Set inside Houston’s historic El Dorado Ballroom, Kindred Stories redefines what a bookstore can be. Designed by local studio gin design group, this vibrant space brings literature, community, and cultural legacy together under one bold roof. Originally opened in 1939, the El Dorado was once a premier stage for Black music legends including B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. Now, following a major renovation in 2023, the building finds new purpose as a hub of dialogue and discovery with a commitment to celebrating the work of Black authors and artisans.
Kindred Stories honours its past while shaping a distinctly contemporary identity. Colour-blocked millwork in marine blue, chartreuse, merlot, and coral injects energy into the space, balanced by natural oak, cork, and custom tile detailing. Geometric and floral patterns stretch across furnishings and surfaces, nodding to the vibrancy of the books themselves. The result is a space that feels expressive yet grounded.
At its centre is a raised cork stage, framed by the original Kindred sign carried over from the shop’s previous location. Designed to host readings, performances, and community conversations of Black identity, the stage speaks to the venue’s dual role as both retail space and cultural platform. Modular shelving makes for easy transformation, while built-in reading nooks and plush floating seating offer plenty of places to pause, browse, and connect.
A standout feature is “A Garden for Kindred,” a custom wallcovering by Houston artist Tay Butler. Like a mural, it wraps the walls in layered portraits of Black icons and vintage florals, embedding the space with Houston’s Black cultural history. From the oversized pegboard walls used for rotating exhibitions and announcements to the custom furniture fabricated locally, every element has been considered to support both the business of books and the spirit of gathering.
Thoughtful and rooted in an authentic legacy, Kindred Stories Houston is a sanctuary for conversation, creativity, and connection; a place where books meet people, and people meet one other.
@kindredstorieshtx
@gindesigngroup
Kindred Stories Houston Photography, Claudia Casbarian for JULIE SOEFER PHOTOGRAPHY.
