Small businesses often thrive through word of mouth about their unique products and great service, but the really good ones also succeed because they work at curb appeal.

DaDe Art and Design Lab is one such store. Located in the Inglewood BRZ, DaDe is that set-back place on the south side of 9th Avenue S.E. that for years had those see-through horse sculptures in front on their little plaza area and a broad front window expanse brimming with interestinglooking art.

These days there is a metal sort of filigree seethrough outdoor sculpture called The Cube by Michael Perks that can be rotated and a large piece by Matthew Mark Bourree that looks like two giant ever so pretty pickup sticks wooden bouquets. DaDe's frontage grabs your eye and draws you in.

After meeting charismatic co-owners Darcy Lundgren and Greg Fraser, I was determined to make the time to go take a proper look. DaDe opened in a small space in 2008 in Art Central, but success prompted a move to their current 3,000 beautiful, airy square feet in Inglewood.

Lundgren describes the gallery as an exhibition space for unique local art and unusual furniture from all over the world.

One artist, known only as Sam, creates pieces using old elm wood salvaged from warehouses in Beijing that are just astounding.

DaDe carries antique, repurposed and new items. They have an amazing pair of antique red Chinese wedding wardrobes.

The groom's piece is decorated with a bamboo design and the bride's with cherry blossoms.

I should be so lucky to have a bedroom in which these exceptional pieces could be displayed. At the other end of the spectrum are stainless steel handcrafted wardrobes, media cabinets and sideboards.

DaDe's modern couches and chairs, by Bullfrog, are so chic, so comfortable, I can only dream of such sophisticated furniture instead of the tatty Velveteen rabbit couch currently in my living room and habitually occupied by a gritty, hairy dog and two snacking teenagers. The cool thing about these couches is you can reconfigure the backs and arms to create new shapes.

There are also some pretty amazing art pieces here, including abstract pictures, lots of cool glass sculptures from Bee Kingdom that are made from flowing coloured glass, a guy who does bike sculptures for those of you who are passionate about your bikes, some one-of-a-kind jewelry and leather pieces, and interesting room dividers that are made of smaller shapes and incorporate light and movement in their design.

DaDe will work with clients to help them design, to decorate or to rework their living space using the clients' own pieces as well as new items from the gallery.

If you have an old wardrobe, sideboard, bureau or other piece of antique furniture in need of loving care, check out their antiques that have been redone in beautiful coloured lacquer finishes that play up all the wonderful features of these old pieces while making them look fresh and modern.

Reupholstered, repainted armchairs and reclaimed wood cabinets with graffiti-inspired designs created by David Brunning (KidBelo) as well as paintings and a mural outside the store are part of the current exhibit.

DaDe's lovely space is also available to rent for private functions, fundraisers and exhibitions in case you are on the lookout for an amazing location to host your next event.

Next time you are in the Inglewood BRZ, be sure to check out DaDe Art and Design Lab located at 1327 9th Ave. S.E.

Prepare to be wowed and probably a bit covetous and inspired.

The go-to shopping destination for those who seek eco-friendly design for a modern lifestyle, DaDe Art & Design Lab shows off its wares in a new, 3,000-square-foot location.  Look for everything from custom pieces to antiques and reclaimed designs.

lauren bagliore

best known for: Bagliore uses sexy, buttery Italian jersey fabrics, edgy monochromatic, draping silhouettes and assymetrical cuts. “There are a lot of seemingly basic pieces that are not boring,” she says.

inspiration for 2011 collection: Italian sculptor Bernini. Bagliore’s Italian background comes to the fore in her fall collection, featuring pieces such as the brilliantly designed Desiree “endless” dress that can be worn 15 ways, short or long and even upside down. “I looked at something hard like marble and saw how the masters could make it look so flowing.” Bagliore’s achieved that beautifully in several pieces like the Toga gown and the namesake Bernini dress

favourite piece: The coats. Cashmere/wool blends will stand up to Calgary’s winters and make a stunning statement with their assymetrical cuts, a shawl collar that doubles as a hood and a horn clasp.

who would love this: Women who want comfortable, edgy clothes that can be worn in layers for a seasonless look.

totally new in 2011: The coats, which will be numbered and singed just like art pieces. She’s also introducing some eye-popping silk prints, which can be seen in the linings of her coats, but will be even more prevalant in Spring 2012.

what’s next: Asian inpiration from a recent trip to Thailand will show up in Bagliore’s spring 2012 collection.

pricetag: $525 to $3,200

where to find it in Calgary: Starting Sept. 1, Bagliore’s designs can be found at DaDe Art and Design Lab in Inglewood (dadegallery.com). Also watch for a fashion show and exhibit at the gallery on Nov. 3.