The Velvet Plum

The Velvet Plum: Blending Elegance, History, and Heart in Noblesville

In the heart of downtown Noblesville, a charming shop beckons visitors with its carefully curated treasures and welcoming atmosphere. The Velvet Plum, owned by Kelly and Lance Cook, is far more than a store—it’s a haven where antiques, contemporary finds, and heartfelt stories come together to create a sense of timeless elegance.

The Story Behind the Name

Deciding on a name for their business was no small task for the Cooks. Kelly compared it to naming a child: “It had to be personal, meaningful, and something people would remember.” She wanted a name that reflected the beauty and refinement of their pieces while evoking a sense of uniqueness.

“‘Velvet’ represents elegance,” Kelly explained. “Not that we’re regal or anything,” she added with a laugh, “but I wanted something that spoke to the style and sophistication we hoped to offer.”

The word “plum” brought a different kind of richness to the name. Inspired by deep plum tones and soft sage greens, Kelly spent weeks envisioning a palette that would set The Velvet Plum apart from other shops. “You see blues, greens, and yellows in a lot of places, but plum is unexpected. It’s bold but timeless,” she said.

The result was a name as unique and memorable as the shop itself. “People always ask about it, and when I tell them the story, they say, ‘I love that name!’ That’s the best feeling.”

A Place for Stories and Second Chances

The Velvet Plum is more than a shopping destination; it’s a space where objects find new homes and families find peace during transitions. Whether helping someone part with a cherished heirloom or guiding a young couple furnishing their first home, Kelly and Lance infuse their work with compassion.

“Many of our customers are going through big life changes,” Kelly said. “They’re downsizing, settling estates, or clearing out a loved one’s home. That’s such an emotional process, and we try to make it easier for them.”

The shop’s consignment model allows families to honor the history of their belongings while giving them a new lease on life. “We’ve had people tell us the story of a piece they’re consigning, and we pass that story on to the buyer. People love knowing the history behind what they’re bringing into their homes,” Kelly said.

Lance added, “Sometimes we’ll find a handwritten note taped to the bottom of a cabinet, like one we had recently that said, ‘Mom bought this in 1958 at an auction for $10.’ Little things like that bring so much personality to an item.”

Mixing Old and New

One of The Velvet Plum’s standout features is its ability to blend the old and the new seamlessly. “Our goal has always been to show people how to incorporate antiques into their modern spaces,” Kelly explained.

In their shop on Logan Street, you might find a hundred-year-old cabinet next to a contemporary sofa. “We want people to see that antiques don’t have to feel stuffy or outdated. You can pair them with newer pieces to create a look that’s both stylish and meaningful,” she said.

Kelly and Lance also guide customers in thinking creatively about their purchases. “We love showing people different ways to use an item,” Lance said. “That side table? It could work in your sunroom or even as a unique coffee table. The possibilities are endless.”

A Community-Driven Mission

Beyond its beautiful displays, The Velvet Plum serves as a quiet force for good in the Noblesville community. Kelly and Lance regularly donate unsold items to local charities, including St. Vincent de Paul and the battered women’s shelter. They’ve even coordinated donations for families affected by house fires.

“When I see on the news that a family has lost everything, I call St. Vincent de Paul and ask what they need,” Kelly said. “We’ve donated sofas, tables, chairs—whatever might help someone start over. It just feels right.”

The Cooks also assist families facing estate transitions. “We don’t charge for those visits,” Kelly said. “It’s a community service. Sometimes people are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. We help them sort through items, figure out what’s worth selling, and guide them on what to donate. It’s about giving them a plan so they can move forward.”

One memorable moment for Lance was delivering a chair to a resident at St. Augustine’s Home for the Aged. “This gentleman picked out a chair, and I delivered it to him. A few days later, he called to thank me...it was such a sweet moment”, Lance recalled with a laugh.

Sustainability with Style

The Velvet Plum also champions sustainability by giving items a second life. “Antiquing is inherently eco-friendly,” Kelly said. “Instead of buying something new that might not last, you’re investing in something with history and quality craftsmanship.”

The shop is full of examples of repurposing—like a vintage heater Lance transformed into a side table. “We love finding new uses for old items,” he said. “It keeps them out of landfills and gives them a fresh purpose.”

Kelly noted that more young people are embracing this sustainable mindset. “They’re restoring historic homes and want pieces that reflect the era. Buying antiques instead of mass-produced items adds so much character to their spaces,” she said.

Building Connections Through Antiques

For the Cooks, The Velvet Plum is a labor of love rooted in their own history. Kelly’s passion for antiques began in childhood, while Lance grew up surrounded by rustic, barn-style décor. Together, they’ve turned that shared love into a thriving business that reflects their values of quality, creativity, and care.

Their favorite part? Seeing how their pieces transform customers’ lives and spaces. “Some customers will send us photos of how they’ve used an item in their home, and it’s so rewarding,” Kelly said. “We even share those photos with the consignors, and it makes them feel good knowing their piece is appreciated.”

A Shop Worth Visiting

Whether you’re looking to furnish your home, find a meaningful gift, or simply enjoy the charm of downtown Noblesville, The Velvet Plum is a must-visit destination. With its warm atmosphere, thoughtfully curated pieces, and heartfelt mission, it’s a place where stories come to life and community thrives.

As Kelly put it, “It’s not just about the items we sell—it’s about the connections we create and the lives we touch. That’s what makes The Velvet Plum so special.”