There is a store in Boston that I kept hearing about called Hudson. After I presented my 2014 Trend Talk at the Boston Design Center, I had the chance to meet up with an old friend who is an interior designer. We zipped across town so I could check out Hudson, and get a feel for the burgeoning design scene in the South End. I had met the owner, Jill Goldberg, an interior designer, and heard her speak at the Blogfest blogger's conference a few years back, where she was part of a House Beautiful Next Wave panel uncovering new talent. I like her eye and traditional-with-a-twist sensibility, so I knew I was going to enjoy her home decor store. Plus, I loved seeing the creative displays she posted through her Twitter feed.
Her South End shop, opened in 2006, embodies a range of design styles available, with antiques and vintage finds throughout. In this newer, larger location, she carries traditional furniture but adds a modern side table here and there, with fresh accessories. Showing an appreciation for the classics, the assortment has an aged patina that provides a bit of rusticity, and nothing feels too shiny and new. I like that the store is rooted in traditional design, complete with a red painted door and black and white striped awning, yet the assortment of old and new suits the New England setting perfectly. If you are in Boston or planning to be, add 12 Union Park Street to your list. And while you are in the neighborhood, grab a quick lunch at the charming bakery/cafe South End Buttery down the street.
Rain did not deter my shopping adventure.
In the entry, old plank floors add to the warmth of the charming space. A vignette with a Town and Country theme, featuring a console filled with books and accessories is rounded out with a great mirror hanging above it. An antique bench covered in a plaid fabric and some woven baskets can work well in a city or country home.
A wonderful grisaille scenic wallpaper behind the desk wows as you enter the space. I know these light fixtures well, and they bring a cool modern shape to the classic wallpaper. Fall is here, so antique urns have been filled with tiny white pumpkins.
I visited on a rainy day, but the sky cleared in time for me to get this shot of the window. A vintage-inspired linear chandelier brings a certain cool to the armchair and ottoman below. A zebra print rug brings in a touch of pattern.
If you are close by, visiting to see this wall of artwork from emerging artists is worth the trip.
The space has a charm to it, with an upstairs loft, columns, and cozy corners. Books, artwork, and pieces with a rustic lived-in look are everywhere.
Grass cloth covers the walls providing a neutral backdrop for furniture. A cerused secretary is filled with good design books.
The store shows signs that Goldberg is a designer, for there are design tips all around. A wide green stripe painted on the stairs is a fun way to add personality to steps. An unexpected touch of color can do wonders. In the loft, she has the full Dash and Albert Rug line.
The view from the loft space above, shows seating areas and accessories below. Adding paper lanterns in clusters brings your eye up, the stark round forms play off the brick wall in the back.
If you look in the brick niches, you will see yards of books artfully displayed. I would say this is a "do not try this at home" moment, but it looks great here.
Neutral upholstery is easy to work with, and if you want a pop of color, pillows are a great way to do that. Here is a better loft view, where Goldberg has added some architectural details, with Chinese Chippendale fretwork railings.
I love when spaces have personality, rather than just tons of stuff I have seen hither and yon at gift shows. Displaying pieces in a warm, livable way, the shop feels comfortable, rather than too polished. A deep slip covered sofa with blue Rebecca Atwood pillows is relaxed.
In the back of the space is another wallpaper moment. By framing out a large swath of silk paper, it becomes instant art. The Fromental striated travertine painted silk wallcovering fits in perfectly with the nautical-inflected setting-- it looks like Ocean waves. A vintage French leather chair, useful baskets and a textural wood chest of drawers show the varied mix.
Little plates, tole votive holders, rustic bowls and design books on a Mid-Century Modern-inspired etagere. A dark leather armchair is a good spot to soak it all in.
