Parterre Garden Services
COURTESY OF PARTERRE GARDEN SERVICES From a greenery-filled rooftop downtown to a stunning Concord yard with bold blooms and graceful stone pathways, the sophisticated landscapes cultivated by these garden gurus stem from a deep understanding of the natural environment. And with a list of services that includes restoration, pruning, and perennial care, the Parterre team won’t just design and build you an outdoor oasis—they’ll deploy a squad of horticulturalists to maintain it for you, too. 67 Smith Pl., Cambridge, MA parterregarden.com.
Seven Moving
GETTY IMAGES Upgrading to a new neighborhood or swapping your city digs for a spot in the ’burbs? The efficient team at Seven—armed with protective stretch film, blankets, and pads—makes sure the least stressful part of your move is actually moving things. sevenmoving.com.
Arteriors
When your project calls for more than a coat of paint, Arteriors dials up the drama. Whether you envision a metallic-infused ceiling finish or a custom mural in your playroom, the Natick-based business comes prepared with designer paints and plenty of know-how. 45 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA arteriors.net.
Best Handyman Boston
Home-improvement vet Ryaan Tuttle runs the finest mister-fixit operation in town, tackling jobs from furniture assembly to gutter repair with nary a loose screw in sight. 68 Saint Andrew Rd., East Boston, MA besthandymanboston.com.
The Maids
Outshined only by their electric-yellow company cars, the pros behind this housekeeping outfit dazzle with a 22-step cleaning process that’ll leave sinks, cabinets, counters, and windows sparkling like new. maids.com.
Half Crown Design
With two decades at the company, designer Jodi Robbins combines a deep admiration for the beauty of high-quality wood with a keen consideration for each client’s unique style and vision. The result? Expertly designed, one-of-a-kind pieces—such as a sleek walnut dining table with stainless steel accents and a cherry-and-walnut storage bed—individually bench-made by New England craftspeople to last a lifetime. halfcrowndesign.com.
McLaughlin Custom Upholstered Furniture
Since its inception in 1889, this Everett mainstay has remained true to Old World techniques, fashioning new heirloom-quality pieces and reinvigorating antique ones with an appreciation for the craftsmanship of yore. McLaughlin’s master upholsterers hone their practice with every thoughtful cut and well-placed stitch, drawing from an extensive library of fabrics and leathers to give life to bespoke headboards, plump ottomans, high-backed wing chairs, and so much more. 1813 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett, MA mclaughlinupholstering.com.
Systems Design & Integration
Whether texting, shopping, or trying out the newest dating app, you’re already living your life in a series of button taps. Why not invite that kind of efficiency into your humble abode? These West Roxbury–based pros can hook you up with all sorts of time-saving technology, seamlessly wiring your home to do everything from enable your alarm system and lower your shades at night to adjust the lighting in your kitchen while you cook. 5230 Washington St., West Roxbury, MA sdiboston.com.
Molteni&C
COURTESY OF MOLTENI&C With a South End showroom operated by Casa Design Group, this Italian furniture maker takes the humble closet to the next level, outfitting dream dressing rooms with systems featuring slick lighted racks and pullout trays. Let designer Amanda De Oliveira help you create a custom walk-in or freestanding unit—from high-gloss to faux-leather, finish options are endless, as are the configurations. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA molteni.it.
The Boston Shaker
KARIN DAILEY. STYLING BY MONA MIRI This Davis Square establishment holds all the accoutrements you need to make one killer cocktail (or six). Swizzle sticks? More than you could swizzle in a lifetime. Recipe books? Your options rival Barnes & Noble. Shark-shaped tiki mugs? Also available in whale variety. And don’t forget about the lauded bitters tasting bar, from which staffers are more than happy to provide samples. Happy drinking, indeed. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA thebostonshaker.com.
Kitchenwitch
The real magic of this J.P. shop is that it somehow manages to pack all the culinary essentials you’d expect at a larger kitchen supply store—bamboo salt boxes, Hario coffee accessories, and knives from Lamson and Global—into one pint-size space. It’s not just about the necessities, though: With sure-fire mood boosters like a quirky cat-shaped creamer or a whimsical set of patterned plates, there’s plenty of impulse-buy potential here, too. 671 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA kitchenwitchjp.com.
Lekker Home
You already know this South End boutique for its modern furnishings and home accessories. Now discover Lekker Home’s softer side, courtesy of a luxe linen collection with everything you need for a lifetime of pampering: Sasawashi scrub towels to keep your skin looking fresh, a super-soft Blacksaw throw for movie nights, and a crisp set of Area bed sheets to sink into later. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA lekkerhome.com.
Niche
Does your windowsill already resemble a jungle, but you still need one more hedgehog aloe? Is your sun porch incomplete without twin philodendrons flanking the entrance? Then you just might be the kind of urban gardener Niche caters to. Its two retail locations are all-in-one stops for plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, tools, and, yes, more plants, letting you indulge your green thumb without sacrificing your prime city real estate. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA nicheplantshop.com.
Fountain Street
A relatively new player in the SoWa arts district—they relocated in 2017 after six years in Framingham—the Fountain Street team not only champions contemporary arts, but also advocates for local creatives and collectors. Their membership-based gallery provides both well-established and emerging artists a chance at exhibiting, while their community events, installations, shows, and online marketplace allow buyers many different ways to score abstract paintings, mixed-media sculptures, metal prints, and more. 460C Harrison Ave., Ste. 2, Boston, MA fsfaboston.com.