Renaissance Home Furnishings

Renaissance Home Furnishings – A Desire To Inspire
By Shelly T. Hudson

Equal parts family business, warehouse showroom and design boutique, Renaissance Home Furnishings in historic San Juan Capistrano’s Home Center earns its reputation as South OC’s go-to home decorating resource. That reputation hasn’t come easily—owner Dennis Penman and his staff of designers have been known to help their crew offload containers at all hours of the day and night to keep a delivery deadline.

Penman and company’s dogged pursuit of customer satisfaction has won over a loyal following of discerning customers. Although he jokes that Renaissance is “the best kept secret in San Juan,” because of its tucked-away location, Penman knows that his 14 years in the home furnishings business have landed his store on the short list of both design professionals and savvy homeowners alike.

It helps that Renaissance provides 11,000 square feet of pure inspiration. Customers can stroll through the showroom and plop down on a squishy sofa while they flip through fabric samples or decide on the perfect lamp or artwork. From Old World European to contemporary to beach cottage-chic, the design staff works with each customer to determine his or her own version of “affordable luxury.” Since repeat customers (and their referred friends and neighbors) make up the bulk of the business, the staff and crew at Renaissance develop a familial relationship with them. In fact, it’s not unusual for a customer to stop by with homemade cookies as a thank you.

Now for the best part: because of the high volume of business Renaissance provides its manufacturers, the overhead and margins are kept low. Customers reap the benefits of the “40% off every day” philosophy and keep coming back. The instant gratification of purchasing items right from the selling floor combined with quick turn around times—even for custom pieces—solidifies the relationship.

In addition to offering beautiful home furnishings at reasonable prices at a quicker-than-average lead time, Renaissance Home Furnishings provides complimentary design services at every level. Louise Vincent and Robin Earp lead the design team, and they provide both in-store and in-home consultations. So whether you just need help choosing a rug or your house is an empty shell needing warmth and comfort (and paint, and flooring, and window treatments…), Louise and Robin are waiting to scramble. This hard-working staff has been known to furnish an entire home from ceiling to floor in two weeks! Louise describes this unusual service as “completion oriented.” With 27 years in the design business, she knows a thing or two about getting things done.

Another design service option offered at Renaissance is their “shop at home” program. This commitment-free home visit allows customers the opportunity to see and feel the furniture in their homes before they purchase. The designers arrive with everything—furniture, rugs, lighting, accessories. Once set up is completed, the client can select any or all of the design. It’s truly a stress-free, no obligation shopping experience for the customer.

These in-house services are more than a convenience; the one-stop shopping is a time saver and a budget saver. The one-to four-week turnaround on custom furnishings makes it easy to change your look seasonally. If it’s your turn to host the holidays this year and your home could use a little style boost, stop by the store or have a designer meet with you at home to put some ideas together. It’s easy and it’s free!

Loyal Renaissance customers, Kelly and Rob Hammons, describe their experience as “highly recommended and so easy.” The Hammons are transplants from the furniture capitol of the country—North Carolina. Kelly was most impressed with the follow-through of the design staff. She said she was kept informed of her custom order status and was surprised that the delivery estimates were right on. Her husband Rob echoed her sentiments. “The prices are highly competitive and the customer service is first-rate. I can’t say enough about the staff. They truly go the extra mile.