The Scoop

Shopping spree: local stores deliver cool handcrafted furniture, upscale cookware, cottage chic, terrific textiles. Plus artful clocks

The Scoop

Shopping Spree

Furniture designed by owner Ferol Barton Blake is all handcrafted. Woods might be locally harvested (butternut, walnut, tulip, maple or  oak); reclaimed vintage chestnut or hemlock; or select exotics such as Brazilian rosewood — “but only from certified sustainable forests,” Blake emphasizes. Prices run about $1,000 for a consul table; dining tables range from $3,500 to $9,000 for a 12-foot-long Equadorean teak one with a soapstone top

New Century Modern

In Hudson, which is up to here in antiques, stores that specialize in classic contemporary furniture really stand out. Interior designer Ferol Barton Blake, who opened 21c in July, takes things one step further by selling handcrafted furniture he designs himself. “I used to collect 20th-century modern, so I reinterpret that in my collections,” he says. All pieces are built by Stephen Fisher, a third-generation furniture maker in Connecticut, although Blake plans to move the workshop to Hudson soon. “I’m taking root here,” he says.

- Advertisement -

    

A few upholstered pieces (like the chaise on the right in the main photo) are from Lounge, a neighboring store, while a partnership with the Carrie Haddad Gallery means there will be changing photography exhibits on the shop’s walls. 21c is at 533 Warren Street. 518-822-0533.

Charm in a Barn

Set in a 19th-century restored barn with exposed beams and soaring ceilings, The Country Store at the Emerson in Mt. Tremper is a lovely place to browse (especially if you’re all relaxed after a treatment at the resort’s spa). You’ll find quilts and other works by local crafters, as well as Staub cast-iron cookware and fun stuff like Bambu’s natural utensils. You can even get a cup of coffee and a snack to sustain you while you shop. It’s located at 5340 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper (not far from Woodstock). 845-688-5800 or www.emersonplace.com

Cottage Chic

Elderberry, a housewares boutique actually not much bigger than an elderberry bush, is packed with all kinds of clever cottage-y things made by Jim Williams, who owns the place with partner Arnie Miller. Williams, a former crafts editor for Better Homes & Gardens, taught himself needlepoint, crochet, sewing and other handicrafts and makes most of the whimsical items in the five-year-old shop. You’ll find a smattering of antiques, as well as Williams’ one-of-a-kind coats in unusual fabric combinations, patchwork hats and button jewelry. He’ll also make custom cushions and curtains. Last spring, he added floral design to the list, offering country-themed flowers ranging from a hand-tied bouquet to designs for a wedding or celebration. Elderberry is open Thursdays through Sundays, or by chance or appointment. 2406 Route 212, just outside Woodstock. 845-679-0271 or check www.elderberrydesignandflowers.com.

Canine Comfort

Cushions fitted to vintage enamel basins make perfect beds for small pooches like Williams’ dog Daisy. Bone-shaped dog toys are $5.  Small dog bed: $65

- Partner Content -

Autumn Bouquet

Williams likes to mix grasses, berries and unexpected leaves and blooms in his country-themed arrangements

Pillow Talk

Original handmade needlepoint accent pillows with country motifs like chickens and fish have cotton backs. $465

Do-it-yourself needlepoint kitty kit is $165, or $195 for one custom designed in your own cat’s colors

Flower Power

The needlepoint seat and back in Williams ’60s-inspired “Summer Zinnias” pattern contrast well with a vintage bentwood chair.  $975

- Advertisement -

Bright Idea

Williams weaves torn cotton strips onto wire frames to make one-of-a-kind lampshades in a range of colors. $35 to $90

Rags to Riches

Crocheted cotton rag rugs are machine washable and can be custom made in round, rectangular, oval or heart shapes. 32-inch rug: $65

Terrific Textiles

At Catskill’s newest home store, Variegated, textile designers Jim Deskevitch and Corbett Marshall give patchwork a modern twist, making pieced duvet covers in linen, Egyptian cotton or wool (depending on the season). Some are reversible, with complementary colors and patterns on the back for those who like to fold their beds down. Basic three-panel linen covers begin at $300. The 40-piece patchwork shown, which is a new take on the traditional log pattern design, has a solid back and an invisible zipper. $750. Patchwork pillow covers (like the 26-inch European square shown) are $175 ($200 with a feather and down insert). Silk-screened pillows, which are printed on the premises, are $75. Deskevitch and Marshall also offer linen and cotton-terry washcloths and bath towels, quilted coverlets, table linens and tea towels. The store is open Thursday through Sunday. “During the holidays, we’ll be open extra days,” says Deskevitch. “Although we do need a little time to make things.” 377 Main Street, Catskill. 518-943-1313 or www.variegatedinc.com

Up-to-the-Minute

The clocks go back the first Sunday in November, but there’s nothing retro about this stylish BAC Clock. It has a polished copper face surrounded by six steel arcs, and is signed and dated by designers Ken Girardini and Julie Girardini. From the Artful Home. $200 plus $15 shipping.  www.artfulhome.com

Timeless Classics

Even the names of these Howard Miller mantel clocks are traditional: The limited edition neoclassical MacArthur (left) has a nine-bell chime and a small drawer to store the key. $3,750. Dentil molding, satinwood overlays and brass feet add to the detailing on the 11” high Webster (right) $1,570. Hear their chimes and find the location of your local dealer at www.howardmiller.com

The Wright Time

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s simple, clean architectural lines, this mantel clock from the Cool Clock Shop is called the Usonian. $77.95 Check www.coolclockshop.com

Modern Tempo

Mondrian Redux, a patinated metal pendulum clock by Bob Rickard that would brighten any wall, comes in a choice of rich colors including berry (shown) and lichen. $455 plus $45 shipping. From The Artful Home. To order, go to www.artfulhome.com

Our Digital Partners

Learn how to become a digital partner ...

Our Best of Hudson Valley ballot is open through March 31!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.