Two Sisters, One Vision | Urban Meadow
By JENNIFER LECLAIR | Photos by BRIAN PETERS
Urban Meadow, the newest home décor shop in the NOTO Arts District, features a mix of midcentury modern furniture, antique art and smaller decorative pieces. Every piece has space to breathe, making it easy to spot that perfect vintage lamp or unexpected decorative find.
Co-owner Kim Herring has filled the shop with refurbished furniture alongside framed prints, ceramics and other home accessories. For Kim, the goal is helping customers find pieces they’ll actually use and love.
“It’s a space built on intention, beauty and belonging,” Kim said. “I curate pieces that aren’t just décor. They are invitations to slow down, breathe in beauty and feel at home.”
SISTERS IN DESIGN
Kim, who co-owns the shop with her sister Katie Metzger, says that opening a business together had been their goal for more than 20 years. Both sisters have enjoyed successful careers as therapists, and Katie is still a practicing therapist for children and families.
Together, they say their goal for the shop is to provide the same welcoming environment they’ve valued in their work as therapists: a place to be greeted with warmth, kindness and the freedom to be true to oneself.
While both sisters contribute to Urban Meadow’s look and feel, they agree their different design preferences are what give the store a universal appeal. Kim focuses on beautiful, signature furniture and home décor pieces that set a distinct tone, while Katie gravitates toward handmade jewelry, artisan candles and eco-friendly accents that add thoughtful details and a finishing touch.
“We try to be very mindful of the things we want to bring in,” Katie said. “Not only do we like to provide unique items that you won’t find in just any box store, but we love carrying items that are sustainably sourced, and we love supporting women-owned businesses.”
According to Kim and Katie, the way the shop makes its customers feel is every bit as important as the items on its shelves. They both stress the importance of creating a sense of belonging for their customers, and that begins from the moment they enter.
Urban Meadow is filled with soft textures, bountiful natural light and earthy colors, and its name is meant to suggest an oasis within a vibrant, bustling community. If you ask the sisters, NOTO was the perfect place for their shop for that very reason. Topeka’s popular arts and entertainment district provides a supportive community and an opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists and shop owners.
“We want our customers to be able to explore at their own pace,” Kim said. “Whether they want to take a quiet moment to browse or if they’re in the mood to visit, connect or talk through their next home design project, we truly aim to honor every individual’s pace and preference.”
TREASURES FOR EVERY SPACE
Beyond the welcoming and warm feel of the environment, the wide range of items makes Urban Meadow a great one-stop-shop for home and office décor, plants, charming gifts and even Montessori-style children’s toys. When stopping to browse, it’s easy to feel the love and care that goes into their inventory selection.
“One of my favorite things is just seeing what people are drawn to,” said Katie, whose granddaughters inspired the shop’s cozy corner of whimsical dolls and wooden children’s toys. “We try to make sure we have items that appeal to all ages and aesthetics, and it’s rewarding to see what people pick out.”
While the shop’s appearance changes with the seasons — shifting from cheery spring florals to soft summer botanicals, and eventually to warm shades of autumn — many of their items are year-round staples. Wooden cooking utensils, artisan stoneware bowls and elegant tea towels and napkins haven proven popular with customers, whether they’re in search of the perfect housewarming gift or a new addition to their home kitchen.
Beyond the kitchen, the shop also carries items for other spaces, including pet-safe mosaic plants or textured ferns, along with handmade pottery, baskets and cozy candles. Vintage and antique finds are cleverly arranged amid more contemporary items. They carry everything from historic, centuries-old art prints to conversation pieces like a cast iron hippo symbolizing good luck and protection.
In fact, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces are a central feature of the store. Kim has developed an eye for rare treasures and enjoys the process of sourcing found items from estate sales and markets.
While she works to ensure each piece finds its way onto a wall or shelf at Urban Meadow, she admits there are certain items she would happily move from the shop to her home.
“Do you see that piece over there by the window?” Kim said, pointing to a framed print across the room. “That is an actual print from a 1917 newspaper — an illustration reflecting the hardships and loss of World War I. If it doesn’t find a new home soon, it might have to come home with me.”
STYLING WHAT’S NEXT
As they settle into their space, Kim and Katie are already working on future plans for the shop. They currently offer gift registries for weddings and showers, and are considering expanding to an e-commerce platform where they can reach more customers and simplify the order and pick-up process.
Urban Meadow also plans to host small workshops to provide design tips and tricks in collaboration with artists and artisans, as well as a series of “shop and sip” events during the holidays. The sisters, who share a love of the winter season, say they’re already looking forward to transforming their storefront with festive window displays and gifts for every personality.
For them, the greatest gift of all has been the opportunity to work with their best friend and pour their time and talents into building a beautiful and inclusive space for their community.
“We believe shopping for your home, or for someone you love, should feel like a breath of fresh air, not a transaction,” Kim said. “Step inside and stay as long as you’d like. You’re always welcome here.
