Meet Rebecca Addington, owner and designer of Ville + Rue. Since the popular home furnishings and decor shop opened in Lancaster’s 101 North Queen project last November, Rebecca and her team have been curating quality, classic-yet-trend-setting pieces for customers and helping Lancastrians design and decorate their dream homes—and have built quite a loyal customer base! Get to know Rebecca and you’ll find out why Ville + Rue fans are so dedicated.
Fine Living Lancaster: Where did the idea for Ville + Rue come from?
Rebecca Addington: I’d dreamed of opening a retail store since I was young. Entering well-curated stores with beautiful atmospheres and a customer-focus has always brought me joy. My first job was working for a retail store that sold everything from candles to produce, and I loved not only the product, but the customer interaction, as well.
I earned my Bachelor’s in public relations, but quickly learned that a career in an office was not a good fit for me. I went back to school and earned a degree in interior design, and this is where I honed my love of architecture and functionality of design. After working for an architecture firm, stepping into the real estate world, and working for a designer, I still longed for a space to feel at home and to create an environment where customers would also feel that way. I was fortunate to work with Pottery Barn as their design manager, and from there, I learned the difference that a passion for products and customer service could make. While I loved the experience I had with Pottery Barn, I knew that working for a corporation would not allow the flexibility I wanted, nor the customization of a store that is uniquely created for a specific community.
At that time, I met my now business partners (Derrick and Warren Clark) at Domaci, a home furnishings store in Bethlehem, PA. They had just opened their shop, and were looking for someone to lead their design services. I realized then that this was how everything could tie together: having a unique retail store, offering design services, and having a customer-focus and emphasis on connection.
I’m from the Susquehanna Valley and always had a heart for Lancaster. I longed to call Lancaster home, but work had taken my husband and I to other parts of the Susquehanna Valley, as well as the Lehigh Valley. A job opportunity came for my husband in York/Lancaster, and it allowed for my dream of having a shop in Lancaster to come true. My business partners and I decided that I would take over as majority owner of our Lancaster location and form its own identity here. Hence Ville + Rue!
FLL: What does the name Ville + Rue mean?
RA: I studied French and fell in love with the culture, history, and architecture of Europe. Though I love traveling, I’ve always felt a desire to come home, and wanted to create a store that allows others to celebrate their love for travel, as well as where they live. “Ville” means “City” and “Rue” means “Street.” Wherever you find yourself, we want you to love where you live! (Though we’re partial to Lancaster, of course.)
FLL: How would you describe the style of the shop?
RA: We love blending multiple styles: from modern to farmhouse to traditional to industrial. We realize most people’s style doesn’t fit into one category, so we try to have a little bit of everything. But what we specialize in is making everything work together to create harmony in a space. We also love Lancaster, and have a curated selection of Lancaster-focused pieces, as well as a variety of local makers.
FLL: How would you describe your personal decor style?
RA: I love using classic, neutral, foundational pieces that can easily be updated with decor. I believe neutrals and mixed-materials (wood, metal, marble, leather) can never be boring! Right now, I’m loving a mix of neutrals, natural elements, and a subtle Scandinavian vibe.
FLL: Tell us a bit more about yourself!
RA: I grew up on a farm in Southern York County, and absolutely loved living in nature. It was unique having a father who was a farmer and a mother who was an executive in Baltimore, but it probably explains my love for city and rural life, as well as my passion for bringing together so many different styles. Growing up in a small town while also having the experience of working in larger cities, as well as travelling, has really broadened my mind for not only style, but people and culture itself.
I love being active, and am inspired by the scenery of Lancaster. I love that in one run (albeit a longer run), you can see beautiful farmland, as well as historic architecture! I also love classical music. I minored in piano performance and am delighted when I have time to sit down to play. I’m also so impressed by the incredible food and drink scene that Lancaster has and enjoy continuing to check off the list of all the places we want to try!
FLL: What’s your personal design theory, and why do you enjoy interior design?
RA: I love how our atmosphere can change us. Our visual surroundings can have such a positive impact, bringing joy and personalization to each space. When you are surrounded by pieces you love—and a style that represents you—I believe that sparks joy and helps to make a home feel complete.
What I love most about design is getting to know the person behind it, and using our tools to guide them in making the best decisions for their space. I love finding out more about who our customers are, how they live and want to use their space, as well as what styles speak to them. We realize a person’s space is a reflection of who they are, so they need to be our focus. What we specialize in is listening, applying the principles of design, and tying everything together to best suit our client’s aesthetic preferences and lifestyle.
For more information, visit villeandrue.com.
