Rising Stars: Meet Christa Gooch of Historic Downtown Sparta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Gooch.

Hi Christa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Reviving a historic gem while starting a business within its wall has been a unique journey that has just begun. The M&H Hardware Building has stood as a cornerstone of our community since it first opened its doors in 1916. Though the store closed in the mid-to-late 1980s and briefly housed an auction company afterwards, it has remained mostly empty for the past 30yrs. The building was unmaintained for years and time took its tool, leaving parts of the once-proud building in a state of disrepair. In 2019, the previous owners began the long-overdue work of revitalization, and in the early spring of 2024, we were blessed to acquire this historic treasure.

My connection to the M&H Hardware Building goes back to when I was 13 years old. During a downtown holiday event, after sipping hot chocolate at the charming tea room next door which is still in business today, I had the chance to walk through the old store. It had SO much character and history! Even as a kid, I could feel the magic in those walls and the soul of the building spoke through every creaky floor board and every dusty shelf. There were towering shelves along one wall and boxes and drawers along the other, ladders rolled across the floor that accessed the vast span of shelves and boxes, old metal ceiling tiles, creaking old wood floors stained with the past and thoroughly used, an old hand crank elevator in disrepair, a massive built-in safe with 16” thick walls, a beautiful staircase leading up to the mezzanine, and an upstairs space large enough to dance and leap across. I remember the thrill of imagining what this place once was! That night, I went home and shared my “adventure” with my parents. My dad told me about how he would go to the hardware store as a child. He described how the sales men behind the long counter would climb those same ladders to retrieve hardware and items from the shelves. He talked about walking across the street to the lumber yard and shopping for his clothing and shoes upstairs. M&H was more than just a hardware store—it was a one-stop shop for the community, even selling holiday decorations during Christmas.

After hearing my dad’s stories, I distinctly remember telling him how cool it would be to own a book store on the main floor and a dance studio upstairs. This dream stuck with me well into my adulthood.

In the fall of 2023, I had a vivid dream about the building. In it, decorative pillows and floral sprigs were tucked into the old hardware boxes scattered along the wall. That dream sparked something. I asked my husband if we could talk to the current owners. We had been thinking and praying about a location for a furniture and decor store—and despite needing a lot of work, this space just felt right!

By God’s grace, after sharing our vision and our heart for both the building and our town, the owners agreed to sell it to us. Even now, it feels surreal to say that. We began renovations in the Spring of 2024 and, by October opened the doors to our new store.

What once sat dark and empty for three decades is now filled with light, life, and love. Our store is open Wednesday through Saturday, welcoming visitors with inviting displays in the original front windows and preserving the rich history just inside. One of the most remarkable features is the wall of hardware drawers—made entirely of American Chestnut. Each drawer is unique, with handwritten notes and remnants from the past still attached. It’s a time capsule, and truly something to behold.

As an interiors designer since 2018, my heart has always been to serve others. Now, through our store, I get to do that every day—helping people create homes that bring them peace, joy, and purpose. We proudly source as many USA-made products as possible. Our upholstered furniture is made in North Carolina, and most of our case goods are made or finished right here in the United States. Our store is filled with personally curated art, pillows, lamps, bedding, candles, and home accents—all arranged to feature the historic aspects of the building.

If you ever find yourself in our little town of Sparta, please stop by. Come see the floor-to-ceiling ladders and the historic drawer wall. Come experience a piece of living history, while shopping our curated items!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Lord has paved this path and although we have had struggles, the path is clear. The building has SO much more work to be done. At this time we only have about 3000 sqft of space open to the public. There is another 9000 sq ft that needs significant work and revitalization. And we are along for the ride!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an Interior Designer with a deep-rooted passion for creating meaningful and functional spaces. I double-majored in Interior Design and Retailing in college, which gave me a unique perspective on both the artistic and practical sides of the design world.

My love for interiors began at a young age. Growing up, my parents encouraged my creativity by allowing me to transform rooms in our home. From painting walls and removing wallpaper to rearranging furniture and reimagining layouts, I found joy in bringing spaces to life—and I’ve been doing it ever since.

But for me, design is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about service. I truly believe that design should reflect the people who live in the space, not the designer behind it. I often say, “I’m not your typical designer.” I don’t create spaces as a personal showcase—I create them to serve my clients. At the end of the day, I walk away knowing the space belongs to them, not me. Their home should reflect their style, their taste, and their needs.

That philosophy is at the heart of Interiors by Renewed. Our name is intentional. Whether it’s a remodel, a new build, a fresh coat of paint, a new throw pillow—or any other design detail—it starts with a decision to renew. To refresh. To begin again.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The residential interior design industry continues to experience steady growth, driven by a growing desire among homeowners to create spaces that are deeply personal and intentionally tailored. More than ever, people are looking to move beyond generic, one-size-fits-all aesthetics—they want homes that reflect their personalities, support their lifestyles, and meet their unique functional needs.

This shift has elevated the value of professional interior design services. Designers are no longer seen solely as decorators, but as trusted collaborators who can curate and guide the transformation of a home into a personal sanctuary. From layout planning and material selection to color psychology and custom furnishings, every detail matters—and clients are seeking experts who can bring both vision and practical execution to the table.

At Interiors by Renewed, we believe this movement toward personalization aligns perfectly with our mission: creating thoughtful, client-focused spaces that serve. Our work is not about showcasing our own style, but about uncovering and elevating the style of each client—helping them feel more at home in their own home.

As this demand grows, so does the opportunity to bring intentional, purpose-filled design into more lives—one space at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.interiorsbyrenewed.com
• Instagram: interiorsbyrenewed