shopping in boston
Hudson, Photo Justin Bernhaut, October 2008
- Boston Shops
- Amid the twisty streets of Beacon Hill and the communal gardens of the South End are all manner of treasures, from Americana antiques to innovative tableware and furniture designers. Rita Konig unearths the best of this historic city.
- Ars Libri Ltd.
- 500 Harrison Avenue
(617) 357-5212
South End This is rather grown-up—just the destination if you're serious about books and art. It has everything from the earliest printed (currently Nuremberg Chronicle, c. 1493) to the latest avant-garde works. Considering the caliber of the merchandise, its atmosphere is very relaxed, the staff is accommodating and not everything is out-of-reach expensive.
- Black Ink
- 101 Charles Street
(617) 723-3883
beacon hill What I adore about this place is that among all the cute stationery, children's playthings and books are items from its Cambridge-based sister company, The Museum of Useful Things, which is a temple of quality everyday design: the smartest stapler, green and black rubber bands and the snazziest paper clips, rubber doorstops and storage boxes.
- E.R. Butler & Co.
- 38 Charles Street
(617) 722-0230
beacon hill One of this high-end custom hardware manufacturer's two American outposts, this shop also carries the most delicate glass from other established companies, like Steuben and Lobmeyr, gorgeous porcelain collections from Nymphenburg—and much more. Butler produces Ted Muehling's arresting candlesticks, as well as John Iversen's bronze-leaf pins, which appear as fragile as the real thing until you touch them.
- Good
- 88 Charles Street
(617) 722-9200
beacon hill Owner Paul Niski moved here from New York City nine years ago and opened this decorative heirlooms store with other highlights, including well-chosen bags, butterflies from a Paris taxidermist, glass domes and dishes, minute cast tulip petals (I bought one for my mother, thinking it would be intriguing in a sugar bowl), skulls, scarves and jewelry that ranges from charms on red string to antique ivory bracelets.
- Hudson
- 312 Shawmut Avenue
(617) 292-0900
the south end Owner Jill Goldberg mixes furniture from present-day companies like Oly with reconditioned artifacts from the Brimfield Antique & Flea Market (in central Massachusetts). Decorating your house or needing something to punch up a room? Stop in.
- Koo de Kir
- 65 Chestnut Street
(617) 723-8111
beacon hill This small interior-design concern is loaded with candlesticks, glasses and cushions that make fantastic accessories or hostess gifts. Owner Kristine Irving's style is modern with a traditional sentiment. She stocks that divine Juliska china from the Czech Republic, in addition to mirrors with faux bois frames cast in resin.
- Lekker
- 1317 Washington Street
(617) 542-6464
the south end Across the street from Simplemente Blanco is this housewares boutique owned by a Dutch girl, which might explain why so much of the huge selection is from European designers. My favorite: disposable espresso cups reproduced in porcelain ($9.50) by an Italian line called Seletti.
- Louis Boston
- 234 Berkeley Street
(617) 262-6100
beacon hill If you make only one stop while you're in town, make it this upscale and beloved miniature department store, the crown of the Newbury Street shopping district. The ground floor of the grand old building is devoted to home and lifestyle, and it's brimming with fabulous things you'll want to give—or keep for yourself. I was tempted to invest in dishes by Sarah Cihat—who redesigns and reglazes old plates—as well as anything by Frances Palmer (who makes creamware ceramics). Scattered in among all of this are vintage handbags and carefully chosen finds from Paris—giant specimen mushrooms, lemonade cups, canary yellow plates and '60s glass sprinkled about like diamond dust. Trust me, clear your credit card before you go.
- Michelle Willey
- 8 Union Park Street
(617) 424-6700
the south end Willey does a full design service and the range of her stock reflects it: pillows, lamps, Pillivuyt French bistro china, glass, Sabre cutlery, Barclay Butera furniture, Daisy Hill scalloped-edge napkins and Tibetan hand-loomed rugs.
- Polka Dog Bakery
- 256 Shawmut Avenue
(617) 338-5155
the south end A Willy Wonka chocolate factory for discerning canines. Chalkboards list specials (like flossies, made of beef tendon), and a refrigerated, butcher-style display case holds fresh meat products. If you know anyone with a pooch, get in here for gifting, both for food and toys.
- Restoration Resources
- 31 Thayer Street
(617) 542-3033
the south end If you live nearby and are working on a renovation, definitely peek inside this architectural salvage warehouse. The ground floor is stacked with doors and mantelpieces, the back has a room dedicated to antique hardware and the basement is filled with bathroom fixtures. If a building in the greater Boston area is coming down, these guys are there, buying up all the choice bits and giving those glorious old edifices a second life.
- Simplemente Blanco
- 46 Waltham Street, Suite 203
(617) 734-3669
the south end An appointment-only source for tantalizingly crisp white products for bed, bath and kitchen, plus gardening paraphernalia that mostly comes packaged in plain muslin and twine. Drop by with your Christmas list, or check out the website if you are far from Boston.
- Stephen Score Inc.
- 73 Chestnut Street
(617) 227-9192
Pure old Boston, this shop is on a stunning street lined with trees and red brick houses. For me, New England is synonymous with American folk art, I suppose because of its history. Stephen Score has been in business since 1976, and if classic weathervanes and such are your thing, make it a point to come by. I was amazed by how valuable this stuff is (a novelty toy-store sign fetches $12,000!).
- Twentieth Century Limited
- 73 Charles Street
(617) 742-1031
beacon hill As with all higgledy-piggledy costume-jewelry stores, the longer one stays the more one uncovers. Among a mass of Bakelite pieces, vintage glasses, hats and handbags, I found a green velvet Kovet bag with a paste clasp for $65. Well worth a visit.
