For Ruth Runberg—founder of R. Runberg Curiosities, a Charlotte-based source for unusu- ally beautiful furniture, gifts and accents for the home—a love of the handcrafted is simply part of her DNA.
“I grew up watching both of my parents create,” Runberg says. “Additionally, we were surrounded by quilts, pillows, jewelry and furniture created by extended family and owned across generations. So I developed an appreciation for living with fine craft, and particularly for the humanity that a handmade object carries,” Runberg says.
As a result, it’s no surprise that Runberg’s home office—where she meets by appointment with local clients and designers—is thoughtfully filled with a rotating inventory of unique treasures. The self-ti- tled “sourcer” hunts with her clients in mind for
RETREAT
rare, one-of-a-kind items that will “make a room sing,” or comprise the perfect tablescape or gift. Runberg’s inventory ranges from hand painted glasses made by a sixth generation family-owned business in Vienna to intricate shellwork pieces from the coast of England, and wax busts of Queen Charlotte in rainbow colors.
“I am not interested in selling huge volumes of mass-produced products to anonymous cus- tomers,” Runberg says. “At R. Runberg, we have searched through what’s out there to offer the best of it, along with things you can only find from us. No one needs access to more ‘stuff.’ I sell beauti- fully unusual pieces that require skill to produce, are a unique expression of my customer, and are meant to be lived with and enjoyed throughout a lifetime.”
This desire for personal connection and meaning reflects throughout every element of Runberg’s business. In the early days, most of her main events were held in residential areas, including her own home, to provide the feeling of walking into a shoppable residence. As at- tendance grew, Runberg started centering her gather- ings around holidays and creating other opportunities to bring Charlotteans together.
“When things began to open from quarantine late last spring, I tented my backyard and set up an outdoor cut flower market with spring flowers ... along with vases, gardening books for inspiration and the best floral shears,” Runberg says. “I potted up plants in antique jardinieres and terra-cotta pots and sold vintage wicker plant stands repainted in soft spring colors. It was
about bringing beauty and life back into our lives and homes.”
The sourcer, who has a knack for both finding and creating beauty, notes that different cultures, traditions and styles serve as major inspiration for what she does. She adds that each new discovery reminds her of the talented people she’s met and the extraordinary trav- els she’s experienced. Just as much as Runberg looks forward to building out her team and hosting events in different cities in the coming years, she also plans to maintain the special relationships she has with her clients and a niche, meaningful inventory.
“Throughout my life and career, the awe I have for something beautifully made by human hands has never diminished,” Runberg says. “It’s like magic to me!”
