Koo de Kir on Charles Street just turned five years
old, and owner Kristine Irving has cause for celebration. March 1, 1996was
the store’s first official day of business, and irving has been
busy ever since.
“I love it,” said Irving of her job, “but
I don’t do it alone.” She credits store manager Stephanie
Carlier with overseeing many of the store’s day to day operations,
providing customer service, and generally being “the head honcho.”
Back when the store first opened, gift items and small
decorative pieces were the focus. “We have completely re-invented
the store over the years,” says Irving. Several years ago, when
an antiques shop behind Koo de Kir vacated its space, Irving decided
to expand. The extra space gave her the room to stock bigger items like
furniture and to eventually launch and interior design studio. “As
we began to sell furniture, our customers were asking for help with
everything else,” says irving. Thus her design studio was born.
These days, in addition to overseeing the store, Irving
is busy helping people design both homes and commercial spaces. “I
would just love to design a restaurant,” she said. On top of that,
Irving has launched her own Koo de Kir label of furniture and objects.
One of her first forays into that area is in the shop right now. If
the stylish cube-shaped ottomans are any indicatin of the new line,
it ought to be a success.
“I’ve so much enjoyed becoming a part of this neighborhood,”
says Irving. “I love all my customers, and it’s so cool to
sit in my office and wave to people as they walk by,” she said.
Wish Irving and her store a happy birthday the next time you walk by.
