WHAT'S IN STORE: CHECKING IN WITH THE BEST HOME BOUTIQUES AROUND THE COUNTRY

Finding a home store with one stop shopping makes life so much simpler. Knowing you can walk in, find something unusual and beautiful--that is what makes a shop great. Luscious displays, a plethora of books, candles, objets for tablescapes and quick hostess gifts are all tell tale signs that you have found such a place.
A few worth mentioning: Mecox Gardens, Dovecote and HB Home in Westport, CT, William- Wayne in New York City, and Hollyhock in Los Angeles. These stores have stood the test of time, have owners that each possess a hawk eye and are in constant pursuit of good style.


Mecox Gardens' man behind the scenes is Mac Hoak. He oversees the product selection at 7 locations, the newest being Chicago and Dallas. What makes this store tick? An elegant living room atmosphere, things you actually want to live with and a selection of varied objects that have a nice patina, texture, and point of view.

Photo Courtesy of Mecox Gardens
Mecox Gardens in LA with its gracious, spacious layout has plenty room to roam.

Photo Courtesy of Mecox Gardens

Photo Courtesy of Mecox Gardens
Check out the amazing inventory on Mecox Gardens


William-Wayne has been a trusted home resource for New Yorkers since 1989. Receiving a gift wrapped in their distinctive beige packaging with green ribbon means getting something in good taste! Chinese garden seats and end tables are topped with woven placemats, serving pieces, dessert plates and frog salt and pepper shakers. Tables are stacked high with Mottahedeh tin plates, Raynaud china, home scents, and barware. Walls are covered in charming brackets with vases, sconces and framed botanicals. The mix is the thing here. Every surface is covered with style, much of it easy on the wallet.






Their web site captures their spirit online, with their dapper monkey logo at William-Wayne

Dovecote, run by Sarah Kaplan hit Westport Connecticut by storm in 2000. By way of Seattle and her store Great Jones, her eye was honed from years on antiquing in the South of France. Sarah selects items that appeal to the feminine, girly, charming side we all have. Anthousa room fragrance, Kai Hawaiian floral perfume and Graham Kandiah nestle in next to Madeline Weinrib (of ABC Carpet and Home) bright silk Ikat pillows, Hinson and other to the trade fabric lines, and Oly furniture. To top it all of, well edited jewelry is displayed throughout. Vignettes around the store capture great moments in design. A vitrine full of white coral is a statement unto itself.





Look at the vignette photos on her website at Dovecote


HB Home, located in Westport's charming Sconset Square, was started by Pat Healing of Healing and Barsanti Interiors. This two floor shop has to the trade fabrics at retail displayed on clever cube shelving, all arranged by color. Gourd lamps, bright pillows and terrific framed prints dot the landscape. Upstairs a bedding vignette and sofa centric seating area have the feel of a well stocked home. Design services are available, and make sure to look out for the cut corner upholstered headboards--they are terrific.






For more info about the design firm and shop, go to Healing Barsanti


LA's Hollyhock is a must shop stop. An old post office, the incredible space is always painted an eye catching hue-- be it canary yellow or lipstick red. Chicness abounds, as antiques from near and far are mixed in with Robert Kime fabrics, William Yeoward Crystal and rare finds. Designer Suzanne Rheinstein brings her Southern charm to the space, often hosting book parties for industry luminaries. Her interior design studion is upstairs---how inspiring it must be to emerge step into a treasure trove every day!

Photo Courtesy of Hollyhock Inc.

Photo Courtesy of Hollyhock Inc.
A special upholstery line and unique antiques can be viewed at Hollyhock Inc.

Photo Courtesy of Hollyhock, Inc.
These hand-painted panels from an 18th Century screen are divine. Chinoiserie at its best!