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Vol. LXV, No. 28
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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Vol. LXV, No. 28
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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 QUALITY AND STYLE: “We are set apart by our selection and our service. We look forward to continuing to please our customers and finding great new pieces.” Associate Greta Villeré (seated) and owner Lori Johnson of Area Home in Lambertville enjoy the special sofa, upholstered with an Indian Kantha throw in a combination of colors and fabrics. Also shown is a framed print of sea shells and coral and a hanging lantern-type lamp. |
“Let Our Style Inspire Yours” is the motto of Area Home, the charming home furnishings store at 202 North Union Street in Lambertville.
The store’s location in the British Antiques Building is a story in itself. The structure dates to 1860, and was formerly a “spoke and wheel factory. “It provides a perfect setting for our offerings,” says Area Home owner Lori Johnson, who originally opened the store in 2002, after a career in interior design.
“I was always interested in furnishings and design,” she continues. “I got a degree in design from Trenton State, which had a design department. I continue to do design consulting work, and I think more people are using designers today. More stores are also offering the services of designers.”
Ms. Johnson’s experience in design has helped her to create a very comfortable and inviting space in which to display the intriguing selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories, including framed artwork.
Destination Business
“Finding the interesting items is a pleasure for me,” she says. “Our manufacturers are Cisco Brothers upholstery (made in the U.S.), Olway Studio, Redford House beds and dressers, Noir Furnishing, and Bungalow 5, among others.
“This is a destination business,” adds Ms. Johnson. “We have customers from central and northern New Jersey and also New York and Philadelphia. They tend to be very knowledgeable, and they are looking for something of quality and something different. We also do a lot of work with designers, and we do many special orders.
“One of the trends we see today is that nobody wants a matched set anymore. Instead, it is mixing interesting things together for an eclectic look. Blending antiques with modern pieces is popular.”
Visitors to Area Home will find many very special items, often one-of-a-kind. For example, the handcrafted wooden wreaths, made by an artist. In four different configurations, they feature bird houses, miniature chairs, little dory boats, and white-washed paddles. The dories and the paddles would be a wonderful addition to a beach house.
Appealing Fragrances
An arched mirror features antique mirrored glass, and gorgeous accent pillows, handmade with antique fabrics by Anne Hutchinson, include a beautiful 18th century hand-embroidered silk design.
Unusual leather iPad covers are made by Kwahd, a local New Jersey company, and Ana design candles are made in Trenton. They are smokeless and drip-free, and a wonderful hostess gift at $20 for a set of two. Agraria diffusers and TasselAire scented tassels offer assorted appealing fragrances.
Glass candle holders are almost like sculpture, and also available are the very popular Dainty Glasses, including stemless champagne flutes.
“Judiska stoneware from Portugal is the number one choice of brides in the U.S.,” reports Ms. Johnson, “and while white is the favorite, it comes in several colors and different patterns in plates, bowls, pitchers, etc. It is dishwasher-, oven-, and microwave-safe.”
Unique Designs
Floor and table lamps are in unique designs, as is the selection of dining and cocktail tables.
Picture frames and a variety of gift books, including “The House in Good Taste” by Elsie De Wolfe and “The Art of the Personal Letter”, among others, are also welcome gift items.
Catherine Canino’s line of jewelry, including the very popular pebble pearls in several colors, is an unexpected find and a very big seller, reports Ms. Johnson.
Furniture is, of course, a large part of Area Home’s business, and chairs, tables, and sofas are all attractively displayed. A classic English sofa in aqua linen is an outstanding choice, and the Redford House black frame bed with natural caning is also available in 20 different finishes.
Shipping and gift wrapping are offered, and customers appreciate the service and setting, notes associate Greta Villeré. “They really respond to our style. The store has a nice clean look, and people like to come and spend time to get a sense of what we have. Also, it’s a great space to have seminars and events. We hope to do that in the future.”
Area Home is open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (609) 397-6660. Website: areaandco.com.