Io Metro Dining Table

Io Metro Dining Table

The Bree corner sectional may be customized with one of many fabric options.(I.O. Metro )

Accenting the Deacon upholstery collection is framed canvas art titled(I.O. Metro)

Dallas County fans of I.O. Metro can rejoice. The retailer of trendy home decor has opened a location on McKinney Avenue at Knox Street, the central Dallas shopping hub that is a furniture mecca, reducing the drive for those who frequent the original Fairview store.

Since opening in the Collin County suburb in 2009, the Arkansas-based specialty store has been seeking a second address in Dallas. "Our direction is to grow in metropolitan areas where there is a mix of residential and business," says Mark Curtis, manager of the second location. "This area has become quite the destination for furniture."

Known for upscale, proprietary design and for using sustainable materials in manufacturing, I.O. Metro focuses on the unusual. "I would say we have a very contemporary, rustic and modern mix. Urban is the best way to describe it. The company has its own designers, and they have a great eye," Curtis says. Rough-hewn tables, for example, are flanked by accessories such as metallic vases, glass wall sculptures and sleek lamps.

I.O. Metro centers much of its attention on sustainability in manufacturing. Reusable raw materials come from around the world and are repurposed into dining collections, consoles and occasional tables labeled Eco-Metro.

"You'll see a lot of reclaimed pieces. Each piece will be a little bit different. No two are exactly alike," says Katie Mochel, district sales manager.

The store credits its ability to offer unusual merchandise to its knack for locating items overseas. Company buyers source decorative accessories, dining and bedroom groups internationally.

"We do source from 14 different countries. The main ones are India, Indonesia, Mexico and China," Mochel says.

That aspect of the business stops with upholstery, which the company prides itself on manufacturing domestically. "Whenever possible, the upholstery pieces are made in the United States. Everything is private-label exclusive to I.O. Metro. The majority of our upholstery can be customized. We have tons and tons of fabrics," Curtis says.

The retailer also supports local artistic talent with a design contest in each store's market. "Twice a year, we have local artists submit their art. If they are chosen, we will reproduce their work, and they will get 10 percent of the sales of the item," Mochel says.

"Weekly, we get in new accessories. The main pieces change every six months," Curtis says. "It's a high-end aesthetic. We appeal on a broad scale to everyone."

Nancy Baldwin is a Plano freelance writer.

I.O. Metro

4531 McKinney Ave., Dallas.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

214-484-5110, iometro.com.

Io Metro Dining Table

Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2013/03/29/home-furnishings-store-i-o-metro-opens-second-outlet-at-mckinney-knox/