Connecticut is a shopper’s paradise, offering an eclectic array of shops filled with amazing finds for decorating and entertaining. Here, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorites.
THE POST
The Post in Westport is brimming with an interesting mix of furniture and home décor, perfect for outfitting a city loft, country estate or coastal retreat. The vast selection includes lighting, linens, tabletop, art and garden accessories. One-of-a-kind gifts and chic clothing options are also offered. Need to prep for a dinner party? The Post carries stylish entertaining items to set a beautiful table. There’s always something new to discover, so consider this your one-stop shop for hostess, wedding or baby gifts. If you need some design inspiration, they also offer design services.
OOMPH
Oomph’s bespoke pieces in colorful hues have been a hit with designers and homeowners since the company’s inception in 2009. The recently revamped Greenwich showroom is filled with iconic case goods, upholstery, outdoor furniture, original art and home accessories, plus the latest lighting and rug collections, all on display in vibrant room settings. Custom order or shop off the floor for the “oomph” your home needs.
100 MAIN
Interior designer, gardener and author Bunny Williams is an arbiter of good taste. Her shop, 100 Main, in her hometown of Falls Village in Litchfield County is a perfect example of her creative vision. When an old grocery story in town came up for sale, she jumped on the chance to buy it and open an artisan cooperative. Drawing from the talented artists and craftspeople in the surrounding areas of Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, 100 Main boasts distinctive artwork, ceramics, basketry, woodworking, jewelry and gardening objects.
BESPOKE DESIGNS
Nestled in the Sconset Square shopping plaza in Westport, Bespoke Designs is the preeminent destination for couture stationery and invitations. Interior designer Shari Lebowitz has compiled the best-of-the-best to give clients “the highest level of personalization and creative flights of fancy.” She believes an invitation is more than just a way to convey information, “Let’s be honest, an invitation should generate joy!” Bespoke Designs also carries party provisions, tableware and gifts.
GEORGE
Bruce Glickman and Wilson Henley, the former owners of DUANE in NYC, set up shop in Washington Depot in 2018, bringing their refined sensibility to Litchfield County. George features a highly curated mix of mid-century modern, antique and contemporary furniture, as well as objects, art, lighting and a wide range of unique accessories sourced from around the globe. Kuba cloth pillows, French pottery, Indonesian baskets, African masks and intricately carved Moroccan stools are just a sampling of what’s waiting to be explored at George. The Studio at George Home offers full interior design services including fine art curation and accessory selection.
PRIVET HOUSE
Privet House in quaint New Preston is “an emporium of home goods, antiques and curiosities.” Proprietors Richard Lamberston and Suzanne Cassano pride themselves on building an exquisitely edited collection of goods for the home. You’ll find vintage and antique furniture, artwork and decorative accessories, baskets, tabletop and linens. There is always something special in store, so you’re sure to discover something you didn’t know you needed but suddenly can’t live without.
THE GLASS HOUSE
The Glass House Design Store elevates the museum gift shop to another level. You won’t find any tacky tchotchkes here, but you will find beautiful and functional furnishings for your home, architecture and design books and limited-edition artwork, all with a mid-century aesthetic.
STAMFORD MODERN
In operation since 2011, Stamford Modern has been assisting interior designers, decorators and collectors in their search for fine vintage furniture. The gallery specializes in finding and restoring mid-century modern pieces. Passionate about preserving the beauty of the past and creating modern functionality, every piece must meet the team’s high standards of craftsmanship and authenticity. Beyond the collection, Stamford Modern offers personalized furniture restoration services and interior design solutions.
THE TAILORED HOME
Known for its fine upholstery, the Tailored Home in Greenwich and Westport creates custom furniture with solid hardwood framing and eight-way, hand- tied springs. Choose from thousands of fabric swatches in the showroom libraries, curated by owners John Ortiz and Scott Falciglia. In addition to upholstery and drapery services, the shops offer expert interior design services, and clients can browse the assortment of wallpapers, lighting and home décor. Need a rest from shopping? Stop by the Tailored Home’s Studio Café in Westport for a coffee or juice break.
ROOM
For 26 years, ROOM has been a go-to resource for luxury lighting and bespoke furniture. Established by husband-and-wife team Amy Crain and Shawn Miller, the Greenwich showroom carries artisanal lighting lines with names like Lindsey Adelman, Christopher Boots, Bocci, Larose Guyon, CTO Lighting, Pelle and more. ROOM creates custom upholstery and cabinetry handcrafted to order with beautiful solid woods, hand rubbed finishes and beautiful patinas. “Personalization and customer service are two of our favorite forms of luxury,” says Crain.
HABITAT GREENWICH
“A mission-driven boutique” is how designer and founder of Habitat Greenwich Kim Caravella describes her shop. “We are proud to feature artisans from around the world, using the power of purchase to support small businesses and help communities thrive.” The shop is overflowing with original art, furniture, unexpected lighting, curious collectibles, pottery and vintage and gift items. Caravella hand selects things that she would want to use in her own sophisticated designs.
THE LINEN SHOP
A staple on Elm Street in New Canaan since 1974, the Linen Shop is stocked with everything for bed, bath and table for easy living or opulent entertaining. Sought out for its luxury linens and home furnishings, The Linen Shop provides personalized service, including monograming and wedding registry. “We promise you will always find something unexpectedly wonderful for your home or to give as a special gift,” says owner
and tastemaker Elizabeth King.
ELEISH VAN BREEMS
Mavens of Scandinavian design for more than two decades, Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems believe their mission is “to bring good design to everyone.” At the Eleish Van Breems shops you’ll find Gustavian and Rococo antiques as well as Scandinavian mid-century furniture, contemporary furniture lines, casegoods, rugs and lighting, tableware, gifts and home goods. Eleish Van Breems is opening a new store on Main Street in downtown Westport this fall, so be sure to check it out for great Scandi style!
THE LITTLE SHOP
Proprietor Nora Murphy has thoughtfully assembled a mélange of antique, vintage and new finds for
The Little Shop. Located in the charming riverside town of Chester, the store reflects the comfortable, country house style found in her books. It’s stocked with European pine antiques, mid-century modern glass and barware, original art from local artists and handcrafted botanicals. For those who want to “live the look,” design services are now offered.
LATTICE HOUSE
George, the golden retriever, is the official greeter at Lattice House in Southport and sets the tone for the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The shop’s owner and creative director Christopher Philip is always on the lookout for unusual items and the inventory in store is ever-changing. “We pride ourselves in supporting many small Connecticut-based makers and artists,” notes Philip. Core categories at Lattice House include garden and home accessories, sporting décor, vintage barware, men’s gifts and, of course, dog accoutrements for George and his friends. The shop is also home to the full-service design studio of Parker & Company Designs.