Where It All Began

In the early 1990s, Lee Knox, owner of Tile & Designs, and her daughter Laura Young imagined something more for their family business. Beyond the hardscapes and handcrafted tile installations that shaped beautiful homes throughout Pittsburgh, they envisioned a space dedicated to inspiration — a place where creativity extended beyond the walls and into the home and garden.

When a vacant storefront opened beside their main building on Ellsworth Avenue, the idea took shape.

The Idea Shops were born.

A Destination for the Home & Garden

A True Destination

Laura and Lee began traveling the country, hand-selecting bespoke pieces that were not readily available in Pittsburgh. From garden containers to decorative accents, every item was chosen for its craftsmanship and charm.

Their love of gardening remains at the heart of the shop. Floor-to-ceiling window displays showcase lush faux stems, curated bouquets, and sculptural succulents arranged in elegant urns — a visual invitation to step inside and explore.

From grand outdoor fiberglass and terra cotta planters to small stone vessels perfect for indoor succulents, The Idea Shops offers a collection designed to inspire both seasoned gardeners and those just beginning.

A European Influence

From Pittsburgh to Paris

As the years passed, the shop evolved.

When Lee’s daughter moved to Paris, The Idea Shops gained a French correspondent — opening the door to European flea markets, artisan workshops, and small makers across France and Italy.

Today, the collection includes handcrafted Parisian jewelry, one-of-a-kind garden finds, hand-painted Italian tables and chairs, and distinctive pieces gathered from European markets — items with story, soul, and character.

Each piece reflects a shared philosophy: beauty should feel lived in, layered, and collected over time.

The Experience

More Than a Store

The Idea Shops is more than a retail space — it is a place to spark your next great idea.

Whether you are refreshing a garden corner, selecting a meaningful gift, or searching for a piece that feels truly special, our showroom is designed to inspire.

We invite you to visit, explore, and discover something unexpected.

A Touch of Europe, Close to Home

Visit our showroom and explore the details that make a space feel collected.

Visit The Idea Shops

Where Ideas Bloom