At the Heart of the Home

Starting her business 13 years ago in a professional park in Lockport, Julie has experienced tremendous growth as a business owner in the historic canal town and is now centrally located at 1 Walnut Street. A woman-owned, women-led business, Julie Muscato Home & Gifts is best described as a lifestyle store. In addition to being a designer’s paradise, the giftshop is the perfect place to find treasures throughout the year. Discover home décor, clothing, jewelry, and a variety of other gifts. 

Julie has established herself in the local community as a successful businesswoman whose primary mission is to prioritize every customer who walks through the showroom’s doors. From buying a single piece of furniture to finding a unique gift for a loved one to investing in a full home design, Julie Muscato Home & Gifts is a staple in Western NY. 

Memories Designed to Last 

Interior design is and always has been the heartbeat of Julie’s business. The 7,000 sq ft showroom is home to one of the largest libraries of high-end fabrics, furniture, case goods, wallpaper books, and rug samples in Western NY. Customers come from near and far to work with Julie and her team. They have garnered a reputation in the local community and beyond, offering everything from a fashionable new outfit with the perfect accessories to a stunning sofa with upholstery that will make visitors envious. 

The team specializes in custom design - from designing a single window treatment for the kitchen or a blind for the bathroom to working with clients to design and decorate an entire house, Julie Muscato Home & Gifts is a powerhouse. Nearly all products (including all of the upholstery) in the showroom are made in the United States. The team’s goal is to create an environment that is highly personalized for every client, ensuring that each detail is chosen with purpose and practicality. 

Often, customers come to the showroom to explore the array of furniture. Carrying high-quality brands such as Braxton Culler, CR Laine, Spectra, and Woodbridge, there is something for everyone. When it comes to picking the right piece of furniture, Julie has sage advice: “One of my biggest philosophies is to stay away from trends.” As opposed to decorating an entire room in a current trend, Julie and team recommend a design that is classic and timeless, while using accent pieces to infuse the trend throughout the space. A funky throw pillow or area rug juxtaposed with a white sofa, for example, can go a long way, and it is financially prudent. 

Clients commonly come into the store with photos of their current space. Julie says this is a great place to start in order to discuss where each client wants their design journey to go. Julie or another designer can schedule a design consultation to visit the client’s house to further explore the needs, wants, hopes, and dreams of the project. 

Julie Muscato Home & Gifts will also install everything they sell, ensuring the design and installation process is, as Julie puts it, “taken care of from stem to stern.” The team appreciates that each client is making an investment in their home, and they make it their mission to handle each design project with the utmost care and respect. 

The Joy of It All 

When asked what it means to her to be a woman-owned, women-led business, Julie reflects back to her team. “I have had the good fortune to surround myself with excellent women. We have grown an amazing team,” she says. Indeed, the showroom’s team of six - while small - is certainly mighty and is fully led by women. 

“I love what I’ve built,” Julie beams. “It is something I never thought I would achieve, and that keeps me going. I feel the joy of coming to work every day and serving my customers.” She also expresses her gratitude for the mentors who have helped her achieve great success as a business woman in the Lockport and Western New York regions. Julie pays it forward by working with other local businesses and organizations, often donating the showrooms’ design work for the community’s benefit. 

Above all, the customer always comes front and center at Julie Muscato Home & Gifts. It is their focus to ensure that each person who walks into the showroom has the most positive shopping experience possible. 

Indeed, after being in business for 13 years, Julie has had many long-time clients, many of whom she has worked with on multiple occasions over the years. She views return business as “the ultimate compliment” and prioritizes each customer’s trust in her business. With absolute joy, she adds, “Some of the kids of the families I worked with in the past are now calling us!”

Home is Where the Heart Is

A Lockport native through and through, Julie has made an everlasting mark in the community. She radiates talking about how she has grown her business in her hometown. With the holiday season just around the corner, don’t wait to visit Julie Muscato Home & Gifts. Particularly for those who plan on having company over to celebrate the holidays together, Julie advises planning ahead for an 8-week turnaround on furniture to make sure there is plenty of seating for loved ones. 

The gift shop will soon come alive with fun, festive decorations and special gifts that will make everyone want to cozy up with a cup of cocoa – and perhaps the perfect throw blanket from the showroom – on a snowy day. Julie knows that home truly is where the heart is, and she considers it the greatest gift to help customers make their dreams come true.

1 Walnut St., Lockport, NY

716.201.1274 • Juliemuscatohomeandgifts.com

Open Monday-Friday 10-6 and Sat 10-5