DELICIOUS DESIGNS

Breathe a deep sense of contentment when you walk into 88 North Street.  Roberta Sobran has an unerring sense of proportion, surface and scale, so the shop is at once very relaxing, and yet intriguing everywhere you look.  Relaxing because every piece is perfectly proportioned, handsomely designed, and exquisitely covered.  Exciting because classic pieces are reimagined in exotic or reclaimed wood, weathered surfaces, or bold textures. 

Eye catching accessories punctuate the room, graphic shapes, the latest colors, or art from a talented pool {we love the evocative Allen Bunker pieces}.  We dare you to leave empty handed.  

Betty Tip: Visit the DD Facebook page, where they post inspiring interiors magazine photos for us mere mortals.

SWEDISH BLUE

Venture inside this jewel-box size shop and you'll find the freshest, most intriguing and "must -have-it" selection of fabrics and trim, rugs, and wallcoverings.  Lorrie Fitzgerald shops the zillions of options available from around the world, brings back the most gorgeous finds, then creates edited collections for you to discover.  

You may choose to "do-it-yourself," let Lorrie do it for you, or somewhere in between- regardless, you'll benefit from her impeccable eye for pattern, color, and detail. 

Find a gorgeous selection of furniture inspired by Swedish and French design.  Betty loves the custom tables made to your size, then wrapped with linen, leather or grasscloth.  The perfect answer to update any space instantly.  We can hardly wait for her next sample sale devoted to good deals Lorrie has found on furniture, bedding, and accessories. 

Betty Tip: Want to be first to know about sample sales?  Sign up for the Swedish Blue mailing list This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

AISLING GALLERY & FRAMING

You've driven by the Asiling gallery a million times- have you ever stopped in?  You're in for a treat when you do.  The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the gallery is filled with wonderful work, in every price range.  We had our eye on both a small ink drawing for $35 and a gorgeous Hugh O'Neill painting for $1,950. 

Many of the paintings render lush Irish landscapes, from well known artists like O'Neill, Vincent Crotty, Daniel Gaudette, Dierdre Grunwald and Eugene Conlon.   Their deft use of paint captures their subjects in a real and evocative way.  We couldn't help but think they'd be perfect ways for anyone to commemorate a trip to Dingle, Cork, or Killarney.

Did we mention framing?  Aisling does a beautiful job helping you select a frame and mat {they do wedding invitation mirrors and mount needlweork too}.  Throw away those %50 off coupons from Michael's, Aisling is much more competively priced and gives you one on one consultation to help you select the right frame. 

SORCHA

Every week we wait to see what Sarah has displayed in the window of Sorcha.  It's always charming, always colorful and always makes us smile.  She's a textile designer and you see her talent in every corner of the store, in every unique piece she brings into the shop. Start with the gorgeous blankets and scarves she designs and has custom made in Ireland.  Plaids, dots, solids- you know Betty goes on and on about the mohair throws, have you seen the gorgeous colors this season?  We're crazy for the berry color…but we digress. 

Sarah also has collected beautifully patterned rugs, pillows, and home accessories, all with her designer's eye.  Patterned ceramics, charming stuffed animals, and pajamas we wouldn't mind being caught in at the bus stop.   

PEAR TREE HILL DECOR

Stepping inside Pear Tree Hill is like walking into one of the wondrous antique and decor shops on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Mary Wheeler, the proprietor of PTHD just has that touch. Inside you'll find pieces from all over the world- a French settee, an oriental rug, an Italian mirror, all collected with an eye for opulence and detail.  Her graceful topiaries are a specialty too, an elegant and personalized way to accent your home. 

ROBIN'S NEST

Peek in Robin's Nest and you might see Robin's latest find- a bold wooden chandelier discovered at the Atlanta Design show, an antique sign unearthed in the Berkshires, a new artist found on the Vineyard. They may be waiting for installation in one of the  luxurious and inviting spaces Robin and her associates have been designing with clients for over fifteen years.

From stylish suburban family homes to beach getaways, Robin's style is classic meets sumptuous, with a dash of unexpected.  Layering pattern, texture, and color she creates unique and artistic interiors with her clients.  Whether it is new art, a bold accessory, or the perfect trinket, stop into the shop and snag the latest find….before it gets away.

LA PETITE MAISON

Feeling a bit blah? Need a bit of romance, charm, and wit in your day?  Spend time at La Petite Maison and you'll feel as if you've been transported to the Left Bank in Paris for the afternoon.

It is the destination for fine bedding, bath towels and accessories with the best from Yves Delorme, Sferra, and Matouk-  and they offer custom bedding and monogramming.  Bring in swatches and measurements, their experienced and friendly staff loves to help customers select colors and patterns that turn a bedroom into a luxurious Parisian sanctuary.

Did you say the rest of your home needs a little lift?  Nan is constantly on the search for great pillows {the perfect home pick me up}.  The patterns are unique and trending chic: a Ikat, a charming print, or vintage French textile picked up from one of the Paris Flea markets.  They'll have you wanting for a larger sofa.And finally, we would be remiss if we didn't mention the selection of home fragrances…tres magnifique!

Betty Tip: La Petite Maison works with decorators and offers discounts to the trade.

WHITE MAGDELENA HOUSE

A  Lisa Parsons, owner of White Magdelena is an animal lover, a philanthropist, a supporter of small business, an artist at heart.  You can feel the creativity when you walk in through the charming foyer and into the space.

Everything in the store has a texture, a surface, and a genuine sense of history and place.  Burlap linen ottoman and graphic patterned pendant lamps are a current favorite, but also find Dash and Albert rugs, Higashi Studio ceramics, Adrienne Gatien jewelry {pieces to covet and put on a wish list} reclaimed wood furniture, Lisa Daria Kennedy artwork, Pine Cone Hill furniture and the latest in artistic, earthy, classic style.

Yes, she'll help you design your home, whether it's from her store or not.  Her eye for texture, proportion and the latest in design will help you create a space that's energizing for body and soul.