Pictured Above: Artemisia, Old Lyme

If you’ve stopped by Williams Sonoma in the Westbrook Mall lately, you may have noticed the sprawling fabric store next door. ReBorn House moved their shop and workroom from Branford to Westbrook and is offering a plethora of design services. From upholstery, caning, and refinishing to a vast array of fabrics and wallpaper, plus mountains of heavily discounted remnants (I spied a luxurious navy mohair velvet that I must find a use for), you’ll find the solution to your project here. I had a simple one: replacing a pair of 20-year-old curtains, and creative director, Rachel Kalman unearthed the perfect fabric and whipped up a couple of fresh black-outs for me. You’ll find it here if you’re on the hunt for anything from Kravet or Sanderson to Rogers & Goffigan and Fortuny. I’m mesmerized by textiles (I even studied it in college!), so this place is a bit of a wonderland for me. Head over with your projects and let the experts at ReBorn have a look. 

therebornhouse.com
Westbrook Mall 

Find Your Perfect Rug at Kaoud’s in Guilford

I’ve never had much luck picking out rugs online. My sizing is off, the colors never match the photos, and they are nearly impossible to return. Then there’s Kaoud in Guilford. This 3rd generation shop is celebrating its 70th (!) anniversary, so I stopped by to see what’s in store. 

What really surprised me most, among the vast selection of handmade new and antique rugs and carpeting to order, were the prices! There are MANY to choose from that are well under $1000. And while I tend to think of Oriental rugs in tones of red and blue, you’ll find modern lighter shades, tonals, and neutrals among the stacks. A wide choice of quality wool wall-to-wall is available, too. 

A standout is the service here. No more online mishaps because they’ll come to your house to try out your chosen rug AND bring it back to the shop if it doesn’t work out. On the hunt for an extra special antique? Visit the online gallery and make an appointment to see for yourself. Oh, and they offer repairs, restoration, and hand cleaning on the premises. With affordable luxury and excellent customer service, it’s no surprise they’ve been in business for 70 years. 

The 70th Anniversary sale runs through the end of the year. 

kaoudrug.com

Visit the gallery of antique rugs here: kaoudantiquerugs.com/

594 Boston Post Road, Guilford
203.453.2310

Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Artemisia, Old Lyme

Husband and wife team Rosemarie Padovano and Marcello Marvelli delight their clients with a unique and creative mix of antiques, vintage and upholstered pieces, and art of the highest quality. Their backgrounds in the arts (she’s an artist and designer; he’s an art historian and dealer) inform their design process, which results in rooms that not only stand the test of time but look as if they have been layered and collected over the years. Think silk velvets, large-scale art, Fortuny pillows mixed with antique cabinetry, and modern tables. Their new website (designed by the experts at Julia Balfour) is a vision to behold and will give you a sense of their imaginative curation. 

23 Lyme Street, Old Lyme

artemisiainc.com/pages/about-us

Three Trees Interiors, Old Lyme

If you’re searching for someone with quality taste and the training to go with it, Robin Rountree is your girl. With degrees in Interior Design and Art History from Duke and architectural training, she’s a highly schooled professional, and she has been providing full house and room renovations for clients near and far for years. Kitchens? Check. Draft a built-in? Check. Revamp an exterior? Absolutely. Her style incorporates lush finishes, unexpected accessories, and fun. Nothing boring here. Plus, she’s a delight. Visit the showroom for a selection of lighting, furniture, accessories, and inspiration. 

149 Boston Post Road, Suite B, Old Lyme

860.391.8182

threetreesinteriors.com

Maggies of Madison

I’ve been shopping at Maggie’s of Madison for years for their luxury linens and towels (Yves de Lorme, John Robshaw,  and Sferra are favorites), but you may not be aware that they are a full-service design house. Whether you need a room makeover (and don’t know where to start) or are looking to revamp your entire home, they’ve got you covered. Beginning with a meeting about your style and a walk around your house, they’ll prepare several full boards, including everything from rugs, curtains, and lighting to furniture, art, and accessories. They have the best, high-quality American-made goods at their fingertips. (I loved a sofa that looks exactly like linen but is an outdoor performance fabric; I would never have guessed); Owner Gretchen and her sidekick Keira are a fun and enthusiastic pair. They shared a thrilled email they had just received, and it was clear that THIS is what inspires them: overjoyed clients. 

705 Boston Post Road, Madison
maggiesofmadison.com

Lille Shoppe, Guilford

While it’s hard to look past the tempting displays of tabletop, ceramics, pillows, and gift items, peer underneath because every bit of furniture in this charming shop is for sale. You’ll likely find it here if you’re looking for an antique pine armoire, dresser, chest, or table. I snagged the sweetest scrubbed pine chest, perfect for a coffee table or end-of-bed.

23 Water Street, Unit 5, Guilford
lilleshoppe.com

Saybrook Home

Saybrook Home needs no introduction. Whether you need a new lamp or a whole house makeover, you’ll find expert interior design help here. This third-generation business boasts a 42,000-square-foot showroom and new digs in Glastonbury. They’ve been furnishing the Shoreline with updated coastal style for years. From your initial design meeting and browsing the rooms for inspiration to white glove installation and all the finishing touches, they’ll provide a stressless process for your dream home.

2 Main Street, Old Saybrook
saybrookhome.com/

Nora Murphy’s Little Shop, Chester

Suffice to say, I have yet to browse Nora Murphy’s shop in Chester without a purchase. Her selections of vintage tabletop wares, overstuffed armchairs, rustic coffee tables, antique dressers, and all sorts of exciting decor items, merchandised in her inimitable style, are impossible to resist. There’s plenty of inspiration here, plus pick up an autographed copy of Nora’s new book for yourself or gifting. 

1 Main Street, Chester
noramurphycountryhouse.com/product/country-house-living-celebrating-the-beauty-of-life-at-home/
noramurphycountryhouse.com/the-little-shop/