Photos by RANDY PARKS

The Andalusian offers a unique selection of hand-crafted home decor ideas.

The Andalusian has been recognized as a distinct horse breed since the 15th century, and The Andalusian home decor store in Burns is just as distinct in its offerings.

A stroll through the new store reveals hand-crafted furniture, wine racks, textiles, wax fragrances, a full line of Kershaw and ESEE knives, and more.

Store owners Nick and Victoria Martinak opened the doors to the store on Nov. 25 to introduce their unique and rustic wares to the public, but the idea for the new venture began months before the grand opening.

The Martinaks also own a construction company, and one of their favorite endeavors is to repurpose wood from old buildings. Victoria said with their creations from the wood, they were looking to diversify and contribute to the community, and figured opening a store would be a fun way to do that.

One week later, they purchased the building at 369 N. Broadway in Burns, and the project was under way. The building was entirely gutted, from the ceiling down to the dirt floor, and then the remodeling began in earnest. The wood removed in the gutting process was reclaimed and then used in the new interior. New fixtures and plumbing were installed, and inventory was brought in. Seven months after the project began, the store, meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, was ready to go. The result is a warm, comfortable store with a vast array of uncommon items for the home.

When asked about the wood creations, Victoria explained that she has a special love for the old wood.

“Every piece begins with just one piece of wood,” she said. “I ask myself, ‘What would this wood like to be?’ and begin the work. There are no blueprints or plans, I use the character of the wood in the pieces.”

Victoria added that all the pieces of wood have a history, and by turning them into something new, they continue to have a history, albeit a new one.

While Victoria uses her talents to create new home decor and furniture, she also makes custom pieces by request.

“We try to provide what other amazing stores here don’t offer. We want to add to the shopping experience, not compete with it,” Victoria noted. “We’re excited to be open, and the response has been humbling and a bit overwhelming.”

The Andalusian, 369 N. Broadway in Burns, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.