Made in New England

By Stacy Kunstel

There is nothing more satisfying than promoting people you love. The following are four New England-based and manufactured companies that I hope you’ll take the time to visit. All of them wrapped up showing at the New York gift show today, but can be found right in our backyards.

Jill Rosenwald and Lawrence McRae

I’ve been following the work of these two Boston-based artists for more than a decade and they continue to astound me with their creativity. As the ultimate perfectionists it was almost comical (and super chic) to see that part of their new collection highlighted the imperfect. Notice the special gold runs? Planned perfection.

Photography by Stacy Kunstel

Audrey Sterk

The Nantucket muralist has taken her art form to a completely different level by focusing on wallpaper and fabrics, all of which can be custom colored. Audrey expanded the line this winter with the introduction of the wood grain wall coverings in glam gold and silver. I have a hard time deciding between those and her more colorful works.

Farmhouse Pottery

The modern farmhouse look is one of my favorites and no one is doing it better than this couple in Woodstock, Vermont. Zoe and James Zillian create the most striking plates, pottery, bowls and pitchers that are so display worthy you’ll want to switch to open shelving in the kitchen. Stylish and practical, they have raised utility to an art form.

Erin Flett

From her studio in an old mill building near Portland, Maine, textile artist Erin Flett showed for the first time in New York sharing her collection of graphic pillows, blankets, napkins, placemats, bags and even potholders. Modern and graphic, her playful wares have enough sophistication for the country or the city.