Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » philadelphia design guide

i’m so thrilled to add a new city guide to the site today- this time written by one of my all-time favorite bloggers, joy of oh joy! joy hardly needs an introduction so i’ll just say she’s one of the coolest ladies around and has one heck of a great eye for design. when i left my philadelphia inquirer column to write for HG i couldn’t have imagined a better person taking over so when it came to creating a philly design guide, i wouldn’t have dreamed of asking anyone else. thankfully joy was kind enough to take time out from her busy schedule of blogging, writing, and designing to create a fantastic city guide for us. thanks to joy for her hard work- i hope you’ll enjoy the guide! click here to read the full guide or just click “read more” below. [stay tuned for a new product guide at 2]

[image above from gophila.com]

Rittenhouse Square
{mainly Chestnut St.-Locust St., 16th to 20th St.}
With mostly middle to high-end chain retail stores and a slew of great restaurants, Rittenhouse Square is usually the first place out-of-towners come. There aren’t as many unique individual shops here as some of the other parts of the city, but there are definitely some great ones..as well as food aplenty.

AIA Bookstore & Design Center
formerly on 17th and Sansom Streets - see below to Broad St/Chinatown

Hello World
At the sister shop to Hello Home (see Pine St. below), you can find an array of jewelry and handbags from local and international designers.
257 S. 20th Street, 215-545-5207

Petulia’s Folly
One of my favorite weekly stops to browse and add things to my mental wish list. A great mix of hip upscale designer clothing, jewelry, and modern housewares. You’ll find 3.1 Phillip Lim, Paul and Joe, Megan Park, Anna Corinna, Hable Construction, Mud Australia, John Derian, and more.
1710-12 Sansom Street, 215-569-1344

Kellijane
Unlike most design shops, Kellijane sits amoungst beautiful brownstone residences on a tree-lined street of downtown Philly. The shop carries hi-end designer bedding, bath towels, and table linens from designers like Missoni, Sonia Rykiel, Oyuna Cashmere, Cir Paris, and Garnier Thiebaut.
1712 Spruce Street, 215-790-0233

Town Home
This upscale home goods shop is great for that last-minute wedding, baby, or bridal shower gifts. Tabletop items, high-end tea & chocolate, and baby good fill the simple and serene shop.
126 S. 19th Street, 215-972-5100

Premium Steap
One of my favorite stops to buy loose tea, Premium Steap also carries a great selection of tea cups, tea sets, and tabletop goods. You’ll find great Japanese tea sets from Kobuki as well as modern pieces like Eva Solo. As for the tea, there are SO many great ones to choose from…my favorite being the Black Coconut.
118 S. 18th Street, 215-568-2920

Coeur
This upscale lingerie shop has pretty underthings of all kinds. Great for yourself or for the bride-to-be.
132 S. 17th Street, 215-972-0373

Eat:
-Tria for light servings artisinal cheeses, salads, and sandwiches as well as a great wine and beer selection
-Tinto for modern tapas
-Remedy Tea Bar for delicious tea concoctions like the Dirty Chai Latte
-Giwa for a quick bite of Korean food
-Miel Patisserie for a mid-day coffee and some French macaroons

Chain design stores in the area: Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Design Within Reach, Bo Concept

………….

MIDTOWN VILLAGE
{11th to Broad St./Market to Spruce…but mostly concentrated in the 12th-13th St., Walnut-Chestnut St. areas}
Not too far from Rittenhouse Square, this area was formerly filled with dollar stores and discount clothing stores. Thanks to some new modern shops and restaurants, this area (now called Midtown Village) has recently began its growth to a much cooler place.

Duross & Langel
Fresh and fragrant natural soaps and body products all made with raw materials employing a fair trade policy.
117 S. 13th Street, 215-592-SOAP

Matthew Izzo
Matthew Izzo is a one-stop shop for home decor and clothing junkies alike. Modern furniture and hip clothing brands for men and women mingle. You’ll find Jonathan Adler, Blu Dot, Gus, J.Lindeburg, Energie, and more.
1109 Walnut Street, 215-829-0606

Open House
This is probably one of my favorite shops in all of Philadelphia. With a mainly home decor selection, Open House does the mix just right with the addition of jewelry, paper goods, beauty products, and baby accessories amoungst the home goods. The selections are well-edited and new designers often show up in Philly first at Open House. Find designers such as Thomas Paul, Roost, Parkhaus Berlin, Wingard Home, Saipua Soap, Alexis Bittar, and many more.
107 S. 13th Street, 215-922-1415

PHAG/Philadelphia Home Art Garden
You’ll find an eclectic mix of artisan furniture and novelty decor and gift items at PHAG. From Rosanna dinnerware and tea sets to PHAG’s very own line of products.
1225 Walnut Street, 215-627-0461

Scarlett Fiorella
This eclectic shop mixes antique-style pieces for the home with a selection of kids clothing.
113 South 13th St., 215-922-1955

Eat:
- Raw Sushi Bar for creative sushi combinations
- Grocery 13 for the cupcakes and readymade food on the go
- Capogiro for tons of delicious gelato flavors
- Naked Chocolate Cafe for the huge selection of everything chocolate (and delicious Apple Lemonade)
- Tbar for the Amai tea cookies and the seasonal Honeybee Latte

Chain design stores in the area: West Elm

…………….

Pine Street/Antique Row
{Pine street from 8th to 13th St.}
This row of shops is known for its antique furniture selection sprinkled with some great modern design shops.

Hello Home
One of the best places to go in Philly for great vintage furniture as well as contemporary accessories and lighting with a nod to the great designs of the mid 20th century. The ever-changing mix of vintage furniture may include pieces by Paul Mcobe, as well as a great selection of Danish modern pieces. The decor items include current indie designers like Soft Goods, SCAD, and Company C.
1201 Pine Street, 215-545-7060

Twist Home
This shop mixes antique & vintage furniture with modern accessories.
1134 Pine Street, 215-925-1242

Paper on Pine
One of the best stops in the city for cards and stationery of all kinds.
1008 Pine Street, 215-238-0385

Eat:
- Vetri for upscale & modern Italian…and the best gnocchi ever.
- Last Drop Coffeehouse for a laid back spot to take a break while snacking on something sweet and caffeinated.

…………….

Northern Liberties {Spring Garden Street to Girard Avenue, 2nd to 4th Street}
This area is probably considered the current up-and-coming area with its quick growth of retail shops, restaurants, and new homes in the last few years. This still industrial area is home to hipsters, young couples & families, as well as those who have lived in the neighborhood forever before the gentrification.

Art Star
Art Star is the place to shop in Philly for handmade goods made by indie crafters and artists. From clothing and jewelry to prints and handmade stationery, its one-stop shopping for a handmade gift. Art Star also rotates its gallery space monthly with pieces by well-know indie artists.
1030 N. 2nd Street, Unit 301, 215-238-1557

Jenny Jaskey at Tower Gallery
Curator Jenny Jaskey exhibits work by emerging artists in a variety of media and hosts experimental performance events in addition to the regular exhibits.
969 N. 2nd Street, 215-543-6029

P.A.D. Home Furnishings
This Northern Liberties staple sells a mix of vintage furniture, vintage clothing, and modern accessories and gifts. You’ll find vintage clothing by Missoni and Ferragamo mixed with Miya sake sets and pillows from Soft Goods.
804 N. 2nd Street, 215-925-4005

Philadelphia Glass Works & Gallery 908
Take introductory glassblowing classes at PGW or view the amazing selection of glass art pieces at Gallery 908.
908A N. 3rd Street, 215.627.3655

Vintage Modern
The ever-changing selection of vintage furniture makes Vintage Modern a regular stop for mid-century lovers. Designers include: Saarinen, Nelson, Eames mixed with a showcase of local artist work.
906 N. 2nd Street, 215-238-1997

Eat:
-N. 3rd for great gastro-pub fare including their amazing Thai-style wings
-Honey’s for all-round amazing brunch where Southern comfort and Jewish staples marry beautifully
-Koi for sushi
-Brown Betty for cupcakes and other sweet things
-1 Shot Coffee for the garden bagel and earl grey, soy, & honey latte.
- Arbol Café for traditional food and snacks from Paraguay. The boneless short rib with butternut polenta is amazing!

……..

Old City (sometimes spelled Olde City)
{Front to 4th Street, Chestnut to Vine Street}
Shopping-wise, this area is known for a great selection of upscale and trendy restaurants, clothing boutiques, and home design shops a plenty.

Bruges Home
Bruges has a beautiful mix of rustic and ethic pieces from around the world, mixed in with modern classics like Roost and John Derian and accessories by younger indie designers.
323A Race Street, 215-922-6041

Chaise + Corbel
A sort of antiqued French shop in an urban setting with lots of vintage and refinished, cottage-style furniture and accessories.
244 Race Street, 215-238-1915

Foster’s Homeware
Foster’s seems to carry everything for the modern home. With the mix of furniture with a huge kitchen & tabletop section, you can expect to find brands like MarlaDawn, BluDot, Gus, OXO, Denyse Schmidt, and Chilewich. The new, expanded location also hosts cooking classes by local renowned chefs.
399 Market Street, 215-925-0950

Okooko
This New Zealand-based brand recently expanded into the US with its first and only store in Philadelphia. Specializing in bedroom furniture by the New Zealand-based manufacturer Design Mobel, it’s like a sanctuary of rest. You’ll be amazed at the gorgeous bedframes and accessories all made of sustainable, native New Zealand timbers. Each piece has a story, and it’s a story worth hearing.
205 Arch Street, 215-667-8240

The Papery
Another great shop that carries some of my favorite independent stationery and letterpress designers.
57 N. 3rd Street, 215-922-1500

Scarlett Alley
This cozy boutique carries an array of personal and decorative items from kitchenware and tabletop to jewelry and gifts. With their own wedding registry, the selection of modern goods for wedding presents is plentiful.
241 Race Street, 215-592-7898

Third St. Habit
Since this is a home design guide, I’m only going to mention one of the many great clothing boutiques in this area of the city. Third St. Habit has some of the best selection of up-and-coming designers like Geren Ford, Rag & Bone, Elijah, and so many more.
153 N. 3rd Street, 215-925-5455

Eat:
-Amada for the best tapas in the city
-Fork Etc. for a quick bite to eat and great pre-packaging food to take home

…………..

Broad St./Chinatown
{Broad to 9th Street, Arch to Cherry}
There isn’t really a concentration of shops in this area, but I wanted to point out a few that didn’t fit in any of the other areas.

AIA Bookstore & Design Center
This design shop is similar to that of a museum design shop without being attached to a museum. They carry an assortment of all things modern - books, design-y gifts, and personal accessories. They also have the best holiday shop come Christmas with a whole floor devoted to candy shop variety of ornaments and decor.
new location opening in March: 1218 Arch Street (in the new Center for Architecture)

The Fabric Workshop and Museum
The only non-profit art organization for new materials and new media including fabric & textiles.
temporary location: 1222 Arch Street, future address: 1214 Arch Street, 215-568-1111

Portfolio at PAFA
Adjacent to the newest building of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, this museum shop carries a mix of artisan and modern items from Roost, Kikkerland, Mudlark, and Michael Michaud.
128 N. Broad Street, 215-972-2075

Eat:
- Siam Cuisine for the best Phad Thai and Thai Green Curry
- Reading Terminal Market for a plethora of fresh foods of all kinds (from cupcakes, bbq, cheeses, and more)

……………

Fairmount/Art Museum
{from 20th to 26th, Callowhill to Green St.}
This mostly residential area is still lacking in unique retail shops especially those design-related. But a recent spurt of new restaurants hopefully means that more good growth is on the way

-Ali’s Wagon
The first of any design shops to come to the area, Ali’s wagon mixes home decor with lots of items for the modern baby.
2017 Fairmount Avenue, 215-787-0611

Eat:
-The Belgian Café for mussels & pomme frites and a great selection of Belgian beer
-L’oca for BYOB Italian

…………….

South Street/Bella Vista
{Front to 6th Street, South and Bainbridge Street}
This colorful, slightly street punk area is now mostly for the alternative teen and college crown, but there are some great vintage and fabric shops here as well.

Anastacia’s Antiques
Anastacia’s is like going through an old home filled with random, yet beautiful, treasures. There’s a mix of furniture, curiosities, linens, hats, tiles, and so much more to satisfy those looking for a great little heirloom or find.
617 Bainbridge Street, 215-928-9111

Antiquarian’s Delight
Like a huge flea market indoors, this market is made up of various booths from housewares to furniture to clothing. It can seem messy at times, but worth the trip if you’re patient and eager to dig through all the piles of stuff that often accumulates in each section.
615 S. 6th Street, 215592-0256

4th street/Fabric Row
If you’re looking for fabrics or trimmings, fabrics stores line this street for blocks.

Eat:
- Beau Monde for the best crepes
- Pink Rose Pastry Shop for tea and sweets
- Gayle creative American food in a quaint and sweet spot

…….

Other:
The Philadelphia Flea Market - cycles around to various locations in the city from May to October.

I love PHAG - I was just there when I went home for the holidays.
mmm…Beau Monde!

I really love to eat at:
Buddakan (buddakan.com) - the best pricey asian food
The Mexican Post (mexicanpost.com) - Holy tamales!
Vietnam (eatatvietnam.com) - SO YUMMY

Also, one of my fave Philly furniture stores is Usona Home (usonahome.com).

Great guide to Philly!
I can’t wait to bring it along next time.
also worth mentioning:
First Fridays in Old City (about 25 art galleries all open at once)
and
Cafe Ole (also in old city) for tasty vegetarian friendly food.

I would add Mode Moderne in Old City for nicely edited vintage modern. Right now they happen to have a lot of nice lighting. They’ll also give you a better price on any of the new Modernica and Herman Miller stuff. Every once in a while they have a warehouse sale where you can get good deals.

Down the street is the Moderne Gallery. Go there to window shop for George Nakashima and crazy rare Art Deco pieces. There’s also a tiny place around the corner to get chocolate gingerbread cookies.

also in old city:
the clay studio, on second and arch
the pink bakery, i forget the name,
on arch, between second and third.

some of the best things about phila are the squares themsleves.

what about west phila?

too bad you missed highlighting the many gems found in a great new / old neighborhood in south philly. the passyunk square neighborhood is flush with yummy eats, cute shops, and home to old italians and recently transplanted hipsters alike. great restaurants like the cantina, paradiso, clementines, mingle with institutions like marra’s and tres scalini. there’s also legendary bakeries and newer additions as well - the original termini’s bakery and varallo’s mix with french inspired asian bakeries…and the italian market. there’s so much more outside the couple neighborhoods included (which are a good start…but we haven’t even started with west philly and the great assortment of african restaurants, etc. look forward to seeing something more substantial…

Also worth mentioning is MEW gallery located at 906 Christian Street in Bella Vista. They showcase art and crafts created by local artists. And how can you not mention the Italian Market around the corner on 9th Street! Fabulous cheese stores, fresh pasta, produce stands, butchers, Sarcone’s bakery & deli, Fante’s Kitchen Wares Shop, Isgro’s Pasteries, if you’re in the area it’s really worth checking out.

Also in Old City, Reform (for mid-century furniture and ceramics), More Than Old (for antiques, collectibles and awesome store owners!) and Minima for new, authentic mid-century furniture (a DWR alternative with really more alternatives and a very knowledgeable owner).

hey guys!

thanks for the updates - yes, please add any other suggestions i’ve missed..and i know there are some areas i did not cover, as i stuck to those neighborhoods i am most familiar with. i totally agree about some of the other neighborhoods (like the Italian Market) being great for food, but since this was focused on home design, food options were only mentioned if design shops in the area were also listed.

thanks everyone!
joy

Thanks for the great guide! Also check out the newish Vix Emporium in West Philly (50th/Baltimore). Handmade goodies galore, housed in a beautiful old millinery shop. http://vixemporium.wordpress.com/

this is an impressive listing! nice job highlighting some philly design touchstones (also featured in the nyt article this summer) in addition to smaller, off-the-beaten-path gems. i too look forward to west philly picks, in addition to a listing of other design hot spots in the region worth a token on the regional rail.

I’m really partial to Eyes Gallery and Govindas myself in the South Street vicinity. I also second Reform!

Glad to see the AIA bookshop on the list. I can spend hours and hours in the shop! Definitely worth a stop!

Among the shops on Antique Row, Linu is a lovely store with exquisite linens (table runners, napkins, tablecloths, scarves…) along with some other interesting stuff (candlesticks, ceramics, jewlery).

http://www.linuboutique.com/

as an interior designer in philadelphia, i have to give kudos, you hit all of my personal favorite haunts! Well, maybe you’ve missed a few…. and I’m not being stingy, but if you visit the others and poke around- you’ll find some extra gems..! Philly love!

A new company to mention is Whisk and Spoon in (Old Graduate Hospital Area) Very cool / farm to table - ITS BUY LOCAL/PA Preferred dinner company. The Whisk and Spoon has cool kitchen pottery/kitchen gadget. We hope they do their fish and crab cakes for lent - both terrific! We love this company - it’s a life saver.

Wow. It has been 12 years since I’ve lived in Philly–lots of new things. Don’t forget to guide readers to the Art Museum while in the Fairmount area. The museum’s costume, textile and design collections were always an inspiration not to mention the store is a great place to find design books.

SUGARCUBE for fashion.

(Beautifully spacious Sugarcube houses both contemporary and vintage fashion for men and women. This industrial lodge environment features curated labels such as A.P.C., Steven Alan, Saja and Bing Bang Jewelry, to name a few.)

Just an update to your Fairmount Ave Business Directory…Oliver’s Antiques opened up for business this past Oct.1st and we have been graciously welcomed to the fabric of our community! Great Values on Great stuff! From Antique and Vintage furniture and items for your home and garden to Select women’s Vintage and Designer clothes, handbags and soo much more! We are located on the corner of 21st and Fairmount Ave across the street from Mugshots Coffee House Cafe! Our inventory is always changing! 215-232-8377

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