Elegant, earthy and exciting, Rustic II Refined is a home design hidden gem
The secret is out in Simpsonville. Rustic II Refined, one of the Upstate’s most exciting home design and decor destinations, opened their doors in 2020 and has quietly been amassing a large following of loyal clients who delight in the curated selection of unique goods, gifts, and apparel. This is the third location for this family-run business, which began in Wisconsin and has moved with the Minten clan over two decades.
“I was two years old when our doors first opened. So, when other kids went to daycare, Chelsea and I went to the store. Everything we learned in life we learned from working at the storefront,” laughs store manager Hailey Minten, who works alongside her sister (designer Chelsey Tourville), and her mother (Kerry Minten, the store’s owner). The sisters hadn’t expected to go into the family business, but eventually realized it was meant to be. “We realized that we love what we do and want to do it for the rest of our lives.”
Step inside the light-filled shop—which many have called their “happy place”—and you’ll quickly notice that the exquisitely curated rooms prioritize timeless design over passing trends. “We focus on simplistic styles and a neutral palette, items that you could keep out year-round, especially bigger pieces like sofas,” Hailey says. “Some have called us earthy, in a sense, because we feature a lot of greenery and plants that could fit in anyone’s home.”
New Collections at Rustic II Refined
New collections are launched seasonally, so fresh finds are always springing up just when you’re ready to dust off your living spaces. If you’re at a loss for how to design around your new dining table or that heirloom vase, the family’s sought-after designer, Chelsea, is always happy to guide shoppers to the items that best complement existing rooms or pieces.
The Mintens source their unique inventory from all over the world, with an eye to surprise and delight shoppers who prize decor that tells a story over mass-produced goods. A passion for supporting regional artisans ensures that one-of-a-kind finds are always waiting to be discovered.
More than anything, the Minten family wants their guests to feel like friends. “I feel like you don’t have the same sense of community in a big box store that you do with a small business. We really do want you to come hang out with us for an hour,” Hailey says with a smile. “We love getting to know people because they’re our neighbors, not just our customers, and that connection is so important.”
Fresh-Found Inspiration
The Minten family shares four exciting new design trends they’re seeing—and fully embracing—this season.
- Mixed Metals | “We’re seeing a lot of mixed metals, like silver and gold, whether it’s in your light fixtures or the jewelry that you’re wearing.” Insider tip: “Typically, if you see a trend in fashion, the following year it will be in home decor.”
- Pearls | “Pearls are going to be very big! For example, pearl buttons, jewelry, pearls on stems, or in garlands and Christmas tree ornaments.”
- Hydrangea Blue | “The color that we’re really focusing on this spring is a shade of blue that reflects a really pretty hydrangea varietal.” You’ll see it in sweaters, dinnerware, and more—but it won’t last long!
- “Real Touch” Faux Greenery & Florals | “Plants can be a lot of upkeep, so investing a little more in faux greenery and florals that look and feel real is becoming popular. It’s great for those who appreciate a more realistic stem or bloom that you only need to dust off rather than water and keep alive.”
