Whole Heart Provisions
Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
Hudson
Some people, we want to raid their closets; others, their kitchens. If Hudson owner Jill Goldberg's home is anything like her domestic-décor mecca, though, we'd make off with the whole darn thing. From floor to ceiling her South End shop (there's another in Wellesley) is stuffed with big-ticket gorgeousness like brindle cowhide rugs and artsy chandeliers, as well as smaller accents with outsize personality, such as plates decoupaged with old French pharmacy labels. And in contrast with most other high-end home-design spots, there's zero attitude here. Note: When we say 'zero,' we mean well-mannered dogs are allowed inside. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
Radius
Yes, you'll want fries with—or without—that burger (Radius also took home the award for Best of Boston 2009 Burger). With one genius exception (minced fines herbes), chef Michael Schlow imposes none of his fancy French roots on these golden über-tubers. And thankfully, he's not stingy with the salt. 8 High St., Boston, MA 2110, radiusrestaurant.com.
Grettacole
Toss away those pore strips. You won't need them after a facial at Grettacole, where the expertly trained technicians steam, massage, and tone even the dullest of skin into dewy submission. Settle onto the cushy table in one of the dimly lit, blissfully quiet treatment rooms and doze off as your skin is transformed; the neck, shoulder, and hand massage is just one of the many perks. For an exercise in pure luxury, indulge yourself in a treatment using products from the Valmont line of rare, exquisite French lotions, toners, and masks. It all adds up to an addictive experience that may have you swearing off do-it-yourself home facials forever. Westin Hotel, Copley Place, Boston, MA grettacole.com.
Didriks
This Cambridge shop has area exclusives on some of the finest dinnerware, flatware, and accessories available. We covet the minimalist stoneware from Heath Ceramics, as well as Match's pewter and porcelain collections. And then there's our most recent discovery: the rich jewel tones of Jars Tourron artisanal pottery, made by hand in southern France. 190 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA didriks.com.
Domain
Accessorizing is what it's about these days in interior design, and nobody does it better than Domain. The selection of upholstered pillows is the best in Boston. But check out the picture frames as well. All locations, .
Grossman's
The new store in Danvers, with 44,480 square feet, puts this chain of stores in the same league as Home Quarters, the colossal newcomer. But the exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable sales staff puts Grossman's in a class by itself. All locations, .
Elegant Entrances
"Cluttered" may not be your adjective of choice when it comes to home décor, but a trip to Elegant Entrances might be enough to make wrought-iron candelabra and Mission lamps on iridescent spring-green tablecloths staples of your permanent decorating style. Crowded with items as varied as Victorian basins and wall-mounted cowbells, this Norwell shop has the feel of a Harvard Square boutique, but without the prices. So leave the Platinum AmEx at home—and bring a car with a big trunk. 430 Washington St., Norwell, MA .
Cocoon
This family-run store may seem small, but it's packed with objects to render your home as cozy, chic, and vaguely exotic as its name. There are intricately beaded silk table runners, art deco picture frames, mammoth plants, exquisite scented candles, artsy salt and pepper shakers, gorgeous Asian antiques, and a flat-out stunning selection of French tulips, Chinese bamboo, and other exotic flowers available by the stem or bouquet. Make sure to allow ample browsing time, then circle back again; you're sure to stumble upon another unique piece you missed on the first pass. 170 Tremont St., Boston, MA cocoonhome.com.
Trillium
This delightful island shop carries an array of designs centered on the work of French artisan Muriel Grateau. Tall celadon vases, delicate glass candlesticks, hand-beaded place mats, and minimalist table settings of smoky gray and black dishes crowd the boutique. Also on hand is a rainbow of linens (six shades of green alone), stemware, and lamps. 17 Centre St., Nantucket, MA trilliumnantucket.com.
Wishbasket
We're not typically the nesting types, but thanks to Wishbasket, our pied-à-terre has been looking practically hibernation-ready. Once inside the French country shop, we find ourselves stocking up on rustic dinnerware, super-soft throws, current cookbooks, and specialty sea salts. Once, we even walked out with bath soaps labeled 'bonjour' and 'bonne nuit.' Our purchases have changed our minds about quiet evenings at home. Or at least evenings spent quietly admiring our new home accessories. 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, .
System 7
For those of us who find navigating the myriad of home-technology systems overwhelming and stressful, System 7’s Experience Center is a godsend. The pros at the company’s two locations in Boston and Wellesley are as tech-savvy as they are patient. They’ll enlighten you on intuitive access controls, motorized shading systems, lighting, and about integrating it all together through wireless networking. And when you’re ready, they’ll create a plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. Boston Design Center, Ste. 130W, Boston, MA 02210, systemseven.com.
Lucky's Lounge
A lounge used to be a place where you could mingle with strangers and tie one on at any time of day. Now it's usually just home to overdressed scenesters and overpriced drinks. But Lucky's is a throwback to the glory days. A speakeasy-style bar with dim lighting, vintage leather booths, and walls covered in Rat Pack photos, it's an ode to the three-martini lunch era. 355 Congress St., South Boston, MA 2210, luckyslounge.com.
Mida Newton
If you don’t want your pizza crust charred at Mida’s Newtonville outpost, you’ll have to request it. And that’s just the way it should be at this Italian-inspired hot spot, which churns out New Haven–style pies that are well done in more ways than one. Also well done? Chef Douglass Williams’s homemade pastas (think: mushroom pappardelle and tagliatelle with clams) and the light-and-lovely cocktail list, which plays well with a fresh, modern ambiance perfect for everything from weekend brunch with friends to date nights close to home. 261 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460, midarestaurant.com.