Another Secret Shopping Spot - DOMUS

This week kicks off the Brimfield Fair; the famous antique show in Massachusetts. I am always excited to head west of Boston, but recently its not because the Brimfield Fair, but because of a secret shopping spot I found along the way.

The store is called DOMUS and is open year round. It is filled with wonderful treasures. Gorgeous antiques, unusual reproductions, fabulous accessories. It is one of my most secret spots for finding wonderful unique items for the homes of my clients (and myself!).

DOMUS formerly known as HOME, located in historic Sturbridge, MA is the brainchild of the famous Alex Pifer of the hugely successful SERAPH store. If you are a fan of the primitive, colonial decorating style you will know that Alex is icon. Over the years she has been featured numerous times in Country Living, Primitive Homes and several other magazines. Her eye and attention to detail has made the most discerning collector come back to the SERAPH again and again. But, Alex is a multi-dimensional and multi-talented designer and buyer. She has ventured into the world of Swedish, French and Belgian decor. And, as you can guess like everything else she does, her new venture is outstanding. Let's have look:

On the property right next to the SERAPH, Alex and her charming husband had a spectacular Post and Beam shop built to house the gorgeous DOMUS inventory. Here a pair of gorgeous armchairs are covered in grainsack slipcovers. Notice the garden table and statuary and how wonderfully it goes together.

Here is a beautiful reproduction chaise covered in linen. The finish on this piece is incredible.

The displays in the store are worth seeing. Alex and her staff, including the talented, Laura, do a fantastic job of putting things together. You can guess how much I fell in love with this vignette.

DOMUS has an incredible selection of antique mercury glass, grainsack covered furniture and Swedish antiques.

But if you like a more refined look, you can find it here as well. Another fabulous vignette; and it has a completely different feel. With such an incredible collection to choose from its easy to find spectacular items for myself and my clients. The store is very large. Here is a more contemporary look. I just adore the linen sofa.

DOMUS is not limited to living room and dining room decor. Above is a beautiful French bedroom set. Notice the lighting as well, Alex has chosen a wonderful mix of lighting options for the most discerning customers.

On my most recent visit I was enamored with this dining room table and chairs. Notice the urns and the birdhouse.

It is a common theme at DOMUS to mix garden items with more formal indoor items.

This mirror stopped me in my tracks. Isn't it stunning? You will rarely see the same thing twice here.

Alex prides herself in obtaining the unique. So if you want to find something extraordinary that no one else has, this is the place. So of course you are thinking that wonderful unique items like this are just too expensive and out of reach - I almost don't want you to know...the prices are very reasonable! So my secret is out - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

DOMUS is a 45 minute drive from downtown Boston. To see more of their ever changing inventory click their Facebook page here. To get directions click here. And when you head out there, do tell Alex and Laura hello from Gina at Willow Decor. I know you will be glad you made the trip. (Out of state customers can call the store directly as they ship anywhere in the US!)

PS. Sturbridge is wonderful town to visit - plan to stay for lunch at one of the many little cafes and inns.

My Favorite Shopping Spots!!

The famous Brimfield Fair starts this week in the sleepy town of Brimfield, MA. It comes to life three times a year and Tuesday, May 11 - Sunday, May 16; kicks off the 2010 season. I hardly ever miss it and this year I wanted to pass along a few favorite shopping spots of mine. I have listed the field they are located in parenthesis.

First stop -Industrial Age Antiques -(The Meadows) A great place for Mercury glass bottles and industrial carts made into tables, assorted lab ware and machine and industrial antiques. I never know what they are going to bring, but it's always interesting!
My next never miss stop is my friend, Wendy Lewis' Textile Trunk - (New England Motel - under the tent) Wendy has an incredible collection of antique french ticking, grain sacks and antique linens - If you are searching for it she either has it or can find it for you.
I never want to miss Marvin Gardens - (Quaker Acres) It is always so gorgeous- real eye candy and an inspiration of how your garden could look - Though not all antiques, they have interesting and beautiful fountains and garden urns.
I also never miss Capitol Salvage (New England Motel) Actually I usually go here first to make sure I get the best selection of all their great treasures. They are masters at finding architectural pediments, corbels and old windows. They also take old columns and make them into tables. Great spot!

My favorite spot for finding awesome accessories for my clients with summer homes is Traditional Marine Outfitters - (The Meadows) They come down from Nova Scotia with fabulous antique nautical items like buoys ,oars, floats, etc.
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This year I have to miss Brimfield, but if you find any treasures please email me photos so I can see the great new finds that will undoubtedly be there!! Fields open on different days so check out their specific times here. Have fun!!