Sneak Peek at Cambridge's Newest Design Spot: Kristin Paton Home

If you don’t know designer Kristin Paton, you will now. The décor powerhouse, who recently moved back to Boston after a decade in London, has all the classic bona fides: She’s worked with William Hodgins and Parish-Hadley, and boasts a Syracuse degree in interior design. Now that she has settled her family and design firm stateside, she’s taking on retail with her brand new venture, Kristin Paton Home. Located in the former space of William Henry Furniture at 152 Mt. Auburn St, her store (which will open next Thursday) is beautifully appointed with hand-picked art, antiques, upholstery, and casework. Kristin and her manager, Peter Griglik (the talented designer and retailer behind the opening of Newbury Street’s Jonathan Adler store), are planning several shopping trips each year in the US, Europe, and Asia, to hunt for unique finds. They’ll also offer all merchandise online, and they encourage designers to tap them as a resource.

Exclusive Kristin Paton candles. Three more options, to be introduced later this year, were created in memory of Paton’s mother who died of Leukemia. All proceeds will go to the Jean R. Sullivan Leukemic Trust.

Luscious glazed ceramic vessels from Beijing.

Amazingly realistic mushrooms, made of cast plaster, make a fun addition to a garden or tablescape.

On my covet list: a pair of pagoda lamps made of painted resin.

Another great find: this Swedish chest painted in an antiqued Gustavian white.

I love these two stag tables, finished with a hint of gold.

Handmade glass votives by north shore artist Heidi McKeon look like vintage perfume bottles.

An enormous hand-carved crab, a whimsical addition to a beach home.

Beneath an astounding horse photo is a lush coffee table with a verre eglomise top on two trestle bases that Kristin found in Paris.

Kristin had this Parisian chair reupholstered in Clarence House wool plaid. What an amazing combo!

Many sing the virtues of Murano glass, but few know of Empoli Glass from Tuscany, which is just as compelling and artful.

An awesome whale tail stool Kristin found in Paris is one of a pair.

These oversize cotton ikat pillows are made in the USA.

A Palladian shaped box features room for remote control storage and a small drawer “to hide late night chocolate !” says Kristin.

Fun cloth cocktail napkins.

Matchboxes and horn-and-silver cups.

Kristin and Peter are ready to outfit your home. Once again, here’s what you need to know:

Kristin Paton Home, open Monday to Saturday, starting April 5. You’ll find them at 152 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, 491-7100, click here for their website.