Beacon Hill Books is a Design Lover’s Dream

The experience of browsing for books (and John Derian decoupage) at the recently opened Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, tucked away in an 1840s brick townhouse in the heart of Boston’s Charles Street, is a far cry from online shopping. In fact, it’s more like sitting in your best friend’s living room and asking her what she’s reading these days. Inside the five-story building, you’ll discover three levels of books interspersed with cozy benches wrapped in Sister Parish Design fabric. (The venerable studio hosted a luncheon in the bookstore’s salon this fall.) Boston-based architect Monika Pauli, Texas-based interior designer Cathy Kincaid, and shop owner Melissa Fetter imbue the space with a serene feeling that welcomes you to slow down and spend some time. The cafe (formal afternoon tea!) and courtyard garden don’t hurt, either. Design lovers will want to head to the third floor with its alcove dedicated to art, architecture, and design tomes. Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, Boston, bhbooks.com