REFINED ACCENTS
You could furnish an entire estate from the tasteful selection on Melissa Hawks’ design blog and online store, The Well Appointed House. She was recently named A-List Lifestyle Blogger by Real Simple magazine, and there are more than 7,000 items on her site, from sofas and beds to an extensive stock of patio furniture, garden planters and more. But when you want an instant room pick-me-up or a can’t-miss housewarming gift, check out her new shop on East Elm Street, where she specializes in the smalls. Melissa, who lives in town with her family, was searching for a new office space when she found the one she now occupies, which was also zoned for retail. Her shop has dedicated parking, making it easy to pop in for accessories and gifts. Present options include candles, soaps, frames, cheese boards, salt and pepper shakers, wine chillers, blankets, poker/bridge sets, games, pet items and more. If you’re looking to spruce up a room, there are also small furnishings, such as benches, end tables, lamps and chic pillows. The aesthetic? “Transitional is a big buzzword, traditional has evolved,” says Melissa. “There’s an emphasis on mixing old and new, more shine, lacquered pieces and a mix of color and pattern.” Trends showcased in-store right now include tortoise, which is making a comeback—check out the gorgeous Oscar de la Renta tumblers—and shagreen, as seen in a cool X bench, picture frames and boxes. The store is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
31 East Elm Street, 203-935-5277; wellappointedhouse.com