The Estate of Things

I wonder how many of you out there use Domino Magazine’s shopping guides? I’ve considered it a few times and now I’ve put it to the test. Well, let’s just say I tried my best.

I travelled to Savannah, GA on business but managed to squeeze in a little pleasure. Briefly touring around Savannah Thursday afternoon with my friend Laurie we decided to hit some of Domino’s suggested spots for all things home.

                                                                                                                                                                                     

How did we fair with the guide?

Turns out, the question should have been more like “how did we fair with our time allottment?” Because we were short on time, we didn’t live by Domino’s gospel guide. We were seduced by some storefronts that weren’t on the list on our way to other listed locations and so unfortunately we didn’t make it to what the shopkeeper at Satchel called the “Downtown Design District” which makes up a block or so on Whitaker Street. How ridiculous is that…very– considering the purpose of this blog. But hey whadiyagonnado? You’ll be glad to know that we did make it to some delightful shops, some on Domino’s list.

Before we get to the meat of the post, I’d like to say Savannah, GA will not dissapoint in beauty and charm. Want to experience Southern spirit and hospitality, a good dose of history or incredible creativity in design AND be near some amazing beaches? — Savannah is the place.

First stop was… 

DC2 Design (Not in the guide)

We encountered DC2 on our way to another store and quickly ducked in. I liked several of the occasional chairs among the furniture selection, but what really sparkles at DC2 are the chandeliers and bountiful accessories– mostly ceramics. Small, medium and large foo dogs and a fabulous orange ceramic horse head are part of a wide selection. I personally fell in love with two white ceramic floor lanterns which I purchased because not only were they a great price but they were also 20% off along with all home accessories. They are going to make a great statement on either side of the fireplace during the day and aglow at night. All of their holiday decorations were 50% off and I purchased some fabulous birds for the tree with feathered tails so long I thought they were squirrels, those are for my Mom. Unbeknownst to me Apartment Therapy also blogged DC2 here, offering some additional photos and a short review.

                        

                                  

The Paris Market

The Paris Market was a real treat and a must stop while in Savannah.  Their merchandising is excellent with authentic French flea market feel.  There were so many things to adore here. I especially adored the oversized linen light fixtures and much of the furniture. I think the images will tell the story of just how excellent this shop is. As stated in the Domino guide, Paris Market has a long rustic table filled with a comprehensive selection of required reading for all the design-obsessed out there. I took note of a big anatomical book downstairs that I would love to get to keep my Natural Curiosities book company.  The Paris Market has been featured in various shelter titles like House Beautiful, Cottage Living and Savannah Magazine. All I can say is fabulous.

This is Laurie and I standing next to a dining room setup, a mirror was mounted on the ceiling with a hole cut for the chandelier. You have no idea what an incredible impact the mirror makes on the whole table and really maximizes the chandelier and the glassware. Easy DIY bling!

ShopScad

The highlight of the excursion and also an absolute must is ShopScad. For those out there who might not know, SCAD is an acronym for the Savannah College of Art and Design.  SCAD has managed to brand itself internationally and they have maintained this shop and website for several years. The shop itself is beautiful to behold, with arched windows, hand-painted walls and artful ceiling displays. It’s a visual feast.  I snapped a couple of pictures not even thinking about the anti-photography philosophy in the store because of the original artwork. The shopkeep quickly scolded me and I stopped immediately.  But I did eyeball a painting in the shop, Meredith Pardue’s Lotus Pond II, that I blogged previously in my build-a-bedroom post, the painting was available online but I cannot locate it on SCAD’s website now.

 

If we have any SCAD student readers out there, I want you to know I am very jealous…I want to move to Savannah and go to SCAD–this is my new dream.

Le Paperie

In the “downtown design district” La Paperie is snuggled in with most of the other stores in Domino’s Guide. La paperie offers lines by Kate Spade, Snow & Graham, WhoMi, Vera Wang and William Arthur just to name a few.  All of their holiday stock is 50-75% off. If you need a paper fix, La Paperie is your place.  I purchased their last Snow & Graham 2009 letterpress calendar. The image below is from their website.

 

@home Vintage General(Not in the Guide)

@home was also a visual treat that was impeccably merchandised.  I am a sucker for all things modern country and this was the place for me. Beautiful, thoughtful new and vintage inventory.

Liz Demos, the owner, has this to say about her amazing shop, 

For those that love weathered furnishings, @home is a great place to find stylish yet affordable items for your lifestyle. Known as a “vintage general store,” the shop is filled with one-of-a-kind finds as well as vintage-inspired new items. @home is a mixture of modern country and cottage styles. Creatively matching old and new is the forte of our unique shop. The store is stocked with hard to find goods and gifts in the following categories: antiques, textiles, fine ribbons, stationery and gift wrap, bed and bath products, jewelry, garden accessories, kitchen items, furniture, children’s items, lighting, architectural, industrial and old school artifacts.

I enjoyed some new design tags I learned from reading Liz’s blog, alternative country and industrial country. Although I have to say, Modern country forever holds my heart.

Images are courtesy of @Home’s blog.

 

My shopping advice for shopping Savannah, start with the downtown design district.  You won’t get much exercise there because a lot of the stores listed on Domino’s Guide are all gathered together there on Whitaker Street but you will be rewarded with plenty of new and antique home decor.  It is several blocks back to Broughton Street where I spent most of my time. Hit both areas to maximize the experience.

Some other stores we visited that were not home related:

Red Clover, 53 Montgomery Street

James Gunn, awesome sales right now!

Satchel

Urban Outfitters