New Wichita business to take the former GM Clotheshorse space at the Waterfront

Interior designer Emma Schlittenhardt of Hardt Studio Interior Design and contractor Chad Smith of C.S. Renovations each have their own businesses but saw a need for one they could start together.

The two are opening Bocote, a showroom for a wide selection of finishes, backsplash tile, floor tile and carpet samples. They’ll also have a kitchen that has a variety of appliances and plumbing fixtures.

The business is taking the former GM Clotheshorse space at the Waterfront at 13th and Webb Road.

This way, Schlittenhardt said she can show clients possibilities in her own space.

She started her Hardt Studio from her home in 2020.

Schlittenhardt said her goal “was just to bring a more modern interior design style to the Wichita area.”

Farmhouse and traditional design are popular in the Midwest, she said, but she’s more interested in modern styles such as neutral color palates with a lot of black and white and fine, straight lines as opposed to curved ones. Schlittenhardt also likes sleek finishes with metals and wants “just to bring those trends and design styles here to the Midwest.”

Hardt Studio will be located upstairs from the showroom.

Schlittenhardt said the Waterfront made sense since most of her clients are on the east side, and she said there are not a lot of showrooms in that area.

Don Piros of Landmark Commercial Real Estate handled the deal for the 2,500-square-foot space.

Schlittenhardt said she and Smith decided to name their new business Bocote after a high-end wood that they also plan to incorporate into the design of the showroom.

Look for Bocote to open in April.

This story was originally published March 1, 2023 at 10:35 AM.