Rococo Rionel

814 West Ave
Lenoir, NC 28645
Phone: 828-754-7754

Rococo Rionel is a local, family-owned business. Our store has two full floors of beautiful home décor accessories and unique gift items. The business carries a variety of items, from furniture to lamps, dishes, glassware, vases, statues, clocks, pillows, candles, food items, etc. We try and display our items in a way that gives our customers ideas of how to use accessories in a new way or to incorporate a new look with their existing décor.

We, as a family, wanted to open a home décor retail store for years, but did not know where we should locate the business. While strolling through downtown Lenoir one Sunday, we saw a building in need of renovation that we knew would be the perfect spot. Although the building was not for sale, our realtor contacted the out-of-town owner, and he agreed to sell the building.

We immediately started researching the history of the building and learned it was one of the oldest remaining retail buildings in Lenoir. It was built in 1879 by M. M. Courtney, a local business owner, who operated a mercantile store in the building for several years.

When we purchased the building it was in disrepair and in dire need of updating and renovating. We worked on the building for over a year before it was ready to open for business. The exterior looks much like it did when the front was renovated by the Courtney family in 1907. We rebuilt the first floor staircase to match its original glory and design features. We added arches, columns, and gorgeous architectural features throughout the building.

Frequently, our customers ask us how we got our name. Rococo is a style of art, especially architecture and decorative art, that is marked by elaborate ornamentation, whimsy, and fun - in other words, not dull and plain. This matched our motto "If it's worth doing, it's worth over doing". We think that defines our design style and hopefully what our customers will enjoy as well. Rionel is simply Lenoir spelled backwards. Since we are from the area and believe in the city, we thought it fitting that we include it as part of our name.

When you are in Lenoir, please stop by and visit our lovely store. We would enjoy showing your our gorgeous home décor and gift items, telling you about the history of the building, and showing you the many renovations we have completed.