There's a Story Behind Everything.

The Velvet Pug was founded on the belief that a home should feel collected, not decorated—each object chosen for its character, its history, and the quiet way it shapes a room. Owner Susan Gates brings more than two decades of experience in interior design and antiques to her work. With a practiced eye for nuance and proportion, she is drawn to pieces that carry a sense of time—European antiques, richly textured textiles, and objects that feel both grounded and unexpected. Much of her collection has been sourced abroad, particularly in France, where she seeks out pieces that speak not only to beauty, but to permanence. Her approach is intuitive and editorial, guided less by trend than by a desire to create interiors that feel layered, personal, and enduring. The Velvet Pug is an extension of that philosophy—a carefully edited offering of antiques, lighting, textiles, and objects for the home, each selected to bring depth and distinction to everyday living. The shop takes its name from Henry, a much-loved pug with a discerning eye for comfort and company. His spirit of welcome endures—now carried forward by Oliver, a mischievous Yorkshire Terrier who continues the tradition of greeting visitors with exuberant charm.