News Summary
Julie Cashman and her daughter Margaret have opened Frances M, a unique home goods boutique in Hutchinson, Kentucky. Situated in the restored historic Hutchinson House, the boutique offers a curated selection of home furnishings, antiques, and gifts. The space features a blend of original historical elements and modern design, creating an inviting shopping experience. While the mother-daughter team emphasizes individuality in home decor, their story reflects determination through the restoration process of the nearly 200-year-old building. With plans for growth, Frances M aims to become a beloved shopping destination.
Hutchinson, Kentucky — Julie Cashman and her daughter, Margaret, opened a new home goods boutique called Frances M in November 2024, located in the historic Hutchinson House at 631 Main Street. The boutique fills the ground floor space of a building that was previously a law office, bringing new life to the nearly 200-year-old structure.
The building underwent significant restoration after it was purchased in the summer of 2023, transforming it into a vibrant shopping destination. Julie Cashman envisioned the historic home as a unique canvas for her dream boutique, which features a thoughtfully curated selection of home furnishings and gifts that reflect the founders’ individual styles.
Frances M’s interior is airy and inviting, boasting tall ceilings and abundant natural light, creating a warm atmosphere for shoppers. Original elements of the house, such as the wood inlay floors and a stunning stained-glass window, have been preserved and restored, enhancing the space’s historical character. The design also incorporates a functional kitchen that serves as a space for baking cookies and preparing mimosas to engage customers and make shopping an enjoyable experience.
The boutique reflects Julie’s passion for entertaining and her deep appreciation for historic homes, combining antique pieces with modern design elements. Meanwhile, Margaret contributes her keen eye for detail, showcasing distinctive gifts that make the store’s inventory unique. Together, they help clients express their personal style through decor rather than conforming to fleeting trends, cementing their philosophy that home designs should be as unique as those who inhabit them.
Frances M offers a range of products, including candles, bath products, garden accessories, coffee table books, throw pillows, serving ware, lamps, and furniture. Customers can also find antique furnishings and exclusive items not available in other local stores, promoting individuality in home decor. Cashman Interiors, Julie’s established interior design business, operates upstairs and features design studios, offices, and a resource room stocked with decor elements that support both the boutique and design projects.
The journey to establish Frances M was not without its challenges. The restoration of the Hutchinson House addressed issues such as crumbling walls and past uninvited occupants in the basement. Despite these hurdles, the mother-daughter team remained focused on their goals, ultimately crafting a space that resonates with both the historical significance of the building and their modern market vision.
Frances M aims to attract not just local customers but also those from surrounding areas, including Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati, who are drawn by the distinctive offerings and inviting atmosphere. Plans are already underway to introduce semi-custom and ready-made home decor items to make it easier for customers to refresh their living spaces with appealing and personalized touches.
The opening of Frances M marks an exciting addition to the local retail landscape, emphasizing a commitment to craftsmanship, style, and home individuality. As the boutique attracts a growing clientele, its founders remain dedicated to fostering a community-centered shopping experience that celebrates both their passion and the unique character of the historic Hutchinson House.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky News
- Wikipedia: Home Goods
- Nicholson Funerals
- Google Search: Home Boutique Kentucky
- Furniture Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Home Boutiques
- Kentucky Business News
- Google News: Boutique Shopping in Kentucky
