Longtime North Bend resident Erica Becker Morin is the newest business owner in downtown Snoqualmie, bringing her new shop Provocatrix Designs to Railroad Avenue.
The graphic artist turned interior designer said owning this store was on her bucket list, and a goal she’d been working toward throughout her career. Recent life events, though, pushed Erica to make the leap now. During the past few months she lost both of her parents in a relatively short period of time – something she at first thought might delay her ‘shop dream,’ but that loss ended up being the catalyst to open the new store… a new endeavor to keep her busy and focused.
So Provocatrix was born.
Finding the home for her store was not so easy, though. Erica originally looked at retail space in downtown North Bend, but couldn’t come to terms with the building owner. She spent a good deal of time negotiating the lease while also planning the store, but the negotiations failed. Erica said she was disappointed – like a store owner without a space. But, shortly after those lease talks fell apart, she came to downtown Snoqualmie on an errand and happened to park in front of retail spot with a ‘for lease’ sign in the window. She immediately called MK Properties; the agent walked right over; and the rest is history.
Erica said it was important to open in time for the holidays. She spent months renovating the space that was formerly home to an accounting business. Walls were knocked down; new wood beams installed, flooring changed to a warm wood-style plank laminate. Reclaimed wood from Montana now adorns the check stand area. New light fixtures were installed. It’s a store that reflects Erica and her style.
The store is also the home base for Erica’s interior design business – Just B Art+Design – with the store’s open back area serving as its office space. This part of the business operates by appointment only.
Erica said, “I work very intuitively and approach each project very personally. That is how I view the shop as well. I want to create a very warm and inviting space for people to explore new ideas and new products that can transform their day-to-day living. Elevate it. Even in just the tiniest way.”
Provocatrix Designs carries home decor, furniture, lighting, gifts, kitchen items, area rugs and pillows, candles, artwork, jewelry, wrapping paper, cards and more.
And as an honor to the parents who helped inspire Erica’s new store, a special photo of them adorns the back office wall.
December store hours are:
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 11AM – 5PM
- Thursday: 11AM – 7PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11AM – 5:30PM
- Closed on Monday
For more information visit the Provocatrix Designs Facebook page.
