An Interior Design Firm’s New Downtown Truckee Location
Retail merchant High Camp Home settles into a new property a few doors down from its old design headquarters
The space itself has been used for a number of different businesses, from a spiritual retreat to a clothing store. “It’s known for being a quirky spot,” says Vincent. | Photography by Kat Alves
What began as a home-staging company has since become one of the longest-standing design firms in the greater Lake Tahoe area. High Camp Home’s founder and lead designer, Diana Vincent, feels at home in her new downtown Truckee, California, storefront, steps away from her previous showroom.
A pair of geometric glass decanters sit on display at the High Camp Home showroom. In staggered heights, the angular, smoked glass bottles are adorned with faceted, gemstone-inspired stoppers in antique brass.
Vincent always had an eye on the neighboring property and quickly purchased the building when it hit the market last September. After a two-month redesign, the storefront opened for business, with retail on the ground floor and the interior design firm upstairs. High Camp Home welcomed its first Tahoe showroom in 2002 with the announcement of a retail expansion. “I didn’t know a thing about retail when we started,” says Vincent, “but the shopping experience paired so naturally with the design element.” Now 20 years later, the successful showroom acts as a one-stop shop for home décor and design.
Retail products sold on the first floor are neatly arranged throughout the space. Home goods, jewelry, books, art and more are available for immediate purchase.
Downsizing was a fundamental push to swap storefronts. Instead of continuing to sell large furniture pieces in-house, the team pivoted to displaying smaller home goods. Vincent found that housing large furniture items like sofas and chairs wasn’t ideal in a ski town. “We skinnied the storefront back to smalls so travelers and locals alike could easily shop transportable gifts,” says Vincent. Available products include home goods, clothing and jewelry. But the offerings continue beyond “smalls”: Clients interested in large furniture can shop the inventory online or custom order their dream pieces.
Upstairs, the interior design firm’s headquarters acts as a space for brainstorming ideas with clients.
Inside, wood floors, white walls and natural stone accents combine to create a clean-lined space. Upstairs in the interior design firm’s headquarters, overhead beams draw eyes upward and large windows let in the natural light. A grand conference room table extends the room’s length for ample workspace.
Malibu-based jewelry designer Dana Martell brings an eclectic mix to her work with peyote stitch and Japanese sea glass bracelets.
“Over the years, High Camp Home’s design firm has shifted from rustic to Mountain Modern design, and the new space amplifies that idea,” says Vincent. The founder employs the idea that trends are cyclical. Old resurging design elements are transformed into more modern styles, much like the makeover of the showroom.
Actual bison skulls collected from ranches in the West are on display. Five layers of paint, metal leafing and sealants are used to gild the skulls.
Architecturally speaking, the property could be mistaken for a residential home, which Vincent argues is beneficial. Neighboring a real estate company, a luxury children’s clothing store and a chocolatier, High Camp Home resides in a heavily foot-trafficked area.
A private office is fitted with samples for in-person consultations.
Passersby comment on the beauty of the building. “It’s the kind of place that clients enjoy having a glass of wine in,” says Vincent. With plans to host clients and community events at the showroom, Vincent is excited to decorate the front patio come spring.
Nordic kitchen stoneware is the essence of Scandinavian design. The simple and stylish black adds a rustic look to match the Scandi, easy-going lifestyle. Enamelware comes in a range of sizes.
