Shop Spotlight

Shop Spotlight: The Victorian Atlanta

Feb 17, 2025

Credits: @thevictorianatlanta

At LBE Design, we love partnering with creative and inspiring local businesses, and The Victorian Atlanta is no exception. Founded by Libby and Cary, The Victorian Atlanta has become a beloved destination for rare plants, handmade pottery, and unique spaces—complete with coffee at their East Atlanta Village shop and cocktails at Burle’s Bar in Old Fourth Ward. We’re excited to learn more about their journey and what keeps them growing.

You manage two locations in Atlanta, each with a unique concept—coffee at East Atlanta Village and cocktails at Old Fourth Ward. What inspired you to create these distinct spaces, and how do you balance managing both on a typical day? How do these concepts enhance The Victorian's customer experience?

From the beginning, we envisioned The Victorian as more than just a retail space—we wanted to add a coffee shop to create an additional layer of interest and appeal. Our partnership with Bellwood Coffee at the East Atlanta location has been incredibly well-received, so we were excited to bring a similar yet distinct concept to our new Fourth Ward space. Hospitality plays a key role in both locations, helping us create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Retail alone can sometimes feel static, but incorporating a hospitality element has made a significant difference, turning our spaces into dynamic, engaging destinations. Managing both locations in a given day can be challenging but luckily we have an amazing team at Burle's and The Victorian who help relieve a lot of the burden.

Credits: @thevictorianatlanta

Burle’s Bar is such an exciting addition to your Old Fourth Ward location. Can you tell us more about how this concept came to life and how it complements the plant shop experience?

We’re thrilled with the warm reception Burle’s Bar has received from our community. Inspired by the renowned Brazilian landscape architect and artist Roberto Burle Marx, we envisioned the space as a cozy cocktail lounge that reflects his influence on tropical design. Every detail, from the furniture to the overall aesthetic, pays homage to his iconic style. We were also fortunate to partner with our talented Beverage Director, Andrew Selvagn, who has brought our cocktail vision to life with perfection. Once again, the hospitality element plays a vital role, transforming the space into a lively hub for events, workshops, and meaningful connections.

Credits: @thevictorianatlanta

How do you approach curating plants and ceramics for The Victorian Atlanta? What makes a piece stand out, especially when working with local and national artists?

This is a tough question to answer because so much of what we curate comes directly from my own personal taste—since day one, I’ve focused on selecting items I’d love to have in my own home. That said, we’ve recently started expanding our approach, incorporating additional color palettes and styles based on customer feedback. Our focus remains on quality and unique designs, and we’re always on the lookout for new local ceramic artists to feature in our collection.

Credits: @thevictorianatlanta

With two different store locations, how do the customer experiences differ between East Atlanta Village and Old Fourth Ward?

The vibes at our two shops are quite distinct. East Atlanta has a cozy, neighborhood feel that attracts intentional shoppers, while Old Fourth Ward, located right off the Beltline, tends to have a more touristy energy. This year, we’ve decided to curate specific color palettes for each store to create a subtle distinction between them. It’s our way of giving each shop its own unique identity and ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience for our customers.

Credits: @thevictorianatlanta

What role do you think local businesses like yours play in building community in Atlanta?

Small businesses like ours play a vital role in fostering diversity and character within the communities they serve. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible customers—some who have been with us since the very beginning. Now more than ever, it’s essential for people to support small businesses and choose to shop with those that reflect their values. This kind of support not only helps local businesses thrive but also strengthens the community as a whole.

Credits: @thevictorianatlanta

Do you have a go-to LBE Design product that resonates with your customers?

The Round Two planter has always been a personal favorite of mine - and a customer favorite too. Its timeless shape and versatile color palette make it a great go to piece!