Designing My New Home in Ann Arbor: Local Finds, Tips & Personal Touches

There’s something uniquely exciting about designing a new home—especially when that home is in a place as inspiring as Ann Arbor. Whether you’ve just landed here for a new job, returned after years away, or finally found your dream house nestled near the Huron River, furnishing and designing your space is your chance to build something beautiful and uniquely yours.

As someone who recently settled into a new place here, I wanted to share my favorite tips, go-to shops, and local gems that made the process feel less like a task and more like a love letter to my new hometown.

1. Start with a Sense of Place

Ann Arbor is a city that blends modern energy with old-soul charm. When designing your space, lean into that contrast. Think warm woods, layered textiles, local art, and cozy reading nooks that channel the vibe of Literati Bookstore or the comfort of your favorite local café. Let your home feel like it belongs here—not just anywhere.

2. Where to Shop for the Essentials (and the Extras)

If you’re sourcing locally, Ann Arbor has some standout spots:

🛋️ Found Gallery (Kerrytown)

A perfect mix of vintage and handmade items. Think hand-poured candles, Michigan-made ceramics, and the kind of throw pillows that add instant personality.

🪑 Three Chairs Co. (Downtown)

For modern, high-quality furniture that blends design with comfort. Great for investment pieces like sofas, office chairs, or dining sets that you’ll use every day.

🖼️ Ann Arbor Art Center

Support local artists while decorating your walls. This place has rotating exhibitions and a shop full of original prints, ceramics, and quirky gifts.

🪴 Downtown Home & Garden

A beloved staple for indoor plants, tools, kitchen gear, and beautiful garden essentials. It’s hard to leave without picking up something unexpected.

3. DIY + Thrift Finds = Character

If you’re into secondhand treasures, Ann Arbor has a vibrant vintage scene:

• Treasure Mart (Old West Side) – A delightful maze of secondhand furniture, art, and oddities. It’s one of those places where you never know what you’ll find—but you will find something.

• ReUse Center – Great for DIYers and home renovators. You can find everything from reclaimed wood to cabinet hardware to antique windows.

4. Local Tips That Helped Me

• Measure First, Shop Second. The old houses in Ann Arbor (especially near Burns Park or Water Hill) sometimes have quirky room dimensions. Knowing your space prevents a lot of returns.

• Incorporate Local Color. Ann Arbor goes all in on its seasons—rich golds in fall, snowy whites in winter, lush greens in summer. Use those tones as inspiration for each room’s palette.

• Design for Comfort First. This is a walkable, bike-friendly, sit-on-your-porch-with-a-coffee kind of town. Make sure your space is a place to slow down and enjoy—not just perform.

5. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

• Books from Literati or Dawn Treader – Nothing cozies up a room like a good stack of books (bonus points if they’re from local shops).

• Wall art or prints of Ann Arbor landmarks – Try Etsy or Redbubble for local artists, or visit Art Fair in July.

• Framed photos from your own A2 moments – A sunrise on the Huron, your first Zingerman’s sandwich, or a candid from the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.

Designing a home is more than just buying furniture—it's about creating a space that feels like you. And when you're doing that in a city as rich, creative, and welcoming as Ann Arbor, it’s easy to feel inspired. So light a candle, put on a playlist from WCBN, and let your home take shape—one thoughtful choice at a time.

Welcome home.

What are some of your favorite ways to make a new space feel like home—especially in a place as unique as Ann Arbor? Comment down below!