Madison Merchant's 'Cute Shop' Appears on HGTV

Producers for a home makeover TV show stopped by Maison Decor on Main Street in Madison last spring and liked what they saw.

The shop's look appealed to them so much they ended up filming part of the episode in the store and the shop's owner, Madison resident Karen D'Addario, appears in the episode.

The episode aired in December and D'Addario has since heard from customers, friends and fellow business owners who saw her on TV. She also has run into the Madison resident whose dining room was redecorated for the episode.

D'Addario opened the home decor store three years ago April 6, drawing on her experience as an antiques dealer and decorator.

The show, HGTV's "The High/Low Project," features designer Sabrina Soto realizing homeowners' design dreams in two different ways: first, revealing a room makeover where money is no object, then re-creating the look on a budget.

Producers were scouting possible filming locations and home furnishings when they walked into Maison Decor.

D'Addario, a chamber board member for the Madison Chamber of Commerce, said the show spotlights Madison's stores as a blessing for the town. In the episode, Soto strolls down Main Street commenting on the downtown's charming shops.

"When I was driving by, I saw these cute little shops, I thought we'd just pop in and see if we could find anything," Soto says.

As she browses Maison Decor for accessories and furniture, including some items that ultimately were used in the room's new look, she says, "Obviously, I'd like to find something that's on sale."

A table with a shelf and raw edges catches Soto's eye.

"What about this table?" she asks.

Soto approaches D'Addario looking for a deal, saying she noticed some scuff marks.

"Would you take any percentage off of the $499?"

"I could do 10 percent off," D'Addario says.

Soto says, "Yes!" and pumps her arm in celebration.

It turns out there was a little TV magic in that scene. The table Soto liked so much? Producers brought it into the store ahead of time and used Maison Decor for their set. They did also buy Maison Decor furnishings for the home there.

D'Addario, who has lived with her husband in Madison for 20 years and whose triplets attend Madison High School, said it was a great feeling to have "The High/Low Project" appreciate Maison Decor's look and highlight the shop on HGTV.

"I was thrilled that the producers of the show felt that my store was trendy and unique enough to film the shopping segments in it. Sabrina Soto loved my store," D'Addario said. "It was a huge personal and professional endorsement!"