Bothell Like a Local: Chelsea Coryell, Owner of First and Main Design Market

Chelsea Coryell first opened First and Main Design Market in Bothell almost two years ago, with the idea that “everyone should have access to interior design — to see the space and make it work, just for them,” she said.

A Washington native and Western Washington University alum, Chelsea lived in a variety of places for 20 years, working as a designer for retail shops and as an independent interior designer, before laying down roots in Snohomish.

“When I moved back to this area in Washington, I realized there weren’t places that offered quality furniture and interior design to families,” Chelsea said. “Rather than struggling as a designer and trying to find places to shop, we made a store that we would want to shop.”

She created First and Main Design Market and since then, the furniture and retail shop has become a community hub where people can feel comfortable and at home. She also offers free interior design consulting for First and Main Design Market customers and even stages HGTV-like reveals in customer homes, complete with fresh flowers, First and Main candles, and tears.

“There’s always crying. I have heard many times, ‘I can’t believe this is my house’ or ‘I can’t believe I get to live in this beautiful place,’” she said. “They’re going to have their holidays there, their good moments and their bad moments. I want them to love it.”

The pandemic has only magnified this sentiment. 

“We’re using our homes for school and work — every aspect of our lives is in our homes,” she said. “You have to make it functional and beautiful.”

Read on to discover Chelsea’s insider tips on places to eat, drink, and paddleboard in Bothell.

When you’re not manning the shop, what’s your favorite thing to do at Bothell?

I love Main Street. They just opened some new shops, new clothing and little boutiques, and fantastic restaurants. 

Downtown Bothell closed off its street, so traffic can't go through. It's great because it's one sort of hub, where you can walk and choose your restaurants, meet at one of the big picnic tables, and eat. It's almost like a giant food court. It has become such a community center.

If you could have one great meal at a Bothell restaurant, what would it be?

I do love the Thai food from Chantanee Restaurant. Their Thai food is amazing. We eat there three times a week and their Penang curry is so good. It's our comfort food.

Wine or beer?

See, I'm a craft cocktail person. We go to The Bison, which is across the street.

What are a few activities you’d recommend to someone visiting Bothell for a weekend or a few days?

We're right off of the Sammamish River, where you can paddle board and rent kayaks. There's lots of walking trails around there, so it's kind of a unique place where you can exercise, then go shopping, and then have lunch — all without getting back in your car.

What is one of your favorite day trips to take that is close to Bothell?

Snohomish, which is 30 minutes away. The downtown area is super, super cute. It's considered the antique capital of the Northwest. There's probably 50 antique stores and boutiques, little restaurants. You're five minutes from beautiful hikes and there's the Snohomish River and the Pilchuck River, where during the summer, we inner tube and fish.

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Header photo courtesy of First and Main Design Market.