Five trailblazing decorators stock their shops with
one-of-a-kind treasures from around the globe. And if you need is a little advice, all you have to do is ask.
Head to the back of this cozy Nolita boutique and you’ll spot German designer Nina Freudenberger creating eclectic interiors for stylish Manhattanites. The shop’s vibe—streamlined Scandinavian chalet meets European hunting lodge—was inspired by Freudenberger’s memories from Denmark and Bavaria. Throughout her showroom (where almost everything costs less than $300, and most items less than $50), there are unique curios for the home from up-and-coming artists. Plus, the shop’s Wallpaper Bar features sample books from firms including Cole & Son and Studio Printworks; bring along your room measurements and a staffer will recommend patterns, calculate yardage, and even suggest an installer.
Favorite finds: Faux-aged trophies (like the one you took home after your third-grade spelling bee) that Haus engraves with the superlative of your choice (from $35) and illustrator Christopher Jagmin’s graphic dinner sets featuring oversize numerals ($129 for four plates).
British transplant Peter Dunham is the go-to expert for celebrities who gravitate toward his clubby English spin on Old Hollywood style. At his West Hollywood showroom, one large space is set up like a boudoir: for winter, it was dressed in Carolina Irving Textiles’ blue-and-white stripes and florals; the same space is now redecorated in eye-catching harem prints by pattern fanatic (and fellow British expat) Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. There’s also an extensive selection of by-the-yard fabrics, including Dunham’s fresh takes on Indian, Turkish, and Persian imagery.
Favorite finds: The store’s best-selling How to Marry a Millionaire side chair ($1,650) is a reproduction of the oak-and-rush-seated classic seen in the 1950’s film of the same name. Don’t miss the collection of vintage books, including a first edition of Zsa Zsa Gabor’s 1970’s advice manual, How to Catch a Man, How to Keep a Man, How to Get Rid of a Man ($80).
Istanbul native Eugenie Perret, the owner of this contemporary three-story gallery situated in the heart of Old City, and her partner, Michael Schmick, have capitalized on Philadelphia’s recent design renaissance and turned their shop into a meeting space for the city’s creative set. Philadelphians come as much to check out furnishings by international design stars Hella Jongerius, BarberOsgerby, and Maarten Baas as to support homegrown talents such as furniture maker John Bolle and sculptor Todd Noe.
Favorite finds: Minima is one of the best sources in the country for collectibles, including pieces such as Ben van Berkel’s sinuous Circle sofa (price available upon request). For more portable souvenirs, check out Hiref glass vases ($465) with crescent-shaped stoppers (Perret discovered them in Turkey) and gilded hand-cast bone china skulls by Philadelphia-based artist Candy Depew ($1,450).
“Eighteenth century meets eighteen minutes ago” is the mantra of this gas station turned showroom in Savannah, Georgia’s historic district. Here, Southern standbys—silver mint-julep cups are a hot seller—stand beside oil paintings by local artists, including Samuel J. Ward and Daniel E. Smith, a former monk who creates color-drenched abstractions based on low-country landscapes and architecture.
Favorite finds: As befits its name, Arcanum specializes in decorative arcana. Look for crystal balls (from $57), Neoclassical-styled urns with brass snake handles ($88), and carved-bone lobsters and crayfish (from $290). Also popular: semiprecious gemstone strands from local designer Alexandra Trujillo’s HRH The Duchess of State jewelry line (from $200).
In Montreal, where interior shops tend to cater to either traditionalists or cutting-edge Modernists, Celadon Collection bridges the gap between stodgy and avant-garde perfectly. This 5,000-square-foot home emporium, located in a former garage on the western edge of Old Montreal, is the brainchild of one of Canada’s top decorators, Scott Yetman. He and his business partner, Roy Caro, traverse the globe in search of antiques and well-made furnishings, so that Celadon—like Montreal itself—is a crossroads of European and North American influences.
Favorite finds: Parisian imports including Objet de Curiosité’s egg-shaped volcanic rocks mounted on bronze bases ($630) and Hervé Gambs’s hypoallergenic scented candles in subtle fragrances such as Waterflower and Cashmere Wood ($66).
