Finding Their Home: Home at Last

By Lisa Loewen
Photos by Brian Peters

Before the doors opened at Home at Last’s new space inside West Ridge Mall, a question drove every decision: “What if designing your home didn’t feel overwhelming, but inspiring and fun?”

For owner Tammy Thiessen, that question has been years in the making. As the founder of Thiessen Design + Construction, which she launched in 2018, she has spent her career helping families redesign their homes: transforming kitchens, reworking layouts and building spaces based on how people live. The company pairs her interior design background with the construction expertise of her brother and general contractor Daniel Carlson, offering clients a single point of contact from concept to completion.

But Tammy said that over time she noticed something was missing.

“We work to create amazing spaces, but I realized that the heart and personality of a room are found in the soft pieces: furniture, lighting, rugs and décor,” Tammy said. “So, to serve people well, deliver warmth and make their space feel whole, we needed to offer all those things.”

THE MISSING PIECE

That realization led her to Home at Last, where she quickly became the store’s largest client. When the previous owner was offered a role with CR Laine, one of the furniture manufacturers represented in the store, he needed to sell, and without a buyer, the store would have closed. Tammy bought it.

“It was the missing piece I was already building toward,” she said.

The purchase was a family effort. Tammy’s husband, Brett Thiessen, who had previously worked in corporate management, stepped in to handle the operations side of the business.

The store has since relocated to West Ridge Mall, with the help of a new addition to the team. Ash Schmidt, head of brand and experience, joined ahead of the move and played a key role in the new space’s grand opening. Ash has a background in marketing, creative direction and visual aesthetics.

“When I bought the store, I knew my dreams were bigger than my bandwidth,” Tammy said. “I have no doubt Ash will help me execute my vision.”

The storefront’s striped awnings, welcoming entry and stone planters are designed to make the space feel more like a home than a business.

Inside, the space is arranged in vignettes — complete living environments with fireplaces, built-ins, sofas and layered textures — so customers can see how pieces work together.

“That’s where most people get stuck,” Tammy said. “People aren’t just buying a sofa or a rug. They’re trying to figure out how everything works together, and that’s the overwhelming part.”

THE SIT TEST

The process typically starts with a conversation about how a space is used, such as for relaxing, hosting or everyday living. From there, clients visit the showroom for what Tammy calls a “sit test”: a guided session where they can compare styles and narrow down options for their space. All furniture in the store is customizable, with an extensive selection of upholstery fabrics available.

Next, the team presents a proposal. Once selections are finalized, the process moves from ordering to delivery and installation. On styling day, the Home at Last team arranges furniture and layers décor, then steps away.

Clients live in the space for a few days, deciding which finishing touches work best. Anything they don’t love is removed.

“We want people to feel confident in their home,” Tammy said. “Not pressured.”

Tammy and her team travel to market each year, personally testing furniture, evaluating materials and selecting pieces based on aesthetics and durability.

“We go to market to find the highest quality, on-trend, functional and stylish pieces for the store,” Tammy said. “We sit on every piece of furniture, look at wood finishes and feel fabrics to make sure we select items that are durable enough to work for families in real life. And if a customer wants something we don’t have in store, we will go on a hunt for that as well.”

The store also curates a collection of décor and gift items, from kitchen essentials and barware to greeting cards and seasonal finds. It also stocks Pura fragrances, Nora Fleming collectibles and Geometry towels, which now include bath towels, tablecloths and beach towels in addition to the kitchen line.

For many in Topeka, the mall holds years of memories. Now, it’s part of a broader revitalization effort.

“Being part of bringing life back into a space where so many people have special memories means so much,” Ash said. “We look forward to expanding our offerings and giving back to the community in a way that gives them a place to spend time together.”