by ann zimmerman
A FRIENDLY, NEIGHBORLY, LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESS, TOPNOTCH FINE FURNITURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN OFFERS DESIGN SERVICES AND COMFORTABLE FURNISHINGS APPROPRIATE FOR THE SUN VALLEY LIFESTYLE.
In 1975, Lori and Bret Berier opened the doors to Topnotch, an iconic downtown Ketchum shop with interesting and unusual handmade items, artist-rendered signs, locally-made furniture, and other furnishings made predominantly in the USA. Just over seven years ago, interior designer Arianne Heyser joined Topnotch, and now she is the new owner.
“I am committed to design, furnishings, and accessories that support cozy, lived-in spaces. Topnotch has a tradition of furnishing for rustic elegance, upscale cowboy, and transitional design, and I am continuing that with some fresh ideas and new products,” explains Heyser. “Topnotch has always been a friendly place where people stop in to say hello, and we never want to lose that. Now retired, Lori Berier often returns to the shop to see old friends. A designer goes on a long journey with a client to finish a home, and very close friendships result.”
Arianne Heyser began her career as an environmental scientist before finding her passion for interior design. She returned to school for design credentials and interned with a top bathroom and kitchen designer in Colorado. She still shakes at her good fortune to be hired by Topnotch, meeting the Beriers, and becoming part of the community in the Wood River Valley. “I am not going anywhere. My husband Josh is now part of the team, and my two daughters often stop by the shop. Things have worked out perfectly for us.”
RETAIL SHOWROOM
At Topnotch, the design business is tied in closely with the retail store. The 6,000-square-foot-plus showroom carries considerable inventory, and Topnotch additionally operates a fully stocked warehouse. “There is no waiting for pieces. I think it is very important for people to touch and to experience before buying something that will be in their home. I could never sell a sofa or a chair without someone first sitting and feeling that it is right for them.”
In addition to people in the Sun Valley area, others in the Intermountain and Pacific Northwest areas rely on Topnotch for supplying carefully selected items for the mountain resort lifestyle, as well as design services. Topnotch operates a direct delivery service to surrounding areas.
DESIGN CENTER
The interior design center occupies another 1,000 square feet. Filled with fabrics and design resources, Arianne and design associate Anneta Glavin closely collaborate on designs. “Helping people create warm and inviting spaces is truly rewarding,” says Anneta. “I love working hand in hand with clients to make their homes be everything they envision them to be.”
For 40 years, people have stopped into Topnotch for just the right gift, a piece of furniture, artist-designed accents, home design, or just for some friendly conversation when strolling along the streets of Ketchum. With arrays of colors, artistic inspirations, and the rare and unusual, Arianne Heyser invites you to come in and entice your senses.
