Q&A with Maggie Delahoyde, Owner and Founder of Lowery’s Dial
There’s something magical about stepping inside Lowery’s Dial, the vintage décor and gift shop tucked along King Street that feels equal parts whimsical and nostalgic. From the pink walls and checkerboard floors to the hot air balloons floating from the ceiling, the shop is a feast for the eyes — every corner packed with carefully curated treasures. Walking in, you’ll find quirky lamps, vintage tableware, playful stationery, and so much more; it’s a space that feels at once grandmillennial, playful, and full of surprises. Inspired by her great-grandmother, Mimi Lowery, and her father, Maggie has created a store where classic charm meets personality — a place that’s as much about creativity and connection as it is about décor, with something for everyone to discover and adore.
Can you tell us the story behind the name Lowery’s Dial and how your great-grandmother and dad inspired it?
The name is a nod to both sides of Maggie’s family. Her great-grandmother, Mimi Lowery, owned an antique gift shop called Lowery’s Gift House in Modesto, California. Mimi loved china, pink, and all things elegant — she even had a sparkling pink Christmas tree that drew crowds to her window displays each year. Maggie never truly knew her, but everyone told her she was the spitting image of Mimi — in both looks and spirit. “Dial” is her father’s middle name, and including it was Maggie’s way of honoring his humor, creativity, and lasting influence. “He passed away in 2021, so he never got to see the shop, but he’s a huge part of it,” she says. “I wanted to carry both of them into the spirit of the store.”
What role did your dad play in inspiring your love of design, and how do you keep his memory alive in the store?
Maggie describes her dad as quick-witted, funny, and full of life — someone who never took things too seriously and always looked for beauty in the everyday. His playful, sarcastic sense of humor shines through in the store’s gift selection, from witty trinkets, cheeky pillows, to quirky paperweights. One of Maggie’s favorite items to sell is a paperweight quoting Alice in Wonderland: “You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.” It’s a small reminder of her father’s lighthearted outlook on life and the joy she hopes to share through Lowery’s Dial.
How would you describe the vibe and aesthetic of Lowery’s Dial?
“Ever-evolving,” Maggie says with a laugh. She designed the shop to be a place she herself would want to browse — full of vintage finds, girly touches, and plenty of whimsy. Her core customers are often women in their 20s furnishing their first homes, and Maggie loves watching them discover beauty in unexpected details. “When a 22-year-old buys a teacup or a floral lamp, it makes my day,” she adds.
How do you decide what to bring into the shop?
Maggie’s approach is simple: she buys what she loves. Every piece in the store is something she’d proudly display in her own home. From unique lamps to antique tableware, she loves creating tablescapes that inspire customers to imagine how these pieces might fit into their own lives. “It’s about sparking ideas and showing people that vintage can be fun and stylish,” she says.
What is your favorite item in the shop right now?
“I found this adorable wicker vintage bar cart at an estate sale last Spring, and I love having it in the shop! All the details, like the wicker braiding and big wheels make it so vintage, yet perfect for a moment today. It was old and loved and has a lot of style!”
You’ve described your shop as a celebration of ‘grandmillennial’ style. What does that mean to you?
The term “grandmillennial” was coined by writer Emma Bazilian in an article for House Beautiful in 2019, but Maggie jokes that she and her friends were living it long before then. The style celebrates the traditional — think ruffled pillows, floral china, pleated skirts — with a modern, playful twist. “Everyone has an old soul,” Maggie says. “Sometimes people just need permission to embrace what they love — even if it’s something their grandmother might have owned.”
Tell us about the hot air balloon basket — it’s such a unique centerpiece!
Maggie calls it her pièce de résistance. While sourcing in Maryland, her friend spotted a hot air balloon counter on Facebook Marketplace, and Maggie knew she had to have it. It now anchors the store’s whimsical design and has inspired her to collect more hot-air-balloon-themed pieces. “It brings a little magic to the space,” she says.
Lowery’s Dial has become known for its events, especially Mahjong Mondays. How did that start?
Hosting events has become one of Maggie’s favorite parts of running the shop. Partnering with neighbor Boxwood, she began hosting Mahjong Mondays once a month, offering newcomers a chance to learn the game and connect with others in the community. “We get so many people who are new to the area — it’s a fun way to bring everyone together,” she says.
This holiday season, she’s expanding the lineup with a holiday open house, calligraphy workshops and a Christmas bouquet watercolor class — all centered around creativity, connection, and a love of beautiful things.
What’s your favorite part of running the shop?
For Maggie, it’s the design process. When she took over the space — formerly the American in Paris — she transformed the gray interior into a warm, colorful haven. She installed brown and white checkerboard floors, painted the walls pink, and added a hand-painted sign featuring a vase overlaid with a drawing of Old Town that she commissioned from a local artist Sue Henry of Tulusa Goods. Inside, she decoupaged pages from a 1900’s vintage British home catalogue to create custom “wallpaper.” “It was fun to experiment and it turned out better than I thought,” she says.
Get to know Maggie!
How would your friends describe your style?
“More is More!” Maggie laughs. “I'm a maximalist at heart. Old World Whimsy and a deep obsession with anything British.”
Favorite holiday to decorate for?
“Valentine’s Day.” Maggie goes all out with homemade card-making workshops and pink décor galore. “I’m on a mission to make everyone love Valentine’s Day,” she says.
What’s one home essential you swear by?
“Soft, glowy lamps. I hate overhead lighting,” she says. “Every home needs more lamps — on counters, tables, bookshelves, and especially in bathrooms.”
Favorite local spot?
“Thompson Italian. I love taking all my friends there — it’s our go-to after happy hour at the shop,” she says.
Maggie has big plans for the holidays, starting with the Lowery’s Dial Christmas Open House Party on Wednesday, November 12, from 4–8 p.m. Guests can shop vintage-inspired décor and gifts, enjoy festive treats, and get a first look at the season’s most charming vintage finds.
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