Best of Boston Home 2009
The premier designers, contractors, shops, and more, in Boston and beyond.
Kitchen & Bath
Just add aromatherapy: a spa-like sanctuary by Designer Bath. (Photo Provided)
Bath Supplies
DESIGNER BATH
Backsplash. Lighting. Hardware. Outfitting a WC can be overwhelming. At this North Shore showroom, the sales staff acts more like your personal shopper, guiding you through everything from staples (vanities from Woodpro and Vanity Flair) to accessories (Rohl and Franke fixtures). Once you’ve picked out the basics, wander among the luxe amenities like floor heaters and towel warmers. Now, what was your budget again?
97 River St., Beverly, 800-649-2284, designerbath.com
Appliances, Large
CLARKE SHOWROOM
Shoppers can’t keep their hands off the appliances in Clarke’s gleaming, massive showroom. Luckily, the displays are designed to be manhandled, so ask one of the diligent employees to show you how the icemaker inside that Sub-Zero works. There are also Wolf ovens and Best hoods—clearly, quality is a benchmark. Don’t believe us? Ask chef Ming Tsai, who tapes his PBS series, Simply Ming, in the showroom’s amphitheater.
393 Fortune Blvd., Milford, 800-842-5275, clarkecorp.com
Appliances, Small
YALE APPLIANCE AND LIGHTING
It’s everything plus the kitchen sink at this 85-year-old appliance warehouse. The 16,000-square-foot space contains faucets, lighting, dishwashers, fans, and yes, sinks from brands like Miele and KitchenAid. It’s all neatly displayed in a bright, uncluttered space and, because Yale considers every budget, it’s a smart option for those just starting out (not to mention anyone looking to upgrade). Bonus: The in-house chef performs demos most days, so you can see the goods at work.
296 Freeport St., Boston, 888-925-3463, yaleappliance.com
Cabinets
MODA CUCINA
Few of today’s “eco-friendly” companies walk the walk like Moda Cucina. By designing and manufacturing its cabinets at a green facility in Boston, its carbon footprint is miniscule. And the design doesn’t suffer for it: European-style elegance and classic lines hit just about every aesthetic target. You’ll pay the price for such handiwork, but it tends to hurt less when you know exactly where your green is going.
Boston Design Center, One Design Center Pl., Ste. 628, South Boston, 617-361-2400, modacucina.com
Countertops
DIVINE KITCHENS
While its design studio excels at all aspects of kitchen and cabinetry design, Divine Kitchens’ countertop options are what set it apart. The selections include Michigan maple block, lava stone, glass, and stainless steel, among others. Even better, it will mind your budget (however large or small), making the process downright enjoyable.
40 Lyman St., Westborough, 508-366-5670, divinekitchens.com
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