Best of Boston Home 2012
Living & Dining
Photograph by Eric Roth
Upholsterer
MCLAUGHLIN UPHOLSTERING COMPANY
In 1889, Hugh McLaughlin ran a one-man show. Today, his grandson Kevin is devoted to preserving the art of handmade upholstering. In accordance with the labor-intensive practices developed more than a century ago, every piece is upholstered twice—first with cotton muslin, then with the final fabric. Kevin and his artisans specialize in custom jobs, creating pieces that fit perfectly into your life.
1813 Revere Beach Pkwy., Everett, 617-389-0761, mclaughlinupholstering.com.
Interior Designer
LIZ CAAN
With a style that’s both sophisticated and eclectic, Liz Caan goes further than most local designers dare, layering bright colors and bold patterns for ultra-dramatic results. Vintage and heirloom furniture, animal prints, and contemporary pieces blend beautifully in her artful, energetic rooms.
1066 Centre St., Newton, 617-244-0424, lizcaan.com.
Fine Rugs and Carpeting
LANDRY & ARCARI
Exquisite hand-woven Persian, Turkish, and Tibetan rugs abound at this showroom, favored by connoisseurs on the hunt for Orientals. The selection of contemporary carpets—patterned wools, natural sisal—also makes Landry & Arcari a great place for broadloom. And if you can’t find the rug of your dreams, the team here will design it for you.
333 Stuart St., Boston, 617-399-6500, landryandarcari.com.
Window Treatments
BOSTON SHADE COMPANY
Window coverings have evolved considerably since the days of the vinyl roller, and this company has all the latest, greatest options. There are Roman shades crafted of woven woods, honeycomb blinds that double as insulation, and custom fabric pirouettes with UV blocking, but its specialty is a motorized shade operated by an infrared remote. The best part? All the drapery is made by hand in a South Boston workshop.
Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 627, Boston, 617-268-7460, bostonshadecompany.com.
Vintage Furniture
BEYOND GORGOSITY
Peter Levis’s 6,500-square-foot showroom is a dream for lovers of all things mod. Levis is particularly enamored with 1950s Italian design, so you’re likely to encounter futuristic sconces by Stilnovo and refined Ico Parisi tables. For traditionalists, there are 18th- and 19th-century English and continental furnishings as well.
15 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, 617-901-4333, beyondgorgeosity.com.
Lighting Showroom
CASA DESIGN
The well-edited selection at this hip SoWa showroom features innovative and artistic interior lighting from lines like Foscarini and Fontana Arte, along with a growing collection of stylish, energy-efficient fixtures. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the attentive staffers will work with you on a custom solution.
460 Harrison Ave., Boston, 617-654-2974, casadesignboston.com.
Fine-Art Framing
A STREET FRAMES
For more than 30 years, the folks at A Street have offered expert advice and quality craftsmanship without exorbitant pricing, always selecting frames that best complement the artwork, be it a master oil or avant-garde collage. Framing materials range from smooth bird’s-eye maple and rich 23-karat gold leaf to etched steel. The shop also offers conservation and transportation services.
4 Clarendon St., Boston, 617-437-7761; 755 Concord Ave., Cambridge, 617-497-2259; astreetframes.com.
The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including home builders and contractors, interior designers, home accent décor, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.
