team. The shop also does custom decor, such as furniture, drapery—even china.
“It’s really all about finding a statement for you and your home,” says Block. “We just want people to have fun here.”
