Best of Boston Home 2013
Bedroom
Photograph courtesy of Baby Koo
Furniture, Nursery
BABY KOO
The big-box stores have nothing on this Newton shop, launched by a mother and daughter dedicated to sourcing eco-friendly, domestically made baby furniture. Think lines like Hiya (which builds toddler beds from formaldehyde-free FSC wood) and NurseryWorks (a California company dedicated to sustainable practices), as well as a broad range of green toys and accessories that’ll let you (and your baby) breathe easier.
188 Needham St., Newton, 617-467-5860, baby-koo.com.
Linens
MICHELLE WILLEY
Offering a respite from chemical-laden sheets and blankets of suspicious provenance, this South End boutique stocks Maine-made Brahms Mount throws, linens from Fall River–based Matouk, and Belgium’s Libeco textiles, among other luxe accessories.
8 Union Park St., Boston, 617-424-6700, michellewilley.com.
Painting
MASTERWORK PAINTING & RESTORATION
High-end contractors know a well-executed paint job is the proverbial icing on the beautifully built cake. That’s why so many of them trust the finishing touches to Masterwork. Owner Rich O’Neil’s main focus is on quality: Employees sand, prime, and pay special attention to moldings, resulting in flawlessly painted rooms. O’Neil is so dedicated to the industry, he even created a national group that sets training and education standards for painters around the country.
10 Draper St., Woburn, 781-275-3050, masterworkpainting.com.
Fabrics
STARK
Whether your dream sleeping space is a romantic boudoir or a modern masterpiece, Stark, in business since 1946, has the fabrics to make it a reality. Find inspiration aplenty at the company’s Boston Design Center showroom (open only to designers and their clients), which features demure damasks, bold patterns, and intricate floral prints from the likes of Missoni, Old World Weavers, and Fonthill.
Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 101, Boston, 617-357-5525, starkfabric.com.
Photograph courtesy of OSBORNE & LITTLE
Wallpaper
OSBORNE & LITTLE
What began more than 40 years ago as an elegant handprinted wallpaper collection designed by London brothers-in-law Peter Osborne and Antony Little has emerged as an international, trendsetting design studio. The Boston showroom features more than 2,500 patterns of luxury wall coverings, including the glamorous Cabochon series, a metallic-ink wallpaper line inspired by jewelry and fashion, and unique offerings from designers like Christian Lacroix and William Yeoward.
Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 551, Boston, 617-737-2927, osborneandlittle.com.
Closet Design
CLOSET CRAFT
Like the national outfits, this local, family-owned space-saving company designs and installs everything from bedroom closets and armoires to wall units and garage-storage systems. But unlike the big chains, ClosetCraft offers its customers completely custom work—at a very fair price.
20 Bridge St., Watertown, 888-371-6232, closetcraftboston.net.
Reupholstering
SECOND LIFE
If your favorite Gustavian square-back armchair has good bones but is in serious need of fresh fabric, let the craftspeople at Second Life give it some TLC. Recognizing that the inherent value of your favorite pieces extends well beyond their monetary worth, they’ll meticulously repair—even rebuild—wooden frames and hand-tie springs at their Charlestown workshop.
50 Terminal St., Charlestown, 617-242-0015, secondlife.net.
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.
