Timeless, Trendy, and Tabletop-Ready
Ampersand Has It All
BY EMMA GEARY - MAY 12, 2025
For three decades, Ampersand has set the standard for refined tabletop and home décor, offering an unparalleled collection of storied brands and unique finds with artisanal craftsmanship. Founded in 1995 by visionary creative and entrepreneur Barbara Armajani, Ampersand was born from a passion for exquisite design and a belief that beauty should be woven into everyday life. From timeless to trend-forward, Ampersand is at the forefront of thoughtful living, establishing itself as one of the Twin Cities’ leading destinations for an unforgettable home shopping experience.
Ampersand at Galleria Edina provides endless options for entertaining, gifting, and more.
Today, Ampersand is owned and curated by Paula Bauer, who has worked alongside Barbara for years, gaining a deep understanding of what creates a gorgeous tabletop, from light-as-air linen napkins to candles that smell as sophisticated as they look. After building her career at the iconic Dayton’s, Paula brings a keen eye for trends to Ampersand. As a relationship-driven entrepreneur, Paula has continued Barbara’s legacy of remaining deeply embedded in the community with style and taste for moments beautifully considered.
“What is so special about Ampersand is that our pieces stand the test of time–a dining collection purchased by a grandmother can be passed down to her daughter and again to her own daughter. As we enter this next chapter, I’m excited to not only maintain our relationships with legacy brands, but also continue introducing brands that our younger audience is excited about and can pass down to their own children,” Paula shares, “We’ve always been the place that offers timeless pieces that make everyday living beautiful, and that’s what we’ll always be.”
Soaps and Scents for Summer
One of our favorite parts of every Ampersand visit is discovering the scents we’ve only seen on Instagram in our favorite influencers’ feeds. Sometimes, you simply need to smell it yourself to experience the magic.
“Our apothecary collection offers scents that can’t be found anywhere else in the Twin Cities, but we’re also excited to support fellow woman-owned, Minnesota-based businesses in our apothecary offerings, like Alora Ambiance,” saysPaula. “What Therese and Annie Gibbons have created is one of the best lines of diffusers and candles on the market, and they’re a personal favorite of mine because their scents are memorable and long-lasting.”
From Diptyque to Lafco to MN-based Alora Ambiance, we’re eyeing Ampersand’s collection of candles, fragrances, and home scents to create signature moments all summer long. Perfect for spritzing on post-poolside afternoons or filling your home with warmth before a sunset dinner party, these are the ones we’ll be reaching for on these sun-soaked days.
Alora Mare Reed Diffuser, Baudelaire Bath Caribbean Wool Sea Sponges & Brushes, Baudelaire Linden Artisan Soap from Provence, France, Baudelaire Loofa Grapefruit Soap, Baudelaire Pure Honey Soap, Diptyque Citronnelle Candle, Diptyque Ilio Summer Face & Body Mist, Mistral Citrus Hand Wash, Mistral Mint Bar Soap
Emma Geary
Emma is Collective Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and LAB’s Brand + Editorial Manager. She loves getting lost in a story and is sharing her own on her Substack, Hot Girl Walk. Find her staring at the sun on her daily lap around Lake of the Isles.
